Congress Holds Off Cops For First Ever Flag Football Win

By Travis Martinez – University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

In the fourth annual Longest Yard “Cops vs. Congress” charity flag football game, the congressional squad, nicknamed the Mean Machine, defeated the U.S. Capitol Police for the first time ever, winning 32-26 in overtime. The congressionals, coached by Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), were led by their defense, which tallied five interceptions.

This year’s game marked the first time that former NFL players teamed up with the Congressional team. Former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback John Booty made big plays on both sides of the ball, including scoring the game winning touchdown in overtime.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) were among those in attendance, and participated in the ceremonial opening coin toss.

The game, held at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. and attended by few, raised $800 for the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund.