- Former Naval Academy football captain Cameron Kinley was given permission on Tuesday to play in the
NFL . - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Kinley's active-duty service will be delayed while he's in the NFL.
- Kinley has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted rookie corner back.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has granted former Naval Academy football captain Cameron Kinley permission to delay his active-duty service to play in the NFL.
The move will allow Kinley, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted rookie corner back, to attend training camps with the team this month.
"This plan will see Cameron enlisted in the Inactive Ready Reserve for the duration of his football career," Austin said in a statement. "Upon completion of his playing time, we look forward to welcoming him back inside the ranks as a naval officer."
Kinley's request to play in the NFL was previously denied, and in a statement on Twitter that he said he was "extremely appreciative" of Austin's decision.
"I am excited to represent our fine military in the National Football League," he said. "This past month has been very challenging and I am thankful for everyone who has supported me in any way."