14 NFL players who lost their lives in combat over the years
Once, when the United States went to war, that war was felt by everyone in the country. The wars' effects seeped into every facet of American life. The primary reason for this was the draft. Selective service meant that anyone in America could be called up to serve and fight a war at any given time. This included movie stars, politicians, and even star athletes — some of whom never made it home.
Sports fans know the stories of baseball players Moe Berg (who served as an OSS agent during WWII) and Ted Williams (who was in the Navy and Marine Corps for WWII and the Korean War). Less well-known are those NFL players who fought for the United States. Football's popularity only came about relatively recently, whereas baseball has long been "America's Pastime."
When Spring Training rolls around, we'll remember the MLB players we've lost but, for now, let's take some time during the NFL's Salute to Service Month to remember those players who were also our brothers in the profession of arms. This is a list of those who died in combat; the list of the NFL's veterans is much, much longer.
https://www.wearethemighty.com/sports/nfl-players-died-in-combat
