As one of many high prospects on this yr’s NFL Draft, Texas Tech star Jacob Rodriguez will quickly notice his dream, feeling the exhilaration of changing into a professional soccer participant.
However earlier than draft night time, got here one other thrill: flying a Black Hawk helicopter together with his Army spouse driving shotgun. Kind of. Rodriguez obtained to pilot a simulator not too long ago in a video for USAA, one of many NFL’s main sponsors.
“Being a army partner means rather a lot to me. It’s about being part of one thing greater than your self,” Rodriguez advised USAA. “I’m blown away by how cool of a job she has.”
For a pair that hasn’t seen one another rather a lot the previous a number of years, it made for the right date night time. Together with his spouse, Emma, serving as an Army pilot, and Rodriguez attending school and starring for the Pink Raiders, the highschool sweethearts spent seven years dwelling aside.
“We’ve been collectively for seven years, and we’ve been doing lengthy distance for seven years,” Emma Rodriguez stated. “But when Jacob went to the (NFL) Mix and did very well, we’d get to stay collectively … and that occurred.”
“Regardless that our time collectively is brief, it’s very significant,” Jacob Rodriguez stated.
Going to a New Staff
Quickly, life will change once more when Rodriguez finds his NFL residence.
The rugged 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker, who completed fifth within the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting, is projected to be picked within the second spherical of the draft, April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
As a army partner, Rodriguez is used to an unpredictable future. Emma stated deployments may be tough for households as a result of service members spend months away from family members.
“Being aside, for him and for me, that was the primary expertise of what army households should undergo,” Emma Rodriguez stated, holding again tears. “For service members, lots of life moments occur whereas they’re deployed. It may be actually exhausting to undergo.”
It doesn’t matter what group Rodriguez finally ends up with and wherever his spouse’s army profession takes her, the couple’s dedication to one another is unwavering.
“It doesn’t matter what it takes, I’ll be along with her by way of something,” Jacob Rodriguez stated. “I’m blessed to have a greatest good friend and associate like Emma, who’s all the time there to help me. Partnering with USAA for the Salute to Service NFL Draft content material was enjoyable for us, and vital for me to present my help and appreciation for her and all of the army households in our nice nation.”
Ohio State Star, Army Grandpa
Like Rodriguez, fellow draft prospect Caleb Downs’ army expertise is solid in household.
Downs, a security at Ohio State, not too long ago joined his grandfather, Army veteran Gary Downs Sr., on a go to to veterans at a Disabled American Veterans chapter in Columbus, Georgia. Listening to tales from his grandfather, and people of former service members who sacrificed each psychological and bodily wants for the army, made Downs admire the dedication they gave to a larger trigger.
“It’s nice to be on the DAV and listen to tales from individuals who have lots of experiences and lots of knowledge to share,” Downs advised USAA.
Downs Sr. spent virtually 23 years within the Army (1976-1998), as a bounce grasp. He served in bases throughout the U.S., Germany and South Korea.
“Any time you’ll be able to sit down and discuss to different veterans from the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Drive, it’s nice,” Downs Sr. stated.
Rising up, Downs seemed to his army grandfather for route.
“I have grown to the individual I’m at present due to the help and energy from my grandpa – my self-discipline, poise, and management are all traits he discovered from the army that had been instilled in me,” Downs stated. “I’ve tried to have that very same stoicism.”
Overcoming the Odds
Listening to veterans’ tales of perseverance, Downs’ highway to the NFL felt much less arduous, in comparison with what they’ve been by way of. Downs, a 6-foot, 205-pound defensive again, is an elite prospect, projected to be chosen within the high ten. Solely a junior, Downs is a two-time All-American and the 2025 Huge Ten Defensive Participant of the Yr.
“As I see my desires of enjoying within the NFL come true, it was an honor to associate with USAA and the DAV to join with veterans and present my appreciation for our nation’s heroes to allow them to really feel the identical satisfaction that I’ll when my title is named on Draft night time,” he stated.
Some veterans famous the similarities between soccer and the army, leaning on teamwork, sacrifice and self-discipline to realize objectives. Others emphasised that whereas Downs has the athleticism and bodily attributes to succeed, having sturdy psychological well being can be very important for all times in professional soccer.
“I thanks all for the knowledge that you simply shared, and I admire you all for displaying up at present,” Downs stated. “Thanks to your service and every thing you’ve meant to this nation and to your households as properly.”
All of it made a proud grandpa swell with satisfaction.
“It’s been a pleasure; Caleb was simply so excited to do that … my coronary heart, I’m drowning in tears,” Downs Sr. stated.
