Baltimore Ravens rookie Keenan Reynolds has received the support of the Naval Academy to play in the NFL this season, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus told The Dan Patrick Show on Friday.
Seeking final approval, Mabus submitted a request to Secretary of Defense Ash Carter for Reynolds to be permitted to play this season and beyond, and "strongly recommended" it be granted.
New England Patriots second-year long snapper Joe Cardona also was granted support Friday. Both players would be expected to fulfill their commitments in the Navy Reserves. Graduates of the academy are normally required to serve five years in active duty before being free to pursue professional careers.
Reynolds set a Football Bowl Subdivision record for career touchdowns (88) and rushing yards for a quarterback (4.559). A sixth-round pick, he now is trying to convert to wide receiver and returner.
Reynolds' agent, Che Mock, told The Baltimore Sun he had not spoken with his client since the ruling.
"Naturally, we were hoping this would be the outcome," Mock said. "We are thrilled to hear the news and very glad the Secretary of the Navy is recognizing there is an opportunity to still serve while having this platform to play in the NFL and promote the Navy."
