After playing nine seasons in the NFL, former offensive lineman Daryn Colledge has found his next challenge—and it’s one that most former athletes wouldn’t have the guts to do, as Colledge has decided to join the Army National Guard.
Following retirement prior to the 2015 season, the 6’4″, 308-pound behemoth said that he did some soul-searching for his next adventure and for a new purpose, which led him to serve his country.
Announcing his intentions on Twitter, here’s what he said about his decision:
“After a year of retirement, a much needed vacation, and overdue time with my family, I’ve decided to hit the free agent market. Today I am proud to announce I have thrown my hat back in the ring and decided to join a new team, start a new chapter, and seek out a new adventure. After much deliberation and discussion, I’m proud to sign my longest term deal of all time, 8 yrs and have enlisted in the Army National Guard. After all my time in the NFL, traveling, meeting, and supporting the troops, I’ve decided to step up and stand shoulder to shoulder with them. This was not a decision made lightly, we live in an ever changing world, and at this time in my life I feel it is best served with me in defense of my family, state, country.”
Sworn into an eight-year commitment yesterday afternoon, Colledge’s first six years will be on active duty, with the last two being in the reserves, and his goal is to become a Black Hawk crew chief—although he said he may transition those two reserve years into another eight years of active duty.
Talking to ESPN, here’s what else the former NFL player said about why he made the decision he did:
“I’ll do what I did in the league: I’ll grind my butt off and I’ll show that I have a commitment…This was the best and fastest way for me to get in the air and serve our country.”
After making over $24 million, Colledge felt his purpose was more than just football, adding:
“You play football, you chase the money, you chase the dream, you go up a long time doing that, and then I think you get to a certain point in your life, and you decide the things that are important to you,” he said. “For a long time it wasn’t about money for me. It became about other things, and I wanted to do something that was bigger than myself.”
We all look at our athletes at heroes, but Daryn Colledge is proof that he’s the definition of the word, taking the leap to serve our country and protect our freedom.
[H/T Pro Football Talk, ESPN]