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A typically routine pregame skydiving stunt went awry in Friday’s Armed Forces Bowl.
A skydiver briefly appeared to become tangled in netting and support wiring near an end zone shortly before Texas State and Rice tipped off. After being momentarily suspended in the air, he fell to the ground between the end zone grass and the stadium seating area.
The parachutist was able to leave the area without help. Bowl game organizers later confirmed that 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 on January 2, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
No injuries were reported among fans.
Six members of the All Veteran Group skydiving team were attempting to land before the annual bowl game began in Fort Worth, Texas. While four of the paratroopers landed safely, one paratrooper had to change course and another veered into 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. Strong winds may have contributed to the skydiver coming into contact with the net. The parachutist’s personal details were 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 in the same bowl game four years ago. The Carolina Panthers’ pre-game 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 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, a scheduled F-35 flyby went off without a hitch.
The incident did not delay the start of the game and Texas State defeated Rice 41-10.
