NFL Trade Rumors 2014: Ex-Army Captain Signs with Philadelphia Eagles

Alejandro Villanueva, a retired army captain, might be joining the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Yahoo! Sports.

On May 5, 2014, the Eagles announced that the ex-army ranger will be signing with them. Villanueva served the United States Army for four years before becoming part of the 53-roster of the Eagles.

Villanueva was discovered by an NFL scout in Detroit at the super regional combine. He last played football as a wide receiver for the Army in 2009. He was a former offensive team captain with a record of 522 yards, five touchdowns and 34 receptions. According to the Eagles, Villanueva is highly athletic and will be a good addition to their defensive line. Depending on his performance at training camp during the offseason, the Eagles may proceed to enlist him in their official roster.

According to Bleacher Report, the Cincinatti Bengals were also interested in Villanueva, asking him to tryout after he finished his senior year. However, he started serving the army, being assigned in Afghanistan and other parts of the Middle East. He received numerous awards during his army service, particularly the Bronze Star Medal for Valor.

The official website of the Philadelphia Eagles reported that the team is looking forward to Villanueva becoming a part of their defensive line. When he played football before 2009, he was playing offense but the Eagles felt that his 6-foot-9 277-pound frame would boost their defense better. Villanueva is 25 years old and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Sciences in Systems Engineering.

He served the 10th Mountain Division and served as a Rifle Platoon Leader in Afghanistan for a year. He earned his Bronze Medal for Valor after rescuing wounded soldiers under enemy fire. After Afghanistan, Villanueva became a Rifle Company Executive Officer. He was again deployed to Afghanistan a couple more times. In Belgium, he played football and basketball. He spent most of his younger years in Spain, where he engaged in swimming and rugby.