Throughout NFL history, countless men have been recognized for their on-field efforts, memorialized in team and national Hall of Fames for their accomplishments. But dozens of players have also lent their service to the military, putting their lives on the line to help defend the United States of America.
In the spirit of Memorial Day, here’s a look at some notable names to take the NFL field and serve in the armed forces:
Roger Staubach
Widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks of all time, the six-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion helped headline the Dallas Cowboys’ dominance of the 1970s. Prior to his prestigious NFL career, Staubach won the Heisman Trophy at Navy and served a volunteer tour of duty for the U.S. Navy in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Sid Luckman
The face of the Chicago Bears during their 1940s dynasty, in which he led four NFL titles as a league MVP, Luckman is widely considered a revolutionary passer, entering the Hall of Fame in 1965 as one of the NFL’s most prolific downfield throwers. Immediately following his MVP season, he volunteered stateside as a U.S. Merchant Marine ensign during World War II, joining more than a dozen teammates in service.
George McAfee
“One-Play McAfee,” the former No. 2 overall draft pick was a do-it-all playmaker for the Luckman-era Chicago Bears, starring as a runner, receiver, return specialist and cover man to see his No. 5 jersey retired in Windy City. In the middle of his All-Pro career, McAfee volunteered to join the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving the force from 1942-1945, then playing another five seasons in the NFL.
Paul Hornung
The first overall pick in the 1957 draft, “The Golden Boy” was a staple of the Green Bay Packers’ offense into the 1960s, when Wisconsin saw its franchise win five NFL titles, including the first two Super Bowls….
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/memorial-day-2024-roger-staubach-pat-tillman-among-10-notable-nfl-players-to-serve-in-u-s-military/
Author : Cody Benjamin
Publish date : 2024-05-27 16:55:35
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
