At Ease, Soldier
By MasterSplinter 8 Comments
I don't think anyone received more praise at the 2008 NFL Draft than seventh-round pick, Caleb Campbell. I know you might be pondering, "what's the big deal about a seventh-rounder?" Well, it is because this story is about more than just football. Campbell is the first Army player to be selected in the NFL Draft since 1997, due to a "service option" rule that allowed him to enter said Draft in the first place.
Cadets accepted into the program, "will owe two years of active service in the Army, during which time they will be allowed to play their sport in the player-development systems of their respective organizatio ns and be assigned to recruiting stations. If they remain in professional sports following those two years, they will be provided the option of buying out the remaining three years of their active-duty commitment in exchange for six years of reserve time."
Because of the implementation of this rule, the West Point graduate from Perryton, Texas was able to realize his long-time dream. Vietnam veteran and current coach for the Detroit Lions, Rod Marinelli, understood what kind of dedication Campbell brought to the table and was willing to give him an opportunity. When Caleb Campbell's name was finally called at the podium, he was greeted with chants of "USA" and a well-deserved standing ovation.
Now on July 22nd, Campbell verbally agreed to a 3-year contract with the Lions, but nothing was officially signed. The following day (yesterday), the day before training camp, Campbell recieved word that he would have to serve two years before becoming eligible to play in 2010. As it turns out, the U.S. Army revised its interpretation of the policy two weeks prior, regarding soldiers playing professional sports to complete two years of active duty before applying for a release. Campbell and the Lions didn’t officially receive notice of the change until yesterday. With that being said, I can only imagine how dissappointed he must feel. Being within reaching distance, only to have the rug pulled out from under you at the front door. I am not sure how I personally would have handled the news, but rest assured Caleb Campbell was not phased.
“Now that they understand the policy, they understand how this is going to benefit the Army. Whenever I’m settled in, I will report to the local recruiting station in the area and I will take it very seriously. It’s my job in the United States Army. This is how I’m serving my country.”
And for that, I take my hat off and give you the same standing ovation that embraced your entrance into the National Football League. I think I can speak for everyone when I say, "we all respect you Caleb Campbell." Many thanks for what you have done and will do for our country. The amount of fans you will have as a player cannot rival the many you currently have as a person.