Army, Navy, Air Force alumni in the NFL

Many service academy alumni participate in professional athletics around the world. Our goal is to provide periodic updates of these athletes and inform you of their recent performances. This professional sports update focuses on identifying where you can find former service academy football players currently in the NFL to get you better prepared for NFL opening weekend.

Joe Cardona (Navy ‘15) New England Patriots Long Snapper

Cardona will be playing his fourth year in the NFL and his fourth under Bill Belichick serving as the teams only rostered long snapper. The former Navy product is looking to appear in his third straight Super Bowl.

Ben Garland (Air Force ‘10) Atlanta Falcons Offensive Guard

This is Garland’s fourth year with the Falcons and his eighth in the NFL. He had his first two postseason starts of his career last season and should get plenty of time on the offensive line this season where he currently sits second on the depth chart at the left guard position.

Garrett Griffin (Air Force ‘16) New Orleans Saints Tight End (practice squad)

Griffin will be playing his third year in the NFL - all with the Saints. Griffin saw limited action last year and spent some time on the injured reserve before being named to this year’s practice team.

Keenan Reynolds (Navy ‘16) Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver (practice squad)

This is Reynolds’ third team in as many years with the NFL and many believed he had a chance to be the final WR to make the Seattle active roster. Instead, Reynolds will be spending his third year in a row on a practice squad as he continues to transition from QB to WR/KR.

Alejandro Villanueva (Army ‘10) Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Tackle.

Perhaps the most well-known service academy graduate in today’s NFL, Villanueva is returning from a 2017 Pro Bowl year and will continue to be a starting tackle for the Steelers where he has started every game over the last two years.

If you know of any other service academy graduates participating in professional athletics feel free to drop us a line on twitter @AAE_SBN so they can be appropriately recognized.