East Tennessee Ties to Super Bowl LX

From a bald eagle to Navy pilots, locals have a presence at the big game

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Several people with ties to East Tennessee will be participating in Super Bowl LX, whether it's on the sidelines, behind the scenes, or in the air. A bald eagle from the American Eagle Foundation in Sevier County will appear in a Budweiser commercial, a Morristown native will be part of the pregame flyover with the U.S. Navy, and 10 University of Tennessee students will work behind the scenes at the event. Additionally, two former Tennessee Volunteers will be on the sidelines for the historic game.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl is one of the most watched sporting events in the world, providing a national platform for individuals and organizations from East Tennessee to showcase their talents and contributions. This highlights the reach and impact that people from the region can have on a national stage.

The details

Lincoln, a bald eagle from the American Eagle Foundation in Sevier County, will appear in a Budweiser commercial during the Super Bowl broadcast. Morristown native Braxton Smithson, a U.S. Navy petty officer first class, will be part of the pregame flyover with eight aircraft. Ten University of Tennessee students from the Big Orange Combine program will work behind the scenes at the Super Bowl. Former Tennessee Volunteers Velus Jones Jr. (running back for the Seattle Seahawks) and another unnamed player will be on the sidelines for the game.

  • Super Bowl LX will take place on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • Lincoln the bald eagle has been flying during Philadelphia Eagles home games this season.
  • Braxton Smithson graduated from Morristown-Hamblen High School West in 2015 and has served in the U.S. Navy for 8 years.
  • The 10 University of Tennessee students are part of the 11-year-old Big Orange Combine program.

The players

Lincoln

A bald eagle from the American Eagle Foundation in Sevier County, Tennessee who will appear in a Budweiser commercial during Super Bowl LX.

Braxton Smithson

A 29-year-old Morristown, Tennessee native and U.S. Navy petty officer first class who will be part of the pregame flyover at Super Bowl LX.

Lucy Higgins

A graduate student at the University of Tennessee who is part of the Big Orange Combine program and will be working behind the scenes at Super Bowl LX.

Velus Jones Jr.

A running back for the Seattle Seahawks and former Tennessee Volunteers player who will be on the sidelines for Super Bowl LX.

American Eagle Foundation

A wildlife conservation organization based in Sevier County, Tennessee that owns the bald eagle Lincoln.

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What they’re saying

“Just in the short time that he's been doing these incredible flights, he's done incredible work spreading conservation messaging and education, not just for bald eagles, but tons of American wildlife.”

— Bailey Hall, from American Eagle Foundation

“I never thought I'd be going to the Super Bowl at any point in my life. And now I'm actually a huge part of the flyover, working on the aircraft to make sure they're ready for it.”

— Braxton Smithson, U.S. Navy petty officer first class

“I am excited to attend the Super Bowl to expand my network in the business world. I am also excited about attending alongside friends that I have gained through my HR experiences and the Haslam College of Business's management and human resources master's program.”

— Lucy Higgins, graduate student

What’s next

The pregame flyover and Budweiser commercial featuring Lincoln the bald eagle will take place during the Super Bowl LX broadcast on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The takeaway

East Tennessee's diverse contributions to Super Bowl LX, from wildlife conservation to military service to student opportunities, showcase the region's talent and impact on a national stage. This highlights the far-reaching influence that individuals and organizations from the area can have, even at one of the biggest sporting events in the world.