Overview The Congressional Football Game for Charity is a flag football game between the Mean Machine, a bipartisan team of members of Congress and former NFL players, and the Guards, a team of U.S. Capitol Police officers. It began as a tribute to Officer Jacob "JJ" Chestnut and Detective John Gibson, the two Capitol Police officers killed in the line of duty defending the Capitol. Proceeds go to the U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund, Our Military Kids, A Advantage 4 Kids and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. On site The game now plays at Nationals Park. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a pre-game pep rally on the plaza and an NFL PLAY FOOTBALL youth clinic, and kickoff is at 7. At halftime the COS Halftime Combine takes over the field. When the game ends, the Official CFG After-Party starts, with players and special guests. Before game day, sponsors attend an NFL Monday Night Football Kickoff Reception, and a VIP party runs during the game. Audience The crowd is Capitol Hill: congressional staff, Capitol Police officers and their families, lobbyists, trade groups and corporate sponsors. Military and first responder families attend as guests through a dedicated sponsorship that also puts their kids in the youth clinic. It is a family night, and the event bills itself as a place where the political divide stays off the field. Talent and Influencers Former Washington linebacker Ken Harvey and former Eagles cornerback John Booty coach the Mean Machine. Ryan Fitzpatrick played quarterback for the lawmakers at the last game, with Rep. Jimmy Panetta as captain and Reps. Bill Huizenga, Jay Obernolte and Mariannette Miller-Meeks on the roster. Herschel Walker has also suited up. The band White Ford Bronco played the after-party. Track record The game has awarded nearly $4.5 million to its charity partners. It started at Gallaudet University's Hotchkiss Field, moved to Audi Field and then to Nationals Park. The Guards have won most meetings, and they beat the Mean Machine 32-12 in the most recent game. Brand presence The NFL, NFLPA, Nike, Under Armour, Amazon, Bank of America, Toyota, Comcast, Disney, FOX Sports and Netflix are among recent sponsors. Tiers run from a $1,000 Fan level to a $50,000 Champion sponsor, whose package includes team practice visits, a curated on-field or on-screen moment and 50 game tickets. Named sponsorships cover the game-day shuttle from Capitol Hill, NFL Legends appearances, the pep rally and the halftime combine.