Historically, many National Football League (NFL) players have chosen to enlist in the US military. While this tradition has largely waned over the years, there are still occasions when NFL athletes choose to serve. Regrettably, some of those who enlisted did not return home, giving their lives in combat.
Bob Kalsu
Bob Kalsu, originally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, made a name for himself as a standout athlete at the University of Oklahoma, where he shone as an offensive tackle and earned All-American accolades during his senior year. After college, Kalsu was drafted by the Buffalo Bills and served as a starting guard throughout the 1968 season.
Instead of accepting an athletic scholarship, Kalsu enrolled at the University of Oklahoma through a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps scholarship. Upon graduation, he completed his military service by enlisting in the US Army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division.
In November 1969, Kalsu was deployed to South Vietnam. Tragically, on July 21, 1970, he lost his life during the Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord when his unit was struck by a mortar attack. Although his career was brief, he was posthumously honored with a spot on the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame, and a football stadium at Dell City High School in Oklahoma was named in his memory.
Jack Lummus
Jack Lummus was born in Ellis County, Texas in 1915. A football and track star, he attended Baylor University on an athletic scholarship. After an All-American career in college, he signed with the New York Giants as a free agent.
While Lummus made the team as a rookie, he only played nine games before World War II broke out. As soon as the season ended, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and was given command of a rifle platoon on Iwo Jima.
While attacking enemy strongholds during the Battle of Iwo Jima, Lummus stepped on a land mine, losing both of his legs. He later died on the operating table, and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor.
The football player’s commanding officer wrote in a letter to Lummus’ mother, “Jack suffered very little for he didn’t live long. I saw Jack soon after he was hit. With calmness, serenity and complacency, Jack said, ‘The New York Giants lost a good man.’ We all lost a good man.”
Al Blozis
Al Blozis was born in 1919 in Garfield, New Jersey. From a young age, his large stature set him apart, and he participated in various track and field events. His talents led him to Georgetown University, where he competed in shot put, discus, and football.
Upon graduating, Blozis signed with the New York Giants and quickly made his mark. He earned a spot on the All-Star team in 1942 and was named an All-Pro the following year. He was later honored posthumously with a place on the 1940s All-Decade Team and induction into the Giants Ring of Honor.
For years, Blozis attempted to join the US Army, but his impressive size, which contributed to his football success, also led to his rejection from military service. Eventually, he persuaded officials to overlook the size requirements, allowing him to enlist in 1943. After completing officer training at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) in Georgia, he was deployed to the Vosges Mountains in France.
Tragically, Blozis went missing while searching for two soldiers from his platoon who had disappeared. Initially listed as missing in action (MIA), his death was later confirmed, and his remains were buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in Saint-Avold, Moselle, France.
Don Steinbrunner
Don Steinbrunner was born in Bellingham, Washington in 1932. He played both football and basketball at Washington State College and was the captain of both teams. Following his college career, Steinbrunner joined the Cleveland Browns. He only played one season for the team and participated in 1953’s Championship Game, which the Browns lost.
In 1954, Steinbrunner joined the US Air Force to fulfill his Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) requirements. He chose to forgo his football career due to a knee injury and stayed in the service, helping to coach the US Air Force Academy’s team over four seasons.
In 1966, Steinbrunner was offered a safe assignment during the Vietnam War, but refused. In July 1967, the Fairchild C-123 Provider he was flying aboard during a mission to spray Agent Orange was shot down by enemy small-arms fire. He and the others were killed.
The first NFL player to be killed in Vietnam, Steinbrunner was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Pat Tillman
Pat Tillman was a star athlete growing up in Fremont, California, and played college ball at Arizona State. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 7th Round and became a key contributor to the team. In 2000, he was named to Sports Illustrated‘s All-Pro team.
Following the 9/11 attacks, Tillman turned down a contract that would pay him over $1 million a year to enlist in the US Army. After completing basic training, he was sent to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He then attended Army Ranger School, after which he was deployed to Afghanistan.
Want War History Online‘s content sent directly to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter here!
On April 22, 2004, Tillman was shot near the village of Sperah. While it was initially reported he had been killed by enemy forces, it was later revealed to be a friendly fire incident. Tillman became the first NFL player to be killed in action since the death of Bob Kalsu.
Leave a Comment