SecDef: Mids Can Play in NFL

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter is allowing the Naval Academy’s two most prominent football stars to play in the NFL, the Associated Press reported. Quarterback Keenan Reynolds was drafted in the sixth round by the Baltimore Ravens; fullback Chris Swain signed a free-agent contract with the San Diego Chargers after going undrafted. Carter is allowing both players to defer their military service obligations. If Carter or Reynolds make their respective teams’ rosters, they would follow in the footsteps of at least four previous Midshipmen who went on to play professional sports. Quarterback Roger Staubach won the Heisman Trophy in 1963, and served four years on active duty before reporting to the Dallas Cowboys. Running back Napoleon McCallum was drafted by the then-Los Angeles Raiders in 1986, and played professionally until 1994. David Robinson graduated in 1987 and was drafted by the NBA San Antonio Spurs, where he played until retiring in 2002. He spent two years on active duty before transferring to the reserve. Most recently, Joe Cardona spent last season as the New England Patriots’ long snapper. The Patriots drafted Cardona in the third round in 2015. He continues to work at a nearby Navy installation when not involved in football.