Marine Veteran Surprised With Super Bowl Tickets

Rob Gronkowski gifts Tampa man tickets to Super Bowl 60 as part of USAA Salute to Service program.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:47am

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A 20-year Marine veteran named Eddie Pena, who now runs his own company in Tampa, Florida, was surprised with two tickets to Super Bowl 60 by former NFL player Rob Gronkowski. Pena thought he was attending a speaking engagement at the Buccaneers' facility, but was shocked to find Gronkowski there to gift him the tickets as part of the USAA Salute to Service program.

Why it matters

The USAA Salute to Service program honors military members and veterans by providing them with unique experiences and recognition. Surprising Pena, a decorated veteran, with tickets to the Super Bowl is a meaningful gesture that highlights the sacrifices of those who have served.

The details

Pena served in the Marine Corps for 20 years, including deployments to Iraq and Somalia. He now runs his own company in Tampa, Florida. Gronkowski, a former NFL player, was at the Buccaneers' facility to present Pena with two tickets to Super Bowl 60 as part of the USAA Salute to Service program.

  • A few days ago, Pena thought he was giving a presentation at the Buccaneers' facility.

The players

Eddie Pena

A 20-year Marine veteran who now runs his own company in Tampa, Florida.

Rob Gronkowski

A former NFL player who surprised Pena with Super Bowl 60 tickets as part of the USAA Salute to Service program.

USAA

A company that provides insurance and other financial services to members of the military, veterans, and their families, and runs the Salute to Service program.

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What they’re saying

“Being able to surprise Eddie was a privilege.”

— Rob Gronkowski (kfdi.com)

“I will take my son to the game, and I'll get to meet up with Gronk and other legends in the USAA Salute to Service Lounge.”

— Eddie Pena, Marine Veteran (kfdi.com)

What’s next

Pena will attend Super Bowl 60 with his son and have the opportunity to meet Gronkowski and other NFL legends in the USAA Salute to Service Lounge.

The takeaway

The USAA Salute to Service program provides meaningful recognition and experiences for military members and veterans, highlighting the importance of honoring those who have served our country.