Missed this one while I was on vacation: Our lone service academy alum in the NFL last season, former Naval Academy fullback Kyle Eckel, has signed with the Denver Broncos. Terms of his deal have not been reported. Eckel, a 2005 USNA grad, is the second former service academy player to sign with the Broncos this offseason. Recent Air Force Academy graduate Ben Garland, a defensive lineman, signed a free-agent deal with the team earlier this offseason. The Broncos are the fifth different franchise Eckel has played for in his now five-year pro career. Last season Eckel won a Super…
Browsing: Denver Broncos
Air Force Academy defensive end Ben Garland watched the NFL Draft with a hope, but not an expectation to get a call from an NFL team. Names kept running across the bottom of the screen of ESPN’s draft coverage when Garland’s phone starting ringing. The Denver Broncos asked if he wanted to go to their mini-camp. Garland never expected to garner any NFL interest. Not until the Air Force Academy’s strength and conditioning coach approached him after the Falcons’ bowl game had anyone ever mentioned it. It’s not that Garland didn’t have the type of standout senior year that leads…
Air Force senior defensive lineman Ben Garland has signed a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos. Garland, a second-team All-Mountain West Conference selection, led the Falcons in sacks (4.5) and tackles for a loss (10.5) last season. He also forced a fumble and blocked two kicks. Don’t expect Garland to be on the Invesco Field sidelines next season, however. Per DoD rules, service members must serve two years on active duty before applying for early release from their five-year commitment. Former Air Force standout Chad Hall, who signed with the Eagles in March, and former Army defensive back Caleb…
