Department of Defense Changes The Rules For Professional Sports

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Department of Defense is taking another look at the way military academy graduates can make their way into professional sports after graduation, and former Navy Midshipman standout and Ravens draft pick Keenan Reynolds is to thank for it.

The quarterback turned wide receiver was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth-round. Record-breaking Reynolds is known for having the most rushing touchdowns in NCAA Division I history and the most career total touchdowns and yards rushing by a quarterback.

His success on the field prompted the DOD to take another look at the policy regarding the mandatory two-year active duty stint for students upon graduation.

Earlier this week, the Air Force Academy provided an new, updated policy making it clear that a professional sports career is a possible career path upon graduation.

The policy, which was changed in May, now reads: "A service member can request to be tendered an appointment in the reserve upon graduation and satisfy their commissioned service obligation in the Ready Reserve." Which basically means, students with athletic aspirations can look into those career paths.

Jim Knowlton, the Air Force athletic director, recently told the Washington Post, "There are many different ways that cadets can serve our nation."

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