A college football player received the surprise of a lifetime when his Army father returned home early after nine months serving overseas to embrace his son ahead of a big game.
Cameras were rolling as Capt. Cody Lucas, signal adviser for the 1st Security Forces Assistance Bridge in the U.S. Army, waited inside a tunnel leading to the Clemson Tigers’ locker room on Thursday.
“You think I’m in Afghanistan right now,” he said into the camera. “I’m here to surprise you.”
He was addressing his son, Ty Lucas, a running back for the South Carolina University's football team. Ty was preparing to take on Duke in Clemson’s Military Appreciation Day game.
Ty’s jaw dropped when he saw his father, who was still wearing his uniform as they tearfully embraced. Video showed the pair high-five each other before hugging again.
“It was a huge surprise,” Ty said to the camera. “The best thing ever. I was not expecting it at all.”
The Tigers went on to beat Duke 35-6.
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