Michael Sam isn’t heroic. How many other people drafted that late become that famous and make that much money? None.
Do you know who is heroic? Alejandro Villanueva.
This tribute to Alejandro is written by another hero, Allen West:
The NFL draft is over and there was much ado over former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel and the first openly gay football player, Michael Sam. Of course, more media attention was given to Sam and “that kiss” when he learned he was drafted.
And astonishingly enough, comments about Sam’s kiss with his boyfriend drew some football players fines and a trip to adult timeout. Remember when NBA player, Jason Collins, came out as openly gay and the attention he received? Front page covers and a call from the president himself.
However, has anyone heard even a peep about Alejandro Villanueva? Well, he was picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles – a strapping fella at 6’9″ and most important, a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point, and a former Army Ranger.
The defensive lineman spent the past four years as an active member of the United States Army. The Eagles watched him perform at a regional combine in Detroit last month. He last played football in 2009 for Army as a wide receiver, converting to that position before his senior season. Villanueva served as the Black Knights’ offensive captain in 2009 and led the team in receptions (34), yards (522) and touchdowns (five). He began his career at Army as a reserve defensive lineman and transitioned to left tackle in 2008, starting all 12 games at that position as a junior.
Villanueva graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in systems engineering and was commissioned into the Army in May 2010 as a lieutenant in the infantry. During his first deployment to Afghanistan, Villanueva earned the Bronze Star Medal for valor for moving forward under enemy fire to pull wounded soldiers from an isolated position, according to the Eagles’ release. He later volunteered for the U.S. Army Rangers program and served two more tours in Afghanistan.
Villanueva will bring to the Eagles a sense of duty and honor and a toughness that goes beyond just playing the game of football.
This guy wasn’t afraid of taking a bullet for this country, I doubt he is afraid of his competition in the NFL. I wish him nothing but the best, success, and happiness. I will definitely be cheering this patriot on!
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