Patriots Donate 200 Tickets For Super Bowl Rematch To Military

Patriots LS Joe Cardona, an active member of the Navy, this week was supported by both teammates and coaches in "donating 200 tickets for military members to attend" tonight's "SNF" Super Bowl LI rematch against the Falcons at Gillette Stadium. Cardona: "My point of view was, 'Let's give these men and women the experience of coming to a big game.' Let's get them a personal feel, them being our personal guests, guests of the team." The 200 service men and women will be on the field before the game, "each with an all-access pass of sorts to take a look behind the scenes." Patriots players and coaches "each receive two tickets to home games and have the opportunity to purchase others," which is "where the 200-ticket allotment came from."

Meanwhile, Pro Football HOFers and former Patriots John Hannah, Mike Haynes and Andre Tippett will be "presented with the Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence during halftime" tonight (ESPN.com, 10/22).