Last year, Eric Kettani started the season on the Patriots’ practice squad, but he had to leave when the U.S. Navy called him back to active duty. Now the Navy has informed Kettani that he will be permitted to make football his primary focus.
Kettani, a fullback who played college football at the U.S. Naval Academy, requested an early release from active duty so he could pursue an NFL career, and the Navy announced that Kettani has been granted that release.
For much of 2011 Kettani was allowed to practice with the Patriots while also serving the Navy by giving it publicity and working with the Wounded Warrior Project. Then in October Kettani was ordered to report to his Navy ship in Jacksonville, telling him in a letter, “As our nation is at war, it is important to ensure we maintain our commitment to the nation’s defense.”
Now Kettani has been granted his wish, and he’ll be with the Patriots throughout the offseason, with a chance to make the roster and play for all of 2012.
