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A typically routine pregame skydiving stunt went awry at Friday’s Armed Forces Bowl.
A skydiver appeared to briefly become tangled in the netting and supporting wiring near an end zone shortly before Texas State and Rice’s kickoff. After being momentarily suspended in the air, he fell to the ground between the end zone turf and the stadium seats.
The parachutist was able to leave the scene without assistance. Organizers of the bowl game later confirmed he was not seriously injured.
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Lincoln Pare (7) of the Texas State Bobcats scores a touchdown against the Rice Owls during the second half of the 2026 Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium, January 2, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
No injuries among fans were reported.
Six members of the All Veteran Group parachute team were attempting to land before the start of the annual bowl game in Forth Worth, Texas. While four of the skydivers landed safely, one skydiver had to change course and another skydiver headed toward the net.
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“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 approximately 12 mph were reported near Amon G. Carter Stadium at the time of the incident. High winds may have contributed to the parachutist’s 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 game against the Rice Owls during the second half of the Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium, January 2, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
The All Veteran Group was formed in 2011. The group had already performed a jump during the same pétanque match four years ago. The 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 skydiving mishap, the F-35’s planned flyby went smoothly.
The incident did not delay the start of the game and Texas State defeated Rice 41-10.
