Two top prospects in this year’s NFL Draft are sharing how the military background of their loved ones has forged their path to success.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez partnered with USAA and the Salute to Service NFL Draft to connect with their military roots.
Downs joined his grandfather, Gary Downs Sr., on a visit with a group of military veterans at the Disabled American Veterans Chapter in Columbus, Georgia.
Downs Sr. served in the Army as a Jump Master for 23 years and was stationed across the United States, Germany, and South Korea.
“My grandpa, he’s always been disciplined, he’s always been poised,” Downs said. “That discipline has always been passed down to us.”
“I have grown to the person I am today thanks to the support and strength from my grandpa – my discipline, poise, and leadership are all traits he learned from the military that were instilled in me,” he added.
Downs, Sr., a long-time member of the DAV, highlighted the camaraderie veterans have when speaking to other veterans. “Anytime you get to talk to other veterans, whether they’re in the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, it’s just great," he said.
Rodriguez traded his cleats for a date in the sky with his wife, Army Black Hawk pilot 1st Lt. Emma Rodriguez.
“I think being a military spouse means a lot to me, her being part of something bigger than herself,” he said. “When people first find out I’m married to a helicopter pilot, they are just blown away by what a cool job she has."
During the afternoon, the couple shared their love story and what it means to be a military family. The high school sweethearts are now living together for the first time due to Emma’s military commitments.
“It’s such a privilege to get to be around each other,” she said. “The time we get to spend together is short.”
The NFL Draft gets underway on Thursday, April 23.
Reach Julia LeDoux at julia@connectingvets.com.
