Government Shutdown Chaos Hits NFL Hard: Pentagon’s Shocking Ban on Iconic Game-Day Traditions – What Fans Need to Know

Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A military flyover is performed prior to a 2025 AFC divisional round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The U.S. Pentagon has banned NFL flyovers, an iconic game-day tradition, and the participation of service members from pregame and halftime activities ahead of Veterans Day amid the government shutdown.

“Salute to Service” celebrations typically involve aerial exhibitions, while service members also hold American flags the size of a football field while the national anthem is performed.

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According to a report from the Washington Post, the Pentagon has issued a new mandate that ends helicopter flyovers, with members of the military “prohibited from participating in official outreach activities.”

Given the shutdown, any military presence paid for by the Pentagon, which includes “jet and jump demonstration teams, bands and ceremonial unit appearances, port visits, service weeks and nonprofit and corporate leader outreach,” has been banned.

The Post was told that service members are allowed to wear military uniforms at Veterans Day events in a personal capacity on the condition that they meet guidelines specific to their unit.

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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: A general view of Northwest Stadium during a flyover before a gam (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
An NFL spokesperson shared a press release which notes that “Salute to Service is the NFL’s year-round commitment to honor, empower, and connect with the military community’ and not strictly a single event scheduled in November.”

The league did not respond to a query regarding the Pentagon’s decision to pull out of participation amid the shutdown.

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Republicans have blamed Democrats for the shutdown, while Democrats are claiming that the other party is responsible.

Notably, President Donald Trump had an impressive flyover before his appearance at the Ryder Cup a few weeks ago and has since faced criticism for a golfing decision during the lockout.

Meanwhile, other organizations have already made themselves available to replace the Pentagon.

Ohio’s Tri-State Warbird Museum conducted a flyover with a respected B-25 Mitchell bomber aircraft as a tribute to service members between the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears earlier this season.

Other veterans have been honored at other NFL games this season without involvement from the Pentagon.