Former President George H.W. Bush will perform the pre-game coin toss at Super Bowl LI in Houston on Sunday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Wednesday.
The 41st president and his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, were both recently released from the hospital. He was treated for pneumonia, while she was treated for bronchitis.
“I’ve heard from both of them and they’re excited and anxious to be here,” Goodell said, adding, "We’re honored to have them. I think it’ll be a great way to start the game.”
NFL Commission Roger Goodell: George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush will perform the coin toss at the Super Bowl: "We're honored to have them." pic.twitter.com/F7fmwXI0jz
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) February 1, 2017
The former first couple lives in Houston, where the game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons will take place.
Getting fired up for Sunday and #SuperBowl. https://t.co/zlXmsZJrTM— George Bush (@George Bush) 1485982100.0
Bush’s spokesman added that the couple is “looking forward” to participating.
Pres/Mrs @GeorgeHWBush are honored by @NFL Commissioner Goddell's kind invite to flip the coin b4 #SuperBowl, and are looking forward to it.— Jim McGrath (@Jim McGrath) 1485978211.0