Not necessarily. Dating back to Staubach, military academy players have gotten permission to play pro ball.
Even if not, it would be the a similar timeline as Taysom, serving his mission before returning to football.
I thought you were right until last spring when I found out different right here on SR. Apparently could get waivers — from 2018 — 2022.
In Dec. 2022, Congress passed the United States Armed Forces’ annual budget. The updated language prevents service academy athletes, such as those from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, from deferring their mandatory two years of active-duty service after graduation.
It reads, in part: “Agreement by a cadet or midshipman to play professional sport constitutes a breach of agreement to serve as an officer.” Once signed into law, the change would take place effective immediately. The bill was then passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate and was signed by President Joe Biden.