From Pat Tillman to Chuck Bednarik: Here are 5 NFL Players who served in the U.S. Military

Several NFL players have excelled not only on the field but also made tremendous sacrifices in the military. Their stories speak to a commitment to both sport and service and help inspire fans and other athletes. Here are Five NFL players who served in the Military of the United States. 

Pat Tillman

Pat Tillman was an Arizona Cardinals stalwart who was always characterized by his aggressive style and field presence. After three seasons in the NFL, he left that to join the U.S. Army after the September 11 attack. Tillman was an Army Ranger in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2002 until his tragic death in combat in 2004. His legacy lives on through awards such as the Pat Tillman Award for Service, which is given annually at the ESPY Awards, to recognize people who embody the spirit of the man in selfless service.

Alejandro Villanueva

Alejandro Villanueva's tale of coming from the military into the NFL is in itself a story. Just after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy, where he was an Army Ranger and served three tours in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2014. His heroic actions in Afghanistan earned him a Bronze Star Medal. Villanueva turned pro with football and went to the Pittsburgh Steelers, leaving the Philadelphia Eagles after a short stint there. He was quickly riveting, also seen as the first U.S. Only military academy graduate since 1951, Bednarik continued the story of academic excellence coupled with athletic prowess on the battlefield.

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Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik was one of the toughest linebackers in NFL history. Nicknamed "Concrete Charlie," Bednarik played for teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played a total of 14 seasons. Before his historic football career with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1949 to 1962, Bednarik was a World War II B-24 bomber pilot who flew over 30 combat missions against Germany. Nobody forgets his toughness on the gridiron after playing both offense and defense during one game; he is also recognized for his decisive contributions in winning two NFL championships. Inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967, Bednarik is widely acclaimed for both his football and military service careers.

Chad Hennings

Chad Hennings's road to becoming an offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys began with a dedication to his military service. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Hennings had a defensive tackle career until 1988 when he entered the NFL draft. He deployed twice for Persian Gulf War where he received an Air Force Achievement Medal for his work. Upon joining the Cowboys, Hennings played for nine years and became an integral part of the three Super Bowl wins while practicing the discipline and teamwork that he learned from military life.

Roger Staubach

Roger Staubach's legacy is etched in military service as one of the great quarterbacks in football. After winning the Heisman Trophy in the Navy, Staubach served five years in the U.S. Navy before joining the Dallas Cowboys in 1969. As a significant player, he took Dallas into four Super Bowls and won two championships. Off as well as on-field leadership established him to six Pro Bowl selection and a membership in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. Staubach's service to his country as well as his athletic prowess earns him the stature in both the worlds.