Instead of hearing his name called in the recent NFL Draft, Wyatt Middleton will graduate May 27 from the U.S. Naval Academy and be commissioned as an ensign. The defensive back from Norcross and played at Marist must serve his country before going pro.
It would be awesome to go straight to the NFL, but I wouldn’t trade anything for my experience at the academy. Not one moment with my teammates, or anything.
It takes a special person to come here. It’s not just a prestigious academic school that requires physical, mental, and intellectual toughness. Internally, a person must make the decision at age 17 or 18 to serve the country.
Here, you are surrounded by people who will lay their lives down for our country, so everyone can live a normal life. It’s really humbling. There’s so much pride, courage and honor behind that.
The military liaison to the football team, Capt. Bryce McDonald, damaged his entire leg in Afghanistan when a mortar exploded. Other men would have given up, but he’s training us every day with a selfless attitude.
At commissioning, we become officers. Our decisions could change lives. Our country puts their trust and security in our hands. Nothing but the best is expected.
I will be temporarily assigned with the Navy football team, working as a graduate assistant coach. After six months, I’ll be on a minesweeper based in San Diego, with an engineering duty option. Deployment is possible, and we all know the risks. I believe I am prepared for any challenges.
After 21/2 years of Navy service, I can attend MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to get my masters in any type of engineering. Possibly I could serve 18 months and finish my military commitment through the reserves. At that point, I could play professional football.
I’ve worked hard as a midshipmen in the classroom, in military training and on the football field. I would be extremely proud to see my commitment and work ethic actualized in the National Football League. I’ve worked out with various teams and would love to join any of their prestigious programs.
I will continue to train mentally and physically, inspired by role models, including my brother, William Middleton, cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
My parents taught me to make sure that I always have a path for success. I feel incredibly confident that I do. As a 2011 graduate of the Naval Academy, a systems engineer, the Roger Staubach Award recipient and a football record holder, I am very optimistic about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead of me.
I have no regrets. Naval Academy experiences have made me the man I am today. I am where I am supposed to be and many paths of success lie ahead.
-- Reported by Michelle Hiskey
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