San Diego

Wounded Warriors, NFL Alumni Face Off in Annual Game of Honor

The Wounded Warriors took home the win, but the game was about much more than the score.

Although it’s June, there was meaningful football being played in San Diego Friday night.

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team suited up against a team of NFL alumni in the annual Game of Honor, playing their hearts out and securing bragging rights with a 48 to 28 victory.

But for players on both sides, like Marine veteran B.J. Ganem or Chargers great Ed White, the game meant much more than the final score.

Ganem lost his leg in Iraq on Thanksgiving Day. An IED tied to a trip wire in a doorway injured his left leg severely and it had to be amputated. Still, nothing is holding him back.

"You know, we all get challenges,” Ganem said. β€œYou don't have to do anything crazy, just find a way through it."

White is a fan favorite at community outings like this one. Though the Chargers Hall of Famer never served in the military, his father did in World War II, and he was proud of the opportunity to honor those roots.

"I'm very proud of him and his service,” White said. β€œIt's just my little way of giving back and one of the little ways I can give back to guys who've done more than just sacrifice their time. They've sacrificed their lives and their bodies."

The teams played underneath the Friday night lights in front of a jam-packed crowd at Cathedral Catholic High School.

The former pros and the Wounded Warriors combined to remind everyone in the stands of a timeless adage: You can achieve anything you put your mind to no matter your limitations, physical or otherwise.

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