10 NFL Players Who Served in the Military
History shows that many NFL careers have intersected with military service. World War II pulled entire rosters into uniform, while later conflicts saw players pause or delay pro careers. Service ranged from combat deployments to reserve duty. Several returned to win championships or reach the Hall of Fame. These stories connect football history with major moments in U.S. history and show how service and sports often overlapped across generations.
Pat Tillman
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
At age 25, Pat Tillman left the Arizona Cardinals after four seasons to enlist in the Army Rangers following the September 11 attacks. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2002 and 2004. Tillman died in Afghanistan during a friendly fire incident. He earned the Purple Heart and Silver Star. The ESPYs later created the Pat Tillman Award for Service in his honor.
Alejandro Villanueva
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
After going undrafted in 2010, Alejandro Villanueva served for 4 years in the Army, including 3 tours in Afghanistan. He played multiple positions, including offensive tackle and wide receiver. Villanueva signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014 before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. He moved to left tackle and started games during the 2015 season after making the active roster.
Roger Staubach
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Roger Staubach graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1965 and served a Vietnam tour as a Supply Corps officer. The Dallas Cowboys drafted him in 1964, but military duty delayed his NFL debut by five years. Staubach resigned his commission in 1969. He later spent 11 seasons with Dallas, won two Super Bowls, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.
Chuck Bednarik
Credit: ebay
Long before his two-way dominance with the Philadelphia Eagles, Chuck Bednarik joined the Army Air Forces during World War II. He flew 30 combat missions over Germany as a gunner on B-24 bombers. Bednarik later played from 1949 to 1962 and became one of the toughest figures in NFL history.
Sid Luckman
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Chicago Bears quarterback Sid Luckman stepped away from football after the 1943 championship season as World War II intensified and large portions of NFL rosters entered military service. Luckman served during the war, and his 1943 Bears team saw 19 of 28 players enter service.
Eddie LeBaron
Credit: ebay
Known as the “Littlest General,” Eddie LeBaron served as a Marine Corps Reserve officer during the Korean War. After being drafted by Washington in 1950, he played briefly before deploying to Korea, where he was wounded twice. LeBaron earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star before returning for a long NFL career.
Chad Hennings
Credit: ebay
Chad Hennings was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1988 but did not play until 1992 due to Air Force service. As a graduate of the Air Force Academy, he completed active duty before joining the NFL. Hennings went on to win three Super Bowls and played nine seasons with Dallas.
Mike Anderson
Credit: ebay
Before becoming the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2000, Mike Anderson served in the United States Marine Corps. He played football for a Marine team, which led to junior college and later the University of Utah. Anderson spent eight NFL seasons with the Broncos and Ravens.
Joe Cardona
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Joe Cardona represents the modern balance between football and service. As a graduate of the Naval Academy, he was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2015 and continues serving as a Navy Reserve officer. Cardona played in Super Bowl LI and remains active in military commitments alongside his NFL career.