Members of the United States military make many sacrifices as they put their lives on the line to serve their country. Many forget that their families are making sacrifices as well, as they have to be separated from their loved ones for lengthy periods of time during which they often do not know if the person they love is safe. That’s why things often get emotional when military servicemen and women are finally reunited with their families.

Freshman running back Ty Lucas was getting ready to take on Duke in Clemson’s Military Appreciation Day game, and he had no idea that his school had a special surprise planned for him. He didn’t know that his deployed father, CPT Cody Lucas of the United States Army, had returned home early from Afghanistan to surprise him!

Cody is a Signal Advisor with the 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade, and he had been deployed for the last nine months. Clemson decided to bring Cody to the game so that he could watch his son play college football for the first time, and they recorded their reunion so that they could share it with the world.

“You think I’m in Afghanistan right now,” Cody said to the camera. “I’m here to surprise you.”

As Ty walked off the field with his teammates before the game, Cody said “hey” to him and nudged his shoulder. Ty’s reaction to seeing his dad was priceless!

The two shared an emotional hug, and Ty could not help but break down in tears.

“It was a huge surprise,” Ty said of the surprise. “The best thing ever. I was not expecting it at all!”

Cody ended up being a good luck charm for his son, as Clemson beat Duke 35-6 that night! Watch their reunion yourself below!

On Saturday, CPT Cody Lucas, United States Army, Signal Advisor with the 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade, was in Memorial Stadium to surprise his son, running back Ty Lucas, after 9 months in Afghanistan.

Thank you, CPT Lucas, for your service. #ClemsonFamily pic.twitter.com/hgfFNtv13l

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) November 18, 2018