A U.S. Marine Corps captain joined his family on the SoFi Stadium lawn Monday night as helicopter pilot Capt. Justin Vega emerged from the tunnel to greet his family.
Vega’s son, Leo, immediately jumped into her arms during halftime of the Rams-Dolphins game and they both cried happy tears as they were reunited.
Justin then proceeded to slowly spin in a circle with his son in his arms behind one of the end zones at SoFi Stadium.
Vega’s mother-in-law, Nancy, was also at the game and his wife participated in the surprise for her son.
ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, who was calling the moment from the press box, called it “the biggest roar of the night.”
U.S. Navy Capt. Justin Vega was reunited with his family Monday night at SoFi Stadium.
Justin held up his son Leo, a Rams fan, as they both cried in the ‘biggest roar of the night.’
Justin was dressed in a military uniform, while Leo and other family members wore Los Angeles Rams gear.
Miami led 10-6 at halftime in the game and Los Angeles was unable to come back to take the victory, falling to the Dolphins 23-15.
The Dolphins snapped a three-game losing streak with the win, while the Rams fell below .500 with the loss.
Military gatherings have been common in public places, with American service men and women serving long periods overseas with limited communication with their families.
Vega’s wife is wearing a Puka Nacua jersey, while Leo is wearing No. 99, the jersey of recently retired Rams legend Aaron Donald.
Many video cameras and photographers surrounded Justin and Leo to give him a long hug.