Parachuting Into Michigan Stadium with the 101st Airborne Division
October 14, 2010 6:25 PM Subscribe
Sgt. Adam Sniffen from the 101st Airborne Division delivers the game ball via parachute before the Michigan vs. MSU game at Michigan Stadium on Oct. 9, 2010.
God Bless College Football. America may not want to give out free bread to anyone, but they got the other base covered.
Also, damn that ground comes up fast at the end.
posted by GuyZero at 6:30 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also, damn that ground comes up fast at the end.
posted by GuyZero at 6:30 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
That is really awesome!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:37 PM on October 14, 2010
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:37 PM on October 14, 2010
How on earth did he land on that target?
However, he did let the flag touch the ground, so I guess he's not a patriot.
posted by Think_Long at 6:40 PM on October 14, 2010
However, he did let the flag touch the ground, so I guess he's not a patriot.
posted by Think_Long at 6:40 PM on October 14, 2010
So it's like any game at West Point, but with only one jumper coming out of a plane, instead of several out of a helicopter? Well and 10x the number of fans...
posted by These Premises Are Alarmed at 6:40 PM on October 14, 2010
posted by These Premises Are Alarmed at 6:40 PM on October 14, 2010
yeah ok ok this is cool and all but GO GREEN!
posted by emilyd22222 at 6:42 PM on October 14, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by emilyd22222 at 6:42 PM on October 14, 2010 [4 favorites]
In related news: Albuquerque PD helicopter drops ball onto high school football game.
posted by theperfectcrime at 6:45 PM on October 14, 2010
posted by theperfectcrime at 6:45 PM on October 14, 2010
Here it is again, viewed from the student section.
And here they are synced together.
posted by Who_Am_I at 7:01 PM on October 14, 2010 [4 favorites]
And here they are synced together.
posted by Who_Am_I at 7:01 PM on October 14, 2010 [4 favorites]
However, he did let the flag touch the ground, so I guess he's not a patriot.
There were three people who were there to catch the flag. Even if they didn't succeed, isn't it the thought that counts?
posted by procrastination at 7:08 PM on October 14, 2010
There were three people who were there to catch the flag. Even if they didn't succeed, isn't it the thought that counts?
posted by procrastination at 7:08 PM on October 14, 2010
Gatejumpers know no bounds.
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:13 PM on October 14, 2010
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:13 PM on October 14, 2010
They hate us for crazy ass antics.
posted by nomadicink at 7:15 PM on October 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by nomadicink at 7:15 PM on October 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
SOY BOMB
posted by Threeway Handshake at 7:16 PM on October 14, 2010
posted by Threeway Handshake at 7:16 PM on October 14, 2010
Okay, the part that impressed me was how it was just WINDNOISE WINDNOISE WINDNOISE and then suddenly ROAR OF CROWD!!!!!
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 7:18 PM on October 14, 2010 [12 favorites]
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 7:18 PM on October 14, 2010 [12 favorites]
Yay mass spectacle and the glorification of the military!!
posted by pompomtom at 7:20 PM on October 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by pompomtom at 7:20 PM on October 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
No, pompomom, not glorification of the military, rather cheering on some of the cool-ass shit that they get to do. Jump out of a plane to deliver the game ball for the Michigan - MSU game? Hell, YES!
GO BADGERS! BEAT THE BUCKEYES!!!
posted by msali at 7:24 PM on October 14, 2010
GO BADGERS! BEAT THE BUCKEYES!!!
posted by msali at 7:24 PM on October 14, 2010
Man, he's really tugging on those ropes to do those spins. Had no idea it was such strenuous work.
/not parachutist
posted by stargell at 7:26 PM on October 14, 2010
/not parachutist
posted by stargell at 7:26 PM on October 14, 2010
I was at a game once where the guy got hit by a nasty gust just as he was about to land, and basically got body slammed. I think he ended up with a broken hip. The morale is not to do those in U-shaped stadiums.
posted by smackfu at 7:28 PM on October 14, 2010
posted by smackfu at 7:28 PM on October 14, 2010
Take that, Blue Angels.
posted by QuarterlyProphet at 7:36 PM on October 14, 2010
posted by QuarterlyProphet at 7:36 PM on October 14, 2010
The morale is fine, it is the moral that will get you in the end. If you get my drift.
posted by Nick Verstayne at 7:36 PM on October 14, 2010
posted by Nick Verstayne at 7:36 PM on October 14, 2010
not glorification of the military, rather cheering on some of the cool-ass shit that they get to do.
So why do we care that the parachutist is from the 101st Airborne?
posted by pompomtom at 7:44 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
So why do we care that the parachutist is from the 101st Airborne?
posted by pompomtom at 7:44 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
That was cool. The Big House is pretty darned impressive from that vantage point, and I say that as a Buckeye who is loathe to say anything positive about that school up north. But I also have to point out that Sgt. Adam Sniffen is clearly a Wolverine because even though the play worked exactly as designed, his knee hit the ground before the ball crossed the goal line, and he wasn't even touched. It was close, but on further review the ruling on the field stands.
posted by Balonious Assault at 7:56 PM on October 14, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by Balonious Assault at 7:56 PM on October 14, 2010 [4 favorites]
So why do we care that the parachutist is from the 101st Airborne?
Because it's a fact about a thing and feigning disinterest in a fact about a thing just to prove how much you're into another thing is getting, well, rather tiresome around here?
posted by Cyrano at 7:59 PM on October 14, 2010 [20 favorites]
Because it's a fact about a thing and feigning disinterest in a fact about a thing just to prove how much you're into another thing is getting, well, rather tiresome around here?
posted by Cyrano at 7:59 PM on October 14, 2010 [20 favorites]
columbus? what the hell do you mean i'm in columbus?
posted by pyramid termite at 8:21 PM on October 14, 2010
posted by pyramid termite at 8:21 PM on October 14, 2010
yeah ok ok this is cool and all but GO GREEN!
GO WHITE!
posted by rocket88 at 8:24 PM on October 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
GO WHITE!
posted by rocket88 at 8:24 PM on October 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
This is insanely brilliant but fuck Michigan.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 8:28 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 8:28 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
yeah ok ok this is cool and all but GO GREEN!
GO WHITE!
IIRC, Drazi divide into green and purple factions, not green and white.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 8:52 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
GO WHITE!
IIRC, Drazi divide into green and purple factions, not green and white.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 8:52 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
If it was me jumping out of the plane I would be concentrating so much on double and triple checking that everything was perfect and safe that the moment after I jumped out of the plane I would realize I left the ball on the plane.
posted by lilkeith07 at 8:55 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by lilkeith07 at 8:55 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
Come for the awesome ball delivery, stay behind to watch your vile team destroyed by the vastly superior Spartans! Woooo!
posted by Ghidorah at 8:56 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Ghidorah at 8:56 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
So why do we care that the parachutist is from the 101st Airborne?
I actually wanted to describe what I was linking to, like on the youtube description. Sorry if I offended your delecate sensibilities, I guess I could have put it like "man float down for football" but you probably would have pissed on that too.
posted by dead cousin ted at 9:04 PM on October 14, 2010 [20 favorites]
I actually wanted to describe what I was linking to, like on the youtube description. Sorry if I offended your delecate sensibilities, I guess I could have put it like "man float down for football" but you probably would have pissed on that too.
posted by dead cousin ted at 9:04 PM on October 14, 2010 [20 favorites]
Awesome use of the defense budget.
I heard something about this lately. It was in the context of military jet flyovers, not jumpers, but I imagine the point was the same. As it turns out, getting to an *exact* spot at an *exact* time is *really important* in that line of work. So they're usually doing that kind of training anyway, and shows like that are generally paid for by whatever training budget is applicable.
posted by RikiTikiTavi at 9:26 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
I heard something about this lately. It was in the context of military jet flyovers, not jumpers, but I imagine the point was the same. As it turns out, getting to an *exact* spot at an *exact* time is *really important* in that line of work. So they're usually doing that kind of training anyway, and shows like that are generally paid for by whatever training budget is applicable.
posted by RikiTikiTavi at 9:26 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
Need it done? Send the 101! Apparently this includes airdrops of footballs. Who knew.
(I live near Fort Campbell, I'm required to think this is awesome.)
posted by WidgetAlley at 9:35 PM on October 14, 2010
(I live near Fort Campbell, I'm required to think this is awesome.)
posted by WidgetAlley at 9:35 PM on October 14, 2010
IIRC, Drazi divide into green and purple factions, not green and white.
Not factions. The factions would be green/white and maize/blue.
posted by emilyd22222 at 9:48 PM on October 14, 2010
Not factions. The factions would be green/white and maize/blue.
posted by emilyd22222 at 9:48 PM on October 14, 2010
That downward spiral at the end was an especially appropriate opening for a Michigan game.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 9:50 PM on October 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by Solon and Thanks at 9:50 PM on October 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
rather cheering on some of the cool-ass shit that they get to do.
I did not know that delivering footballs was what the military was for. I thought it had something to do with killing people.
Live and learn.
posted by Jimmy Havok at 10:23 PM on October 14, 2010
I did not know that delivering footballs was what the military was for. I thought it had something to do with killing people.
Live and learn.
posted by Jimmy Havok at 10:23 PM on October 14, 2010
rather cheering on some of the cool-ass shit that they get to do.
I did not know that delivering footballs was what the military was for. I thought it had something to do with killing people.
Live and learn.
The military is for a lot of things, and as much as it's for killing people, it's also for rescuing swimmers, performing goodwill missions, operating mobile surgery clinics, and yes, delivering footballs. Though we should never forget its primary purpose, we shouldn't parse down every function to that and that alone. I would get to march in less parades then.
posted by Lord Chancellor at 10:44 PM on October 14, 2010 [4 favorites]
I did not know that delivering footballs was what the military was for. I thought it had something to do with killing people.
Live and learn.
The military is for a lot of things, and as much as it's for killing people, it's also for rescuing swimmers, performing goodwill missions, operating mobile surgery clinics, and yes, delivering footballs. Though we should never forget its primary purpose, we shouldn't parse down every function to that and that alone. I would get to march in less parades then.
posted by Lord Chancellor at 10:44 PM on October 14, 2010 [4 favorites]
Hey Metafilter, if you'd like to know why sometimes people can't fucking stand it around here, please reference any posts with knee-jerk lolmilitary bullshit in them. Seriously, could we just enjoy something for one FUCKING SECOND without it turning into some kind of "look at how worldly and progressive I am" pissing match??!?!?!?
posted by lattiboy at 10:57 PM on October 14, 2010 [9 favorites]
posted by lattiboy at 10:57 PM on October 14, 2010 [9 favorites]
So why do we care that the parachutist is from the 101st Airborne?
Jimi Hendrix was in the 101st fuck you very much :)
posted by the cuban at 10:58 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
I've done a few jumps in 1990 when I was in the army (none into a stadium, of course), and that brought back memories... thanks!
posted by DreamerFi at 11:24 PM on October 14, 2010
posted by DreamerFi at 11:24 PM on October 14, 2010
Seriously, could we just enjoy something for one FUCKING SECOND without it turning into some kind of "look at how worldly and progressive I am" pissing match?
What if I'm okay with the industrial-military complex but think parachutery and American college football are stoopid?
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 11:41 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
What if I'm okay with the industrial-military complex but think parachutery and American college football are stoopid?
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 11:41 PM on October 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
How is this different from the fluid dynamics thread?
Both are experiments in what they think is cool, both contain adds for various organizations, neither of the threads contains anything new (maybe new to you but not new to science or athletics or the military) and both allowed some people to ave a few brief moments of fun.
If you don't care about what is shown, why say anything?
posted by Dagobert at 11:56 PM on October 14, 2010
Both are experiments in what they think is cool, both contain adds for various organizations, neither of the threads contains anything new (maybe new to you but not new to science or athletics or the military) and both allowed some people to ave a few brief moments of fun.
If you don't care about what is shown, why say anything?
posted by Dagobert at 11:56 PM on October 14, 2010
It's probably because I'm not from the US, but the comments about the military didn't seem out of place to me. I can't imagine something like that happening in Belgium - it would be seen as crass propaganda for the military. And the way the flag is revered in the US is quite amazing too. (I mean, a mop is the only thing I have with a Belgian flag on it.)
So, yeah, I thought the fact it was a military guy carrying a huge flag was just as notable as the coolness of the stunt, though I have gotten used to the idea that this is normal in the US.
posted by LVdB at 12:14 AM on October 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
So, yeah, I thought the fact it was a military guy carrying a huge flag was just as notable as the coolness of the stunt, though I have gotten used to the idea that this is normal in the US.
posted by LVdB at 12:14 AM on October 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
The military is for a lot of things, and as much as it's for killing people, it's also for duping gullible kids into thinking that if they join up, they might get to go jumping out of helicopters at football games instead of going and getting the living shit kicked out of them in some pointless war.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 12:26 AM on October 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by PeterMcDermott at 12:26 AM on October 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
I'm just glad they realized footballs can't fly.
posted by srboisvert at 12:59 AM on October 15, 2010
posted by srboisvert at 12:59 AM on October 15, 2010
I was incredibly impressed by how he landed on his mark - that's precision for you.
posted by djgh at 1:03 AM on October 15, 2010
posted by djgh at 1:03 AM on October 15, 2010
Michigan would be better off if the soldier had sniped Rich Rodriguez instead.
posted by bardic at 1:21 AM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by bardic at 1:21 AM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I was incredibly impressed by how he landed on his mark - that's precision for you.
Actually, he messed up a bit there - he fell down, and any jumper worth his wings would have remained standing up.
Getting to the spot mark X should be very easy for any experienced jumper.
posted by DreamerFi at 2:12 AM on October 15, 2010
Actually, he messed up a bit there - he fell down, and any jumper worth his wings would have remained standing up.
Getting to the spot mark X should be very easy for any experienced jumper.
posted by DreamerFi at 2:12 AM on October 15, 2010
Well, 'messed up' is kind of relative ... Given the choice, he would have come in at a much gentler angle. You can land a rig like that on your tiptoes if you bring it in 'properly'. But in that environment, he had no choice but to bring it down very sharply and steeply - wanting to keep away from the public seating areas, not to mention those goalposts. I'm sure he would have loved to have a pretty touchdown, but safety came first.
posted by woodblock100 at 2:43 AM on October 15, 2010
posted by woodblock100 at 2:43 AM on October 15, 2010
Because it's a fact about a thing and feigning disinterest in a fact about a thing just to prove how much you're into another thing is getting, well, rather tiresome around here?
And so we must ask ourselves: what makes a rhetorical question?
I'm not sure who's tiring you so, but I'm not 'feigning disinterest'. I'm actively, interestedly, disturbed by militarism. I'm actively, interestedly, a little worried when shown cheering crowds being co-opted into a nationalist pro-military spectacle. I watched the vid and thought "That's an impressive feat, and a cool video", but it seems, to me, cheapened by the propagandist (-ic? -ish? -istic?) elements of the flag* and the emphasis upon the organisation-for-killing-people to which the parachutist belongs.
* I mean really, it's American Football. Do you need a flag? Even baseball has a more international flavour.
posted by pompomtom at 3:32 AM on October 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
And so we must ask ourselves: what makes a rhetorical question?
I'm not sure who's tiring you so, but I'm not 'feigning disinterest'. I'm actively, interestedly, disturbed by militarism. I'm actively, interestedly, a little worried when shown cheering crowds being co-opted into a nationalist pro-military spectacle. I watched the vid and thought "That's an impressive feat, and a cool video", but it seems, to me, cheapened by the propagandist (-ic? -ish? -istic?) elements of the flag* and the emphasis upon the organisation-for-killing-people to which the parachutist belongs.
* I mean really, it's American Football. Do you need a flag? Even baseball has a more international flavour.
posted by pompomtom at 3:32 AM on October 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
"Awesome use of the defense budget."
Rather dropping footballs into stadiums then bombs on people.
posted by PenDevil at 4:11 AM on October 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
Rather dropping footballs into stadiums then bombs on people.
posted by PenDevil at 4:11 AM on October 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
I'm actively, interestedly, a little worried when shown cheering crowds being co-opted into a nationalist pro-military spectacle
Did I miss a detail? When I saw the video, I saw a guy dressed in (what appeared to be) civilian jump gear jumping out of what was a very civilian-looking plane. I saw an American flag, but if the link hadn't specifically identified the jumper as being in the military I wouldn't have known he was a military jumper at all.
What specific details in the video made it a "nationalist pro-military spectacle"?
posted by DWRoelands at 4:50 AM on October 15, 2010
Did I miss a detail? When I saw the video, I saw a guy dressed in (what appeared to be) civilian jump gear jumping out of what was a very civilian-looking plane. I saw an American flag, but if the link hadn't specifically identified the jumper as being in the military I wouldn't have known he was a military jumper at all.
What specific details in the video made it a "nationalist pro-military spectacle"?
posted by DWRoelands at 4:50 AM on October 15, 2010
Did anyone else think he was going to hand the ball off or throw it to someone just as he touched down?
posted by orme at 4:55 AM on October 15, 2010
posted by orme at 4:55 AM on October 15, 2010
I'm sure he would have loved to have a pretty touchdown, but safety came first.
As it should be, of course. I intended no disrespect for his touchdown.
posted by DreamerFi at 5:23 AM on October 15, 2010
As it should be, of course. I intended no disrespect for his touchdown.
posted by DreamerFi at 5:23 AM on October 15, 2010
fell down, dropped flag. are we positive that wasn't michigan's tailback in that video?
posted by Kwine at 5:25 AM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Kwine at 5:25 AM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Did I miss a detail? When I saw the video, I saw a guy dressed in (what appeared to be) civilian jump gear jumping out of what was a very civilian-looking plane. I saw an American flag, but if the link hadn't specifically identified the jumper as being in the military I wouldn't have known he was a military jumper at all.
How about the big parachute with AIRBORNE on it?
But American football was already a pseudo-military nationalist spectacle before the military parachutist touched down with a huge flag and streaming smoke. You'll see the same thing at European football once the BRAWNDO on all the crops reduces us to fighting Mexico and Canada again.
posted by ennui.bz at 5:30 AM on October 15, 2010
How about the big parachute with AIRBORNE on it?
But American football was already a pseudo-military nationalist spectacle before the military parachutist touched down with a huge flag and streaming smoke. You'll see the same thing at European football once the BRAWNDO on all the crops reduces us to fighting Mexico and Canada again.
posted by ennui.bz at 5:30 AM on October 15, 2010
In related news: Albuquerque PD helicopter drops ball onto high school football game.
I don't think the Albuquerque police have ever used that damn helicopter for something half-decent. When I lived there, its primary function was to shine the light on college parties so the street cops could find them faster. Its secondary function was to visit the Krispy Kreme out by Rio Rancho.
I don't know why I watch videos like this. I have an awful fear of heights and when he swung out of the plane I got the panic but couldn't look away. How casual he was! I don't understand.
posted by sugarfish at 6:07 AM on October 15, 2010
I don't think the Albuquerque police have ever used that damn helicopter for something half-decent. When I lived there, its primary function was to shine the light on college parties so the street cops could find them faster. Its secondary function was to visit the Krispy Kreme out by Rio Rancho.
I don't know why I watch videos like this. I have an awful fear of heights and when he swung out of the plane I got the panic but couldn't look away. How casual he was! I don't understand.
posted by sugarfish at 6:07 AM on October 15, 2010
This video brings together two things Metafilter loves to hate.
posted by smackfu at 6:11 AM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by smackfu at 6:11 AM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I can't imagine something like that happening in Belgium
yellow card
posted by arveale at 6:33 AM on October 15, 2010
yellow card
posted by arveale at 6:33 AM on October 15, 2010
I did not know that delivering footballs was what the military was for.
Public displays of the military are not only shown in the U.S. Take for example military tattoos and displays of skill/training (e.g. Jiffy Jeep Crews) which are common in other countries.
posted by ericb at 8:26 AM on October 15, 2010
Public displays of the military are not only shown in the U.S. Take for example military tattoos and displays of skill/training (e.g. Jiffy Jeep Crews) which are common in other countries.
posted by ericb at 8:26 AM on October 15, 2010
This video brings together two things Metafilter loves to hate.
Heights and the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor?
posted by theclaw at 8:30 AM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Heights and the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor?
posted by theclaw at 8:30 AM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Heights and the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor?
Holy shit, get out of my brain. I was just about to post almost that exact same comment, word for word. (Would have dropped "- Ann Arbor".)
posted by kmz at 8:34 AM on October 15, 2010
Holy shit, get out of my brain. I was just about to post almost that exact same comment, word for word. (Would have dropped "- Ann Arbor".)
posted by kmz at 8:34 AM on October 15, 2010
My four-year-old is currently fascinated by both football and videos of people skydiving.
Win, and win. Nice tiny little gem of a post.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 9:07 AM on October 15, 2010
Win, and win. Nice tiny little gem of a post.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 9:07 AM on October 15, 2010
I wish he could have delivered the ball to the end zone! Grumble grumble.
posted by dabug at 9:32 AM on October 15, 2010
posted by dabug at 9:32 AM on October 15, 2010
I wish he could have delivered the ball to the end zone! Grumble grumble.
Why should he be in the end zone? It is a Michigan game after all.
posted by schleppo at 11:00 AM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Why should he be in the end zone? It is a Michigan game after all.
posted by schleppo at 11:00 AM on October 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Burhanistan: "That was kind of neat to hear the crowd noise begin to drown out the wind noise as he approached the stadium"
Indeed, I was struck by the resolution required to even see living things; you hear the crowd noise first.
posted by bwg at 6:32 PM on October 15, 2010
Indeed, I was struck by the resolution required to even see living things; you hear the crowd noise first.
posted by bwg at 6:32 PM on October 15, 2010
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