It is the time of year for giving, after all.
The No. 23 Navy Midshipmen traveled to the Liberty Bowl in style, courtesy of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Navy used the Patriots’ team jet to fly from Annapolis to Memphis, where it will play the Kansas State Wildcats on New Year’s Eve.
The Patriots close out their regular season at home against the Dolphins this week, thus don’t need the team jet.
The plane was contracted by Team 125, which operates it for the Patriots, according to senior associate athletic director for the Naval Academy Athletic Association Scott Strasemeier.
“The NAAA and the New England Patriots have a longstanding relationship, which certainly did not hurt our ability to work out an agreement with the Patriots,” Strasemeier told The Hill. “We are extremely grateful for the support and the cooperation we received from Mr. Kraft and his staff.”
Patriots coach Bill Belichick grew up in Annapolis, where his father, Steve, served as an assistant coach for Navy. He still maintains a strong relationship with Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo and has addressed the team in the past.
The Midshipmen are 2.5-point favorites over the Wildcats. They’ll look to add their 11th win of the season in Memphis.
