Navy Breaks 70-Year NFL Draft Streak
Summary
Two Navy football players, Landon Robinson and Eli Heidenreich, were drafted in the 7th round of the NFL Draft, marking the first time since 1956 that two players from Navy were chosen in the same draft. Both players can delay their military service to play in the NFL thanks to a law that allows military athletes to postpone active duty for professional sports.Key Facts
- Landon Robinson, a defensive tackle, was picked 226th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Eli Heidenreich, a running back, was selected shortly after by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- This is the first time since 1956 that two Navy players were drafted in the same NFL Draft.
- Heidenreich is known as a versatile player who can run and catch the ball, with nearly 2,000 receiving yards in his Navy career.
- Robinson was a key player on Navy’s defense with 153 tackles and 14.5 sacks over three seasons.
- The National Defense Authorization Act allows military players to delay their mandatory service to pursue careers in professional sports.
- Robinson and Heidenreich will likely sign a 10-year service contract that includes active duty deferment during their NFL careers.
- Up to five athletes from each military academy can use this deferment to play professional sports before fulfilling their military duties.
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