10 NFL VETERANS THAT DEFENDED THEIR TURF AND OUR COUNTRY


By bblouin
nfl veterans

Grit, determination, sacrifice, and violence are all staples of the battlefield just as they are on the gridiron. It makes perfect sense that football and the American Armed Forces can often go hand-in-hand. You don’t have to look far on Sundays to see troops from various branches doing their part to service while also taking in an NFL game. But some NFL players are even involved. Veteran players in the NFL are talented men who have proven their worth over time. NFL Veterans are men that entertain us for a few hours while defending our freedoms. We’re here to celebrate the latter. Read next:These 10 Celebrities Have Been Impacted By the New Russia Sanctions

10 NFL Veterans Who Defend the Field and Our Country

There are many other Veterans who have served our country admirably. We also get to enjoy various college football games from hard-hitting teams representing the Air Force, Navy, and Army, with some academy graduates making it to the biggest league in sports. There have been more than 1,000 NFL players who have served America in the military. Here are some of the more predominant examples of NFL Veterans that fought for every yard and our freedoms:

1. Roger Staubach

Often considered the top all-time NFL player from service academies, Roger the Dodger is a Hall of Famer who won two Super Bowl titles, a Super Bowl MVP, and went to six Pro Bowls. This is an amazing feat for anyone, but Staubach did it after delaying the start of his career due to his obligations in the U.S. Navy, including tours in Vietnam.

2. Pat Tillman

What would have become of Pat Tillman’s career? A thought fans have had for years. His three-year career wasn’t due to the normal reasons players have their dreams cut short. No, Tillman answered the call of duty following the attacks on September 11 and enlisted as an Army Ranger. Tragedy struck when Tillman was killed in action by friendly fire.

3. Alejandro Villanueva

Alejandro Villanueva is absolutely awesome not only because of his seven years in the NFL but also because he did so after completing three tours as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan. Villanueva climbed the ranks to reach Captain after college, where he played for the Army Black Knights.

4. Ralph Wilson

An HOFer, a key founder of the American Football League, and a WWII Veteran… what didn’t Ralph Wilson do? He also founded the Bills, FYI… the man served in many ways and was successful in seemingly every venture.

5. Mike Anderson

When Mike Anderson burst into the league, the NFL took notice. Winning Offensive Rookie of the Year as a running back for the Denver Broncos in 2000, Anderson would play eight total seasons, two of them for the Baltimore Ravens, and was a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

6. Nate Boyer

Nate Boyer was a walk-on for the Texas Longhorns and would enter the league for the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. This long snapper would also prove himself on the battlefield serving as a U.S. Army Green Baret for multiple tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. After six years, he was honorably discharged.

7. Joe Cardona

It’s one thing to be one of the NFL members in the military. It’s another to be a Super Bowl Champion. Joe Cardona is both. As a member of the New England Patriots, he won against the Atlanta Falcons in one of the most infamous chokes in sports history. Cardona also serves as an Officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve, which makes sense, as he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy.

8. Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik, a.k.a. Concrete Charlie, is noted as one of the game’s last two-way players, won two NFL championships, and is an absolute Philly legend. Known for a tackle so incredibly not allowed today, it only goes by “The Hit.” Bednarik also took out enemies on the battlefield serving in World War II in 30 flying missions as part of the 467th Bomb Group in the Eighth Air Force.

9. Paul Hornung

The Golden Boy would make the Hall of Fame thanks to his winning four NFL championships as well as the very first Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers. But his career was almost disrupted because of his service. Hornung was tasked with balancing the U.S. Army and NFL. The Heisman winner was able to get weekend passes to play, however, as legendary Coach Vince Lombardi was able to pull a few strings with a friend you may have heard of: President John F. Kennedy.

10. Chad Hennings

Even though Hennings would be drafted in 1988, he wouldn’t play a down in the NFL until 1992 due to his service in the U.S. Air Force. I guess it turned out alright, though, because joining the Dallas Cowboys in the early 90s meant victory. His nine-season career equated to three Super Bowl rings when it was all said and done.

How Many Current NFL Players Are Military Veterans?

With the retirement of Alejandro Villanueva, it appears that Joe Cardona, long snapper of the New England Patriots, will have to play only the role of active NFL players that are also Veterans. This list, however, is not comprehensive. There are roster moves that can be made all season long, enlistment statuses that can change, and the fact that I’m no Adam Schefter. No matter what, the league has a long and storied history of NFL military players that have played America’s most popular sport. NFL Veterans have been a huge part of not only what makes the league great but what makes our country great, as well. More like this:Famous Veterans: You’ll Never Believe These Celebrities Actually Served

Paul Hornung Image: Tony Tomsic | USA TODAY Sports


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