Northwestern's 33-year-old active Navy SEAL has a dream come true

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:52 p.m. ET

foxsports

With Veterans Day right around the corner, it's a perfect opportunity to highlight a special moment from Week 11.

Northwestern walk-on Tom Hruby, a 33-year-old father of three and active Navy SEAL, made his debut for the Wildcats today on the special teams squad.

Hruby played on the opening kickoff and appeared during other kickoff and punt situations during the Wildcats' 10-9 loss to Michigan.

After earning a walk-on spot this summer, Hruby has practiced with the team but has been prohibited by the Navy from playing in a game until this weekend.

He's been a SEAL since 2006 and has served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Hruby won't show up in the box score from Saturday's game, but here's a fabulous photo of him carrying an American flag and leading the Wildcats onto the field before the game.

Congrats on your college football debut, Tom, and thank you for your service.