Should Caleb Campbell Be Allowed To Go Straight To The NFL After Playing For Army?

Caleb Campbell is one of the best athletes to come out of the Army football program in years. He has a blend of size and speed with the gift of great football vision and play making ability. He is a natural fit in the NFL.

If Campbell played for the Army just a few years ago, he likely would not have been drafted by the Detroit Lions because military athletes had to honor their service to the military after graduation. Army has recently revisited their requirements on this matter which makes it possible for Campbell, and other Army athletes to enter the draft and have a chance at playing in the NFL. Had the rules not have been changed; Campbell would likely have been deployed to Iraq.

The Army changed its rules for reasons of public relations. 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 organizations 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."


Campbell was quoted saying, "The new policy is: basically as I get drafted, they think the marketing and PR that I'm going to give the Army is going to be very beneficial," said Campbell. "So instead of being active duty - I'll still be in active duty - but I'll work as a recruiter."

Do You Think The Rule Change Is Fair And That Caleb Campbell Should Be Allowed To Go Straight To The NFL?

Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

Yes, I think it's great that he is going pro!

Joe Hegberg says:

If Army wants to bring in exceptional talent and benefit from the spillover effects, they should allow these players to pursue their dreams.

Posted July 24, 2008

RCJ says:

As both an active duty service member and a hardcore Detroit Lions fan, I believe Caleb Campbell is one of the best stories of the NFL this year. If Campbell remains in the NFL for two years, he will have the option of buying out the remainder of his education and working as a reserve for six years. If he doesn't play professional football for two years, he would move on with his career in the Army.
Whatever he decides to do, it will involve serving in the U.S Army in some capacity. There are many Soldiers in the Army who are not honoring their commitment. We shouldn't codemn this young man simply because he's not going straight to Iraq. People should redirect their concern and agression toward the U.S. Government, which is why we went over there and are still there in the first place. Go Detroit Lions!

Posted April 30, 2008

jeffwend says:

I think it is great that Caleb is going to the NFL. On Tuesdays, he will be doing recruiting and he is going to add some grit to the Detroit defense.

Posted April 29, 2008

No way, send him off to active duty!

 

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