In a heart-stopping incident that horrified spectators, a parachutist performing at the Armed Forces Bowl became entangled in field goal netting and plummeted approximately 40 feet into the crowd below.
The Terrifying Sequence of Events
The shocking scenes unfolded shortly before kickoff in the game between Rice and Texas State on January 2, 2026. A display by five parachutists was planned, aiming for a dramatic landing on the field. However, the routine went catastrophically wrong. Eyewitness videos and reports from inside the stadium confirm that only three of the jumpers landed safely at the intended location. One skydiver reportedly landed outside the stadium entirely.
It was the fifth and final jumper who caused the most severe alarm. His flight path took him directly into the cable of the field goal net, where his parachute immediately became tangled. He was left suspended in mid-air, roughly 40 feet above the terrified crowd, for several agonising seconds.
The Harrowing Fall and Aftermath
The parachute then came loose, causing the man to tumble down to the ground. Multiple videos recorded by fans show the parachutist appearing to land in a narrow space between the main seating section and the barrier leading to the field. Bystanders rushed to his aid and were seen helping him to his feet following the dramatic fall.
The Daily Mail has contacted both Rice University and Texas State University seeking an update on the parachutist's condition. The full extent of his injuries remains unclear at this time.
The Game Continues Amidst Drama
Following the alarming pre-game incident, the Armed Forces Bowl contest proceeded. Texas State, entering with a 6-6 record, managed to secure a 7-0 lead before halftime. The score came courtesy of a rushing touchdown from their quarterback, Brad Jackson.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in aerial displays at major sporting events, where precision is paramount for the safety of both performers and spectators.
