Can Army or Navy Football Players Go Pro?
The dream of many young football players is to turn professional and play in the highest leagues, either in the United States or internationally. While the opportunity to become a professional football player is extremely competitive, military academy teams like the Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen have produced a number of successful alumni who have made it to the pros. In this article, we’ll explore the question: can Army or Navy football players go pro?
History of Army and Navy Football Players Going Pro
Both the Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen have a rich history of producing talented football players who have gone on to have successful careers in the professional ranks. Here are some notable examples:
- Army Alumni: Tom Cindric, Quarterback, NFL (2000-2002) Jared Hassin, Linebacker, NFL (2011-2013) * Collin Moorman, Wide Receiver, CFL (2012-2015)
- Navy Alumni: Craig Candeto, Quarterback, NFL (2001-2002) Eric Roberts, Quarterback, NFL (2005-2007) * Tee Shields, Defensive Back, NFL (2013-2014)
These players, along with many others, have proven that it’s possible for military academy football players to make it to the professional leagues.
Barriers to Entry
While there are success stories of Army and Navy football players going pro, there are several barriers to entry that can make it challenging for them to break into the professional ranks. Some of the main challenges include:
- Military Service Obligation: Service academies have a unique situation in which cadets and midshipmen must serve in the military after graduation. This can make it difficult for them to pursue a professional football career, as they may be deployed or stationed far from their preferred teams or locations.
- Competitive Balance: Professional teams are often looking for players who have played at the highest level, including NCAA Division I teams. The Army and Navy football programs, while strong in their own right, are not typically considered on the same level as Power Five programs.
- Development: Players who have been drafted from the service academies may require more time to develop and adapt to the professional game, as they may have missed critical playing time due to their military service obligations.
Making It Work
Despite these challenges, many Army and Navy football players have successfully made the transition to the professional ranks. Here are some tips and strategies that can help:
- Focus on Academics: Military academies prioritize academics, and students who perform well in the classroom are more likely to receive recognition and attention from coaches and scouts.
- Build a Network: Networking with coaches, scouts, and other football professionals can help Army and Navy players get noticed and stay connected.
- Produce Highlights: Players who create high-quality highlight reels showcasing their skills and athleticism are more likely to attract the attention of professional teams.
- Get Discovered: Playing in college all-star games, combines, and pro days can help Army and Navy players get discovered by NFL and CFL teams.
Statistics and Projections
Here are some statistics and projections to help give an idea of the feasibility of Army and Navy football players going pro:
- NCAA Participation Rate: According to the NCAA, the overall participation rate for college football is approximately 5.2%. Service academies like Army and Navy may have lower participation rates, but they still produce successful players who make it to the pros.
- NFL Draft Numbers: From 2010-2020, an average of 7-10 players from service academies were drafted into the NFL each year.
- CFL and NFL Rosters: While Army and Navy players are not as likely to be drafted, many have still gone on to play professionally in the CFL and NFL.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the challenges are significant, it is indeed possible for Army or Navy football players to go pro. With hard work, dedication, and the right strategies, military academy football players can make the transition to the professional ranks. By focusing on academics, building a network, producing highlights, and getting discovered, players can increase their chances of success.
Here’s a summary of the key takeaways:
- Service academies have produced successful alumni who have gone on to have professional football careers
- Barriers to entry include military service obligation, competitive balance, and development
- Tips and strategies for success include focusing on academics, building a network, producing highlights, and getting discovered
- Statistics and projections show that service academy football players can make it to the pros, even if the numbers are lower than other colleges
Whether you’re an aspiring football player looking to make a career out of the sport or a fan of Army and Navy football, there’s no denying the passion and dedication of these service academy athletes.
