Do academy athletes have the option to go pro before completing military service?

I've read about academy athletes wanting to pursue professional sports, and I'm curious how military service obligations come into play. Is it possible to go pro first and then return to fulfill the military commitment? Would love to hear real stories!

Yes, academy athletes do have the opportunity to pursue a career in professional sports before they fulfill their military service obligation. Although service academies primarily prepare students for a career in the military, they also recognize the unique opportunities that come with professional sports.

Due to a policy change in November 2019 by the Department of Defense, service academy athletes can now seek to delay their military service in order to pursue professional sports. However, this is not guaranteed and depends on approval by the Secretary of Defense. If approved, these athletes can start their professional careers right after graduation and defer their service commitment until their sports career is complete.

One high-profile example is Keenan Reynolds from the Naval Academy. After being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2016 NFL Draft, he was allowed to serve his military commitment in the Naval Reserve while pursuing his career in the NFL. This policy change allows athletes like Reynolds to take advantage of unique opportunities in pro sports while maintaining their commitment to serve.

That being said, it is critical to remember that the mission of service academies is to produce leaders for the military. The opportunity to defer service to play professional sports is an exception, not the norm. Most cadets and midshipmen will serve in the military upon graduation, and that expectation is a fundamental part of the service academy ethos. The option for athletes to go pro is not a guaranteed right but rather a special provision that requires approval on a case-by-case basis.