Military Father Disguised As Referee Shocks Son On Football Field In Surprise Homecoming

MILFORD, CT - Jonathan Law High School senior Cole Egersheim, 17, did not expect to see his father show up to his football game Friday night. Understandably so, as his dad had been deployed in Kuwait for nearly a year, according to the announcer at his game.

A video posted to Twitter by Mike Madera captured this heartwarming moment as Cole's father, Joe, attended the game disguised as a referee on the field. As he gathered with his team around the referee at the 50-yard line, Cole Egersheim suddenly recognized his dad beneath the ref cap and sunglasses. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

"Oh my God!" Egersheim can be heard exclaiming as his father begins to chuckle. The football player then crouched down with his hands on his knees, taking this incredible surprise in, before running over to embrace his dad.

Master Sergeant Joe Egersheim has been serving the country for 35 years, according to an announcement made at the game. He was most recently deployed with the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.

His daughter, Olivia, is a cheerleader at Jonathan Law and was also present for the surprise, taking part in the embrace between the two children reunited with their father.

The game's announcer revealed the surprise to the fans in the stands, who cheered loudly as the tight end welcomed his father back home.

Joe Egersheim said he was nervous about how his son might react to the surprise, as he is very focused when he is in game mode, according to Good Morning America. The moment could not have worked out better, as his son gave what he described as the greatest reaction ever.

It seems the entire night also could not have worked out any better, as Jonathan Law football team won their first home game, 34-21, against Bethel High School.

Egersheim said his son told him the game was dedicated to his dad, and played his heart out accordingly, according to Good Morning America. His wife, Robin, helped him plan the surprise and the family is currently happy to all be together again.

Image via Shutterstock/video credit: Mike Madera, Twitter