Great name, Weston Steelhammer. Sounds like a porn star alias, or the name of a safety who delivers big hits.

He’s got an interesting background story as well. Steelhammer actually finished his college career at Air Force several years ago and took part in Eagles minicamp back in 2017. However, he had to complete a two-year military service commitment before playing professional ball.

From Pro Football Talk:

For the last two years, Steelhammer has been serving in the Air Force, as required by the U.S. Department of Defense, but now his active-duty obligation is over and he’s free to pursue an NFL career.

The military has changed the rules through the years for players from Army, Navy and Air Force who have NFL opportunities. At some times, players have been required to serve as many as five years before playing, while at other times players have been allowed to go straight from college football to the NFL. President Trump said this week that he is considering changing the current rule and allowing service academy players to turn pro immediately without any compulsory military service.

A three-year starter at Air Force, Steelhammer played youth football with Eagles coach Doug Pederson’s son, and Pederson was happy to give him an opportunity once he and fulfilled his commitment.

That’s pretty cool/interesting.

I did some light Friday afternoon research and didn’t find any current Army players in the NFL, though the Patriots’ long snapper, Joe Cardona, went to the Naval Academy, as did Seattle practice squad quarterback Keenan Reynolds. Another long snapper, Austin Cutting, went to the Air Force Academy, and was drafted two weeks ago by the Vikings.

Please join me in thanking Mr. Steelhammer for his service to our country. I hope he makes the team and lays the Steelhammer on an unsuspecting receiver coming across the middle.

His career stats and a highlight video, after the jump:

He’s #8 in the video: