Daryn Colledge played nine seasons in the NFL, but now the retired lineman is joining a new team — the Army National Guard.
Daryn Colledge retired from the NFL in April, 2015 after a nearly decade-long career that featured stints with the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins. A year later, Colledge has decided to begin a new chapter in his life.
The former offensive lineman took to Twitter on Tuesday to announce his decision to enlist in the Army National Guard.
— Daryn Colledge (@DarynColledge) March 22, 2016
The National Guard’s history dates back to 1636, but contemporary soldiers in the Guard “hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part time,” according to the Guard’s official website. Guard soldiers can be called upon by both state and federal governments in times of need.
Colledge joins a decorated group of NFL players to serve their country. Pat Tillman put his football career on hold in 2002 to enlist in the Army Rangers, Hall of Famers Chuck Bednarik and Roger Staubach served time in the Army and Navy, respectively, and current Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva has served three tours in Afghanistan with the Army.
The 34-year-old Colledge, an Alaska native and a second-round pick out of Boise State in the 2006 NFL draft, helped the Packers defeat the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.