Former NFL offensive lineman Daryn Colledge has decided to join a new team and enlist in the United States military.
The former Packers player posted a message on Twitter that reads:
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 a year of retirement, a much needed vacation, and overdue time with my family, I’ve decided to hit the free agent market. 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. With the support of my family, friends I look forward to the work, and road ahead.
— Daryn Colledge (@DarynColledge) March 22, 2016
The former Boise State star, who retired from the NFL after the 2014 season, seems excited for his future, telling ESPN, “I’ll do what I did in the league: I’ll grind my butt off and I’ll show that I have a commitment.”
Colledge’s ultimate goal is to become a Black Hawk helicopter crew chief, according to ESPN.
He also certainly isn’t the first professional athlete to join the military. Pat Tillman left the Arizona Cardinals and was killed in action during the war on terrorism. (RELATED: Arizona State Football Team Wears Special Uniforms To Honor Former Player Who Was Killed In Afghanistan)