6′2″ OL Sam Barczak Forgoes His Final Year of Eligibility and Declares for the US Army, A Look at NFL Players Who Have Served in the Military

NFL players are genetically blessed and have good muscle insertions that are optimal for the sport. Having such huge amounts of muscle mass and great motor skills makes the players ideal candidates for the army as well. As part of breaking news disclosed earlier today, Sam Barczak, the 305-pounder offensive lineman is set to join the US Army.

The Army West Point athlete made the decision today and shared it via the platform X. In serving the army, the young player would be forgoing his last year of eligibility and entering the army ranks. He seems to be proud of his decision and would continue to play football upon completing his army duties. It’s a moment of pride and honor for the several youngsters to follow and take inspiration.

Sam Barczak delays his professional career by joining the US Army

The 6’2″ massively built offensive lineman Sam Barczak has impressive stats playing for the Army West Point team. His 5-year career has seen him rise through the ranks and become the starting OL for the side. He has churned out impressive numbers in all these years with a highest of 472 and 482 yards on two occasions last year.

Now, as he moves to the US Army as an Armor Officer he wishes to serve the nation and use his genetic abilities to good use. It speaks volumes about the player and sets a great example for other players to follow. He will surely be an asset in the army with his big-boned structure and the massive strength he possesses. However, Barczak isn’t the first player to join the army as several other players have served in the military in the past.

NFL players to join the US Army

Let’s talk about some football greats who hung up their cleats and joined ranks for the army, starting with Pat Tillman. The late NFL gave up a multi-million dollar contract to join the US Army ranks. The 25-year-old was motivated by the 9/11 attacks and volunteered for Army Rangers back in 2002.  His love for the country was far greater than a mere NFL contract!

Next on the table is Alejandro Villanueva had a stellar career in the NFL and later joined the Cincinnati Bengals. However, after he was left undrafted he went on to serve four years in the Army and also joined the forces in Afghanistan. Nate Boyer also had a great run in the NFL and was a part of the US Army for six years with multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mike Anderson was another Broncos legend who served in the US Marines.

ALSO READ: “I Thought About Joining The Military”: Aaron Rodgers’ Career Choices Almost Took Him Down A Strange Road Had He Chosen Not To Play Football

Lastly, there was another Patriots legend Joe Cardona who graduated from the US Naval Academy. He is currently an officer in the US Naval Reserve.

My heart swells with pride on seeing such legendary players throwing their hands up to serve the country and joining the ranks. Hopefully, Sam’s tenure with the US Army will be a memorable one and he returns to the gridiron with a successful stint.

WATCH THIS STORY: Aaron Rodgers reveals a bold goal for a timely comeback from injury.