2013 NFL Draft: Hopeful Re-Enlists In Marines
By Mike Dyce
Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
We all remember the great Pat Tillman, who left a promising NFL career to fight for freedom with the armed forces after the attacks on September 11th. Now, another NFL hopeful is giving up a shot at a career in the NFL to join the military.
Brandon O’Brien was a long shot to make the NFL. He was a 30 year old wide receiver out of Montana State Northern University of the Frontier Conference.
Not exactly high on anyone’s radars or draft boards. Plus his age leaves many wondering. I mean, we though Brandon Weeden was old last year.
He first served his country for 4 years in the Marines before going to college. Than at college he did very well on the field. He was even putting together solid dimes while training at the Athletes Performance Institute. At 6-1 and 220 pounds he ran a 4.56 40 yard dash.
But Brandon’s agent told NFL.com that his client would be abandoning his NFL dreams after seeing the tragedy at the Boston Marathon.
“He said watching what happened yesterday left him with a big hole in his heart and told me he wants to ensure that this never happens again to anybody, anywhere. The kid is a real hero,” O’Brien’s agent, Brad Berkowitz, said.
This man is a hero. And from all of us at NFL Spin Zone we thank you for your service to our country and we will keep you in our prayers.