Capitol Police to Take on Lawmakers in Congressional Football Game

The U.S. Capitol Police will square off against a team of Congressmen and former NFL players for the biennial Congressional Football Game on Wednesday.

This year’s game, the seventh charity game held between the Capitol Police and the people they usually protect, will be held at Watkins Recreation Field at 420 12th St. SE at 7 p.m.

The charity match was first held in 2005 as a way to raise money for the Capitol Police Memorial Fund, which benefits the families of Capitol Police officers who have died in the line of duty. This year, in addition to the Capitol Police Memorial Fund, proceeds from the game will also go to Our Military Kids, which provides grants to children of military personnel and A Advantage 4 Kids, a charity that serves families in need in the District.

The U.S. Capitol Police team, the Guards, have won four of the past six matches while the Mean Machine, a team comprised of congressmen and former NFL players, have won one, with one game ending in a tie. The Mean Machine is coached by former NFL players John Booty and Ken Harvey.

Though the game is a friendly two-hand touch match, Booty said that doesn’t mean it isn’t competitive.

“We know the Capitol Police want to keep that trophy,” he said. “And we want to help Congress get the trophy back.” Booty said he has been leading the congressmen in practices on the National Mall at 7 a.m.

Other former NFL players who will play alongside Republican and Democrat congressmen include Shawn Springs, Gary Clark and Herschel Walker. Donna Wilkinson, who plays for the DC Divas in the Women’s Football Alliance will also play for the Mean Machine.

Before the game, the former NFL players will help lead a clinic held by USA Football, a national youth football organization. At the clinic, which is slated to run from 5:45-6:45 p.m., area children will get the chance to practice football drills and conditioning with the former players. Attendees are asked to register for the clinic by emailing [email protected].

DeSean Jackson, wide receiver for the Washington NFL team, will conduct the coin toss before the game, and Hall of Fame running back John Riggins will serve as an honorary captain for the Mean Machine.

Tickets for the game can be purchased for $10 online or at the game.

Photo via CongressionalFootballGame.org