Although C.J. Stroud will not compete in the Super Bowl, he will still be involved in the championship event through a charitable effort.
On Thursday, the former Ohio State quarterback announced he has partnered with USAA and the Air & Space Forces Association to award Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient Craig Mazeska an all-expenses paid trip to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
#ad Coming from a military family has helped shape me into the man I am today seeing firsthand the sacrifice required. Thanks to @USAA & @AFA_Air_Space Im sending @USMC vet SGT Craig Mazeska and his son to #SuperBowlLVIII in Las Vegas! #SaluteToService pic.twitter.com/Gbp6xjt2eZ
— CJ Stroud (@CJ7STROUD) January 25, 2024
“Beyond football, my family is one of the most influential parts of my life, and I especially appreciate the lessons learned from my loved ones who have served in the military,” Stroud said in a USAA press release. “Like some in my family, Marine Corps veteran Sergeant Craig Mazeska selflessly served our country, so I’m honored to join USAA and the Air & Space Forces Association to send Sergeant Mazeska and his son to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, where I look forward to meeting them.”
Mazeska served in the Marine Corps from 1988-94, achieving the rank of Sergeant.
In his seven years as a Marine, Mazeska was a combat engineer assigned to the Second Combat Engineer Batallion at Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and the Fourth Combat Engineer Battalion in Baltimore, Maryland. His service included overseas missions in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq, where his duties were to breach walls, tank traps, minefields and bunkers. He served on the front line of attack in the Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm.
Mazeska's service accolades include a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal and Unit Citation, among other commendations.
After Mazeska's military career ended, he became a teacher and a school counselor. He is now retired and lives in Washington D.C., where he remains involved with the Air & Space Forces Association.
A lifelong Baltimore Ravens fan, Mazeska plans to bring his son with him to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, where they will meet Stroud before going to the game – one Mazeska hopes can involve his favorite team against either the Detroit Lions or San Francisco 49ers.
