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From West Point to the NFL: Army’s Football Legacy

More Than Just Soldiers

It’s somewhat hard to fathom, but there have been quite a few Army football players in the NFL.

While no one thinks of West Point as a football factory in the same vein as major college programs, it doesn’t take much research to unearth the Army Black Knights and their contributions to pro football. This past (2024) season saw the nationally-ranked United States Military Academy win 11 of 13 games and a first-ever (American Athletic) conference title.

The losses, to Notre Dame and Navy, did not overshadow a fine year which ended with a berth in the Independence Bowl against fill-in opponent Louisiana Tech (results were TBA as of this writing).

Before this story goes any further, it’s a fun factoid that the Army had three Heisman-winning running backs, Felix ‘Doc’ Blanchard in 1945, Glenn Davis (1946), and Pete Dawkins (1958).

Dawkins, at age 86, is the oldest living winner of the Heisman. 

As a guide to the initiated, here’s a look at what the Black Knights on the Hudson brought to the National Football League…

Which Army Football Players Have Transitioned Successfully to the NFL?

There was a rule that service academy players had to fulfill their military obligations before embarking on a career in the National Football League. That’s no longer the case, as the best Army football players may defer their service until the end of their football careers.

Concerning those Black Knights who’ve played in the pros, neither aforementioned Heisman winners ‘Doc’ Blanchard, aka Mr. Inside, nor Pete Dawkins, ever went to the NFL. Both had successful careers in the military, with Dawkins earning a Rhodes scholarship as well.

Glenn ‘Mr. Outside’ Davis became the only Army Heisman winner to play in the NFL, with two seasons (1950-51) as a halfback with the Los Angeles Rams.

Overall, there have been 28 Black Knights drafted by teams in the NFL among a total of 37 who’ve played in the league.

Who are the Most Successful U.S. Army Football Players in NFL History?

It’s difficult to pinpoint the leader among the best Army football players, Starting with ‘Doc’ Blanchard (38 touchdowns, more than 1,900 yards), Glenn Davis (59 touchdowns [including frosh team), school-record 8.3 career yards/carry) and Pete Dawkins (1,800 total yards, 25 touchdowns). As was mentioned, only Davis played pro football (616 ground yards, nine total touchdowns) in Los Angeles.

Note that Alejandro Villanueva twice (2017-18) made the Pro Bowl as an offensive tackle with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was the first Cadet to earn that honor since 1951.

Are there any Coast Guard Football Players Who Have Played in the NFL?

In the category of Coast Guard football players in the NFL, a short list. ​Curt Knight, Washington then-Redskins placekicker, is the only player out of the United States Coast Guard Academy to make the National Football League. Appeared in 70 games over five seasons (1969-73), earning a Pro Bowl berth after totaling 114 points in 1971.

Who are Considered the Best Army Football Players of All Time?

The previously-mentioned duo of Glenn Davis and Alejandro Villaneuva both made the Pro Bowl, as did Tex Coulter, Bob Mischak, and Hampton Pool. Selecting a player(s) on that list of Army football players in the NFL would be a good place to start.

How Does the NFL Legacy of Navy Players Compare to that of Army Football Players?

Think of Navy NFL players and you immediately think of quarterback Roger Staubach. Winning the Heisman in 1963 before an 11-year, Hall of Fame career with the Dallas Cowboys, Staubach was one of the main reasons Dallas finally won the title. Do not discount the exploits of 1960 Heisman-winning halfback Joe Bellino, enjoying a three-season career with the Boston Patriots of the American Football League. Phil McConkey was a league champion with the New York Giants, while Napoleon McCallum had a six-season career in the NFL.

There is certainly a difference between Army and Navy when it comes to requirements and expectations, The two constants are dedication to the academy and devotion to the country.

Any Final Thoughts?

When the subject is the NFL Odds sportsbook, participation by the United States service academies might not be at the top of the list, but there have been any number of stars who first (or eventually) performed in those uniforms. As the NFL continues to mine all the college programs to go after players, do not be surprised if there are more names added.

George N.
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