Former Arizona Cardinals defensive back Jimmy Legree has chosen to chase a different childhood dream, leaving the NFL and enlisting in the Army. The 28-year old began Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma back in December to pursue a career as a communications specialist.
“I went a different route by going to college and playing football, but once that window was closed I reverted back to my Plan A, which was joining the military,” Legree said.
Legree graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2013 and played two seasons for the Cardinals in 2014 and 2015 after having been signed to the Seattle Seahawks for a short time in 2014.
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He said the transition from the NFL to basic training was an easy one because of the same expectations for accountability and discipline.
“You have your head coaches that’s similar to drill sergeants who are correcting any mistakes that you make,” he said. “In football, you wear a helmet and shoulder pads, and here you wear your ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet) and all your equipment.”
Legree said he’s proud to serve his country and that, “Every day it is a mental challenge, and every day you have to remind yourself why you joined, why you’re here and get through the day the best way you can.”
