Retired NFL Veteran Daryn Colledge Enlists In National Guard

After a nine-year career in the NFL, former offensive guard Daryn Colledge has decided to sign an eight-year deal to enlist in the Army National Guard. Colledge retired from the NFL prior to the 2015 season.

Colledge, 34, made the announcement via Twitter on Tuesday, stating that after years of being a proud supporter of the troops, he has decided to join their ranks.

“Today I am proud to announce I have thrown my hat back in the ring and decided to join a new team, start a new chapter, and seek out a new adventure. After a year of retirement, a much needed vacation, and overdue time with my family, I’ve decided to hit the free agent market. After much deliberation, and discussion, I’m proud to sign my longest term deal of all time, 8 years and have enlisted in the Army National Guard. After all my time in the NFL, traveling, meeting, and supporting the troops, I’ve decided to step up and stand shoulder to shoulder with them. This was not a decision made lightly, we live in an ever changing world, and at this time in my life I feel it is best served with me in defense of my family, state, country. With the support of my family, friends I look forward to the work, and road ahead.”

Colledge, who was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2006 as a second-round pick out of Boise State, is one of several former NFL players to join the military. After four seasons with the Packers, he signed a lucrative free agent deal with the Arizona Cardinals, with whom he spent two years, before finally ending his career with the Miami Dolphins.

According to Spotrac, Colledge made more than $24.5 million in NFL salary throughout his career. In his nine years in the NFL, Colledge played 141 games, started in 137, and made three fumble recoveries.

Caption: GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 10: Defensive end J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans battles guard Dayrn Colledge #71 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 10, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)