On Monday, when presenting the Black Knights of Army with the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy, President Trump floated the idea of allowing academy athletes to NFL tryouts before fulfilling their military commitment.
Whether that ever happens, remains to be seen. However, one military academy grad who did it the old-fashioned way is trying to catch on with the Philadelphia Eagles this week.
Having completed his two-year active duty commitment with the United States Air Force, Weston Steelhammer will be among the dozens of players trying to make the Eagles roster this weekend. Though, this won’t be his first time through Philadelphia’s rookie mini camp. Steelhammer attended the camp two years ago, prior to beginning his active service.
If two years seems like a short time to actively serve before being allowed to pursue an NFL career, that’s probably because it used to be more.
According to Pro Football Talk, “The military has changed the rules through the years for players from Army, Navy and Air Force who have NFL opportunities. At some times, players have been required to serve as many as five years before playing, while at other times players have been allowed to go straight from college football to the NFL.”
Steelhammer was a 3-year starter at Air force. He also has a connection with the Eagles. The former Air Force Falcon used to play youth football with Eagles coach Doug Pederson’s son, Pro Football Talk reports.
Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter @themightygwinn
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