From 1st Round to Undrafted: How the US Government Almost Kept this Player From the NFL

On this Memorial Day, we will look into the precarious relationship the United States Military has with the professional sports leagues. But, if it were not for the sacrifices of the bravest among us, we would not be able to enjoy the simple pleasure of a professional game. So, thank you to all who have given their lives to protect this great nation.

Lauri Markkanen, the NBA All-Star, recently reported to the Defense Forces’ Sports School in Helsinki, Finland.  There, Markkanen is set to fulfill part of his mandatory service as a Finnish male under the age of 30.  He will be trained as a reconnaissance squad while also affording special training as a professional athlete.  Once the Utah Jazz were eliminated from postseason contention, Markkanen chose this offseason to begin his mandatory military service.  He plans to fulfill part of his service during this offseason, returning for the FIBA tournament and the NBA season, and the remaining months in a future offseason.  The seven foot forward can already be seen with a shaved head towering over his servicemembers while standing in military formation.  Markkanen is far from the first high profile athlete to leave his professional sport to fulfill military service.  Finland is the homeland of many successful hockey players, including Mikko Koivu, Jussi Jokinen, and Olli Maata, all of whom had served their country similar to Markkanen.  Leo Komarov, currently playing hockey in Sweden and most recently on the New York Islanders roster, described it simply, “they just teach you how to be a man and how to use a gun.”

Unlike Finland, the United States does not have mandatory military service for males.  However, students of the military academies—West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, etc.—have service contracts to fulfill upon graduation.  Taxpayer dollars goes toward paying for the education of these future military officers, who return the favor by serving their country.  While other countries opt for short-term mandatory service, the United States keeps military enlistment high through government funded programs.  The Montgomery GI Bill, Post-9/11 GI Bill, and the military academies all entice military service by easing the costs of higher education.  This recruitment strategy does not create great football programs, however.  The free education and subsequent affluent life, that a secondary education degree affords graduates of military academies, can be easily replicated by scholarships and a potential professional sport career, that is given away by state schools across the country.  Prospects who choose to play for a military academy also have additional military training and a rigid military contract, post-graduation.  The military academies, at a significant disadvantage when recruiting top tier talent for their football programs, must use pride of country as their primary recruiting tactic.  Luckily for the Army Black Knights, serving his country is an honor for Andre Carter II.

It has been a tumultuous journey to the NFL for Andre Carter II.  Expectations of an NFL career had fluttered greatly throughout the process.  One of the main impediments was the United States government. 

In 2019, President Trump directed the Pentagon to draft a new policy to allow athletes of military academies to defer their service in favor of a professional playing career.  Defense Secretary Esper signed a memo allowing certain athletes to gain a waiver that would allow them to defer their service until after their playing career.  To qualify athletes would have to have a reasonable chance of playing professionally and the ability to further the marketing efforts of the military, through that athlete’s exposure.  The waiver would be reviewed every year upon those qualifications. 

However, recently, in December of 2022, the annual defense authorization bill reversed the language.  Now, failing to complete two years of service, post-graduation, is a breach of contract.  Once the two years of service as an officer are fulfilled, an athlete can apply for a waiver.  Representative Mike Gallagher, a Marine Corps veteran, himself, updated the rule to comply with the ultimate goal of military academies; “U.S. military service academies exist to produce warfighters, not professional athletes.” The explanatory language further explains that selections to these academies are a zero-sum game.  A spot that is given to someone who does not intend to fulfill their service could have been given to any one of the very qualified people who did not get selected. 

Andre Carter II entered his collegiate football career as an unranked prospect with very few Division I offers.  Carter II needed to fill out his frame to reach the next level.  The Army Black Knights were an attractive choice for Carter II because he can serve his country while also keeping the opportunity to play in the NFL open.

During his college career, Carter II added 40 pounds of weight onto his 6’7” frame.  And by 2021, Carter II was a bona fide pass rusher.  During his sophomore offseason, Carter II had the opportunity to transfer to a better football program.  The decision to transfer or stay was different for Carter II than the other college athletes across the country.  If Carter II stays, he affirms his service.  This means he must fulfill his service requirement either as a military officer or civil servant, or he has to pay the government back $400,000.  The $400,000 figure comes from the training and education he received.  But, cadets can chose to not affirm and walk away, or in Carter’s case, transfer.  He would not owe any money, and there is no service requirement.  Carter II chose loyalty and remained with his coach and program at Army, affirming his service. 

The next season he led the entire NCAA in sacks, skyrocketing his draft stock.  Carter II could potentially be a first-round pick.  So, again, to stay or to leave.  At this point, having affirmed, Carter II would have to pay back the $400,000.  But, it might be a wise investment if his rookie salary is $20 million over four years.  Bigger programs with better coaching staffs and more training resources could guarantee his named be called on draft day.  Carter II chose to be loyal, once again, and finish school and remain committed to the contract he signed with his country.

Carter’s senior season was less than stellar.  Carter’s production dropped.  However, Mel Kiper Jr., a prominent NFL draft analyst, had Carter II as his 22^nd overall prospect in the upcoming draft, as of December of 2022.  It seemed that Carter’s choice to stay was rewarded.

That changed when 10 USCS § 7448 was proposed a few weeks after Carter’s final collegiate game.  His draft eligibility was in question and this new bill could cost Carter II millions of dollars.  The decision to honor his commitment was hinged on his ability to defer his service until after his pro football career.  Carter II stayed true to his word, but the government did not.  Carter’s parents were blindsided by the new legislation, and their comments were heard by lawmakers.

By the next congressional session, congressmen, including Representative Gallagher, made a carve out to the law that grandfathered in athletes who made their decision before June 1^st, 2021.  The dutiful actions by the lawmakers to alter the law for Andre Carter II was abnormally expedient.  So, just as fast as Carter’s dreams were extinguished, they were relit, once again. 

But, by the NFL draft this former 1^st round prospect went undrafted.  What happened?  Did the service requirement scare teams off? Perhaps, but according to one AFC Executive, other poor performances played into the mix.  A bad showing at the combine (only putting up 11 reps on the bench) and a poor performance at the Senior Bowl dropped his draft stock.  Carter II was poised to be the highest drafted player from the service academies in decades, but it was not in the cards.  Most draft analysts had Carter II in the late round range by the time the draft had arrived, but his size and production in college were enticing enough to take a shot on.  Some undrafted players make more in compensation than the late round picks because many teams are bidding on the same player.  Carter II, and perhaps his agent, may have preferred to go undrafted once they got into the late rounds in the draft.  This way, he has his choice of where to go, and could get a more amenable contract.  Shortly after the NFL draft ended, Carter II signed with the Minnesota Vikings with $340,000 guaranteed. 

While it was a turbulent ride of expectations for Andre Carter II, he eventually made it to the desired destination.  Only time will tell if his loyalty to the Army was the right decision.  Whether financially correct or not, it is refreshing to see someone stick to their word and serve their country, despite the temptations of fame and fortune.

References:

10 USCS § 7448