If an Army or Navy College Football Player Gets Drafted to the NFL, Do They Still Have to Serve the Armed Forces After They Finish Their Service?
When a college football player from the Army or Navy is drafted into the NFL, they face a unique situation. While they are now professional athletes, they still have a commitment to their military service. The question of whether or not they have to serve in the armed forces after they finish playing in the NFL is a complex one that depends on several factors.
Factors Affecting Service Obligation:
- Service Agreement: The player's service agreement with the military will determine their obligation to serve. Some players may have agreed to serve a specific number of years before being allowed to pursue a professional career.
- Branch of Service: The branch of service also plays a role. The Army and Navy have different policies regarding the service obligations of athletes who enter the NFL.
- NFL Career Length: The length of the player's NFL career can impact their service obligation. If they retire early or are released from multiple teams, they may be required to fulfill their remaining service commitment.
Recent Changes:
Recent changes in military policies have also impacted this issue. In 2016, the Department of Defense updated its policy to automatically defer the service obligation of athletes who are drafted into major professional sports leagues, including the NFL. This deferment allows athletes to pursue their professional careers without having to worry about fulfilling their military service immediately.
Conclusion:
The question of whether an Army or Navy college football player drafted into the NFL has to serve in the armed forces after they finish playing is a complex one that depends on several factors. The player's service agreement, branch of service, NFL career length, and recent policy changes all need to be considered. In most cases, however, athletes who enter the NFL are able to defer their military service obligation until after their professional careers are complete.
Related Questions and Answers:
- Does a player's performance in the NFL affect their service obligation? No, their NFL performance is not typically considered.
- Can a player choose to fulfill their military service before entering the NFL? Yes, some players may choose to do so.
- Are players paid for their military service while in the NFL? No, they are not paid by the military during that time.
- What happens if a player fails to fulfill their service obligation? They may face legal consequences and could be required to pay back any bonuses or benefits received from the military.
- How many Army or Navy college football players have been drafted into the NFL in recent years? Around 10-15 players per year.
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