Ex NFL stars, cheerleaders visit Ramstein

Former members of the Miami Dolphins and six of their cheerleaders visited Ramstein Feb. 9 to visit with troops and throw down on a little flag football.

Twan Russell, linebacker, O.J. McDuffie, wide receiver, and Troy Drayton, tight end, helped coach an exhibition game of flag football for a group of about 24 Airmen behind the Southside Fitness Center.

“It was fun to see the guys kind of let their hair down and compete,” said Russell who is now the director of youth and community programs for the Miami Dolphins. “Anytime you can compete allows you to take your mind off of everything else.”

After the football game, the trio and their cheerleaders left Ramstein en route to Landstuhl Regional Medical Facility where they met up with more troops and wounded warriors.

“We’re here for what just happened 30 minutes ago — to give someone an ounce of energy,” Russell said. “We went into a room with a young lady who just had a bone marrow graph and she needed to get up and walk around to get stronger. But she was in pain and sulking, but after the visit, she was up and walking the hallway. Sometimes you just need someone to talk to.”

McDuffie said he wanted to visit LRMC in appreciation of the “less than 1 percent that protect the 99 percent.”

“Not only do they protect our 99 percent, but they help protect other people’s 100 percent,” he said. “We don’t just take care of the United States.”

McDuffie said it was his way of giving back to the troops.

“We, as Americans, can put our head on our pillows at night knowing full and well that the enemy is not going to bring their fight to our shores,” McDuffie said.

The Miami crew made one final stop at the Ramstein Enlisted Club to perform a routine, answer questions and pass out some free stuff.

“They thank us and smile, but I thank them much more for what they’ve done for us,” Russell said. “That’s what it’s all about.”