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Clovis Today
By the People, for the People
Cowboys' Lamb Hosts Purple Heart Veteran at Super Bowl
Clovis couple Chris and Lauren Ferrell attend Super Bowl as guests of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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Chris Ferrell, a Purple Heart recipient and retired Air Force veteran from Clovis, New Mexico, was invited by Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to attend Super Bowl LX in San Francisco. In a surprise gesture, Ferrell presented Lamb with his own Purple Heart, which he earned while serving in Afghanistan. Lamb was caught off guard by the gesture, and the two ended up spending 30 minutes together, with Lamb even FaceTiming Ferrell's children.
Why it matters
This story highlights the appreciation and support that some professional athletes, like CeeDee Lamb, have for members of the military. It also shows how a simple gesture of gratitude can mean so much, even for someone who has the means to attend the Super Bowl. The story underscores the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by service members and veterans.
The details
Ferrell, who served 14 years in the Air Force and earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, was selected by the Wounded Warrior program to attend the Super Bowl. When he and his wife Lauren arrived, Ferrell decided he wanted to give Lamb something meaningful in return for the opportunity. Rather than buying a gift, Ferrell presented Lamb with his own Purple Heart, which he had earned in 2009 after being wounded in an IED explosion in Afghanistan that killed one of his teammates.
- Ferrell received the Purple Heart on December 15, 2009 during an operation in South Afghanistan.
- Ferrell and his wife attended Super Bowl LX on February 9, 2026.
The players
CeeDee Lamb
A five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who invited Chris and Lauren Ferrell to attend Super Bowl LX.
Chris Ferrell
A retired Air Force Technical Sergeant who served 14 years, earning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was selected by the Wounded Warrior program to attend the Super Bowl as Lamb's guest.
Lauren Ferrell
The wife of Chris Ferrell who attended the Super Bowl with her husband as Lamb's guests.
What they’re saying
“When you look at the cost of all this – the room we were in on Super Bowl weekend, $2,000 a night, the tickets themselves were $6,000 to $7,000 a person. And this was something we would never be able to do on our own. It was something we were very grateful for.”
— Chris Ferrell, Retired Air Force Technical Sergeant (The Eastern New Mexico News)
“He actually choked up. He said, 'I'm sweating.'”
— Chris Ferrell, Retired Air Force Technical Sergeant (The Eastern New Mexico News)
“Keep grinding and don't forget to not love the sport. When you stop loving it, there's no need to play it any more.”
— CeeDee Lamb (The Eastern New Mexico News)
What’s next
The Ferrells plan to continue supporting the Wounded Warrior program and staying involved in the military community.
The takeaway
This heartwarming story showcases the appreciation and support that some professional athletes have for members of the military, and how a simple gesture of gratitude can make a lasting impact. It underscores the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by service members and veterans.
