Army Veteran in VA Hospice Cheers on Seahawks' Super Bowl Run

Randy Santiago Cruz, given just days to live, holds on to see his beloved team win the big game.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:39pm

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An Army veteran named Randy Santiago Cruz, who was given just days to live in November, continues to cheer for the Seattle Seahawks from his bed in the VA Hospice in Vancouver. Cruz's family says he's been moved to hospice but is holding on to see the Seahawks win the Super Bowl, and the team is also rooting for him.

Why it matters

This story highlights the power of sports fandom and community to provide hope and inspiration, even in the face of terminal illness. Cruz's dedication to the Seahawks has created three generations of loyal fans, and the team's support for him has touched many.

The details

Cruz, a 72-year-old Army veteran originally stationed at Fort Lewis, has suffered heart attacks and been battling chronic health problems. His family said he was given just days to live in November, but he continues to cheer on the Seahawks from his hospice bed. The team has sent him a care package with Seahawks gear to show their support, and his family has been gathering with him to celebrate each game. Now, they all look ahead to Super Bowl Sunday, when Cruz hopes to see his beloved team win the big game.

  • In November, Cruz was given just days to live.
  • The Seahawks sent Cruz a care package a few weeks ago.

The players

Randy Santiago Cruz

A 72-year-old Army veteran who is in hospice care but continues to cheer on the Seattle Seahawks as they head to the Super Bowl.

Zachariah Santiago

Cruz's son, who has been sharing updates on his father's condition and support for the Seahawks.

Karson

Cruz's 12-year-old grandson, who has been watching the Seahawks games with his grandfather.

Seattle Seahawks

The NFL team that Cruz has been a lifelong fan of and that has sent him a care package to show their support.

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What they’re saying

“I can't wait,”

— Randy Santiago Cruz (fox13seattle.com)

“'He cannot wait' is what he's saying,”

— Zachariah Santiago, Cruz's son (fox13seattle.com)

“From the Seahawks, it says, 'Randy, thank you for your service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we're wishing you the best',”

— Zachariah Santiago, Cruz's son (fox13seattle.com)

“It means a lot to see my team get this far. Watching these games with my abuelo,”

— Karson, Cruz's 12-year-old grandson (fox13seattle.com)

What’s next

The family will continue to gather with Cruz to watch the Seahawks play in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

The takeaway

This story is a heartwarming example of how sports can bring people together and provide hope, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Cruz's unwavering support for the Seahawks has inspired his family and the team, and his fight to see them win the Super Bowl is a testament to the power of fandom and community.