NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
A typically routine pregame parachute stunt went awry at Friday’s Armed Forces Bowl.
A skydiver appeared to briefly become entangled in the netting and support wires near an end zone shortly before Texas State and Rice kicked off. After being suspended in the air for a moment, he fell to the ground between the end zone grass and the stadium seating area.
The parachutist was able to exit the area without assistance. Bowl game organizers later confirmed that he was not seriously injured.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Lincoln Pare (7) of the Texas State Bobcats scores a touchdown against the Rice Owls in the second half of the 2026 Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium on January 2, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
No injuries to fans were reported.
Six members of the All Veteran Group parachute team attempted to land before the annual bowl game in Forth Worth, Texas, got under way. While four of the parachutists landed safely, one parachutist had to change course and another parachutist swung toward the net.
OREGON SHUTDOWN TEXAS TECH TO WIN ORANGE BOWL BEHIND DOMINANT DEFENSIVE COACHING
“He got up, grabbed his parachute and left,” Armed Forces Bowl spokesman Drew Harris told The Athletic.
According to the National Weather Service, winds of about 12 mph were reported near Amon G. Carter Stadium around the time of the incident. Strong winds may have contributed to the parachutist coming into contact with the net. The skydiver’s personal information was not immediately released.
Chris Dawn Jr. (1) and Beau Sparks (11) of the Texas State Bobcats celebrate after a play against the Rice Owls during the second half of the Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium on January 2, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
The All Veteran Group was formed in 2011. The group previously performed a jump at the same bowl game four years ago. Carolina Panthers pregame festivities at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte typically feature the group as part of the USAA Parachute Team.
Texas State Bobcats head coach GJ Kinne holds up the trophy after winning the Armed Forces Bowl against the Rice Owls at Amon G. Carter Stadium on January 2, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Despite the parachute accident, a planned F-35 flyover still went off without a hitch.
The incident did not delay the start of the game, and Texas State defeated Rice 41-10.
