Former Ft. Leonard Wood soldier signs NFL contract thanks to new military waiver
(KMOX) - A former basic training platoon leader at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri is beginning a new career, as an NFL lineman and he’s thanking President Donald Trump for allowing him the opportunity.
Brett Toth signed his first professional contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, after he was given a military waiver and allowed to defer his military service obligation to begin a career in pro sports. He graduated from Army in 2018 and is one of the first to take advantage of a new policy.
“First and foremost, it couldn’t have been done without President Trump making the initiative to send athletes to professional sports,” Toth said Sunday before his first practice with the team. “It’s going to be a huge advertising tool for the Army.
“It’s a long process for sure, no doubt about it. With the help of the staff from my level down in Fort Leonard Wood, all the way up to the Chief of Staff of the Army.”
Toth signed a three-year contract with Philadelphia and plans to continue his military work during his free time by working with the nearby Temple University ROTC program when he isn’t taking part in his football obligations.
Trump issued a memo in June to revise a Defense Department policy whereby service academy graduates must serve at least two years before pursuing professional athletic careers. Typically, service academy graduates must serve five years on active duty and three years in a reserve status to fulfill their military obligation.
In July, the Minnesota Vikings signed long snapper and Air Force graduate Austin Cutting to a four-year contract after Trump announced the police change.
