Do Military academy football players have to go to the military after they graduate even if they can go to NFL

Answer 1

Yes, of course they do, there's no exception made for having other opportunities available. Examples are Roger Staubach and Phil McConkey, who was a WR for the NY Giants in the 1980s, after serving as a Navy Helicopter pilot.

There's been some sort-of exceptions for physical reasons though. The military actually has stricter physical standards than professional sports in some ways. So, Nap McCallum had a shortened navy commitment b/c knee surgery limited him to a non-combat officer career anyway (He then played for the Raiders and suffered a gruesome leg injury on TV.) In the NBA, Dave Robinson also had a shortened navy commitment, because he grew too tall while at the naval academy to be a combat officer.

Answer 2

I have seen one player who when to the NFL from the Air Force Academy. Think he was on the Steelers. I am not sure what the rules are that the military has for people who have a chance for the NFL.

Answer 3

I think they can go to the NFL first.
For example:
Napoleon McCallum played in 1986 for the Los Angeles Raiders while splitting duty with the United States Navy before having to spend his 5-year commitment with the Navy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_McCallum

Answer 4

They have to serve in the reserves for what I believe is 6 years. They've relaxed a little bit on it - they had to serve 4 years active after graduation.

Answer 5

i'm almost positive that they have to serve 2 years after graduation. i think they mentioned that this year when i was watching the navy-airforce game

Answer 6

yes they are committed to serve

Answer 7

their duty to their country comes first