15 Athletic Legends Who Answered The Military Call

Beyond their athletic triumphs, many sports legends exemplify a deeper story of courage and dedication. They excelled on the field and served with honor in the military. Explore the remarkable journeys of 15 athletes whose commitment to both sports and service inspires with every step.

Ted Williams

Beyond their athletic triumphs, many sports legends exemplify a deeper story of courage and dedication. They excelled on the field and served with honor in the military. Explore the remarkable journeys of 15 athletes whose commitment to both sports and service inspires with every step.

David Robinson

Ted Williams, one of baseball’s greatest hitters, interrupted his career not once but twice to serve in the Marine Corps and U.S. Navy amid World War II and the Korean War. Despite losing nearly five years of his prime, Williams still managed a .344 lifetime batting average and two MVP awards.

Pat Tillman

NFL star Pat Tillman made the ultimate sacrifice when he left his football career to join the U.S. Army after 9/11. Tillman’s bravery and tragic death in Afghanistan turned him into a symbol of heroism, highlighting the depth of his commitment to his country.

Roger Staubach

Roger Staubach’s incredible football career began after four years of active U.S. Navy duty, including a Vietnam tour. As the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, he guided the team to two Super Bowl triumphs and got the nickname “Captain America” for his leadership on and off the field.

Willie Mays

The “Say Hey Kid,” Willie Mays, took a break from his baseball career for service in the United States Army amid the Korean War. Mays’ military service temporarily halted his rise to stardom, but he returned to the game and became one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

Yogi Berra

After enlisting with the U.S. Navy during World War II, Yogi Berra participated in the D-Day invasion and began his incredible career with the New York Yankees. Berra’s experiences in the war instilled in him a toughness that he carried onto the field, which led to 10 World Series titles.

Bob Feller

Known as one of baseball’s greatest pitchers, Bob Feller was the first MLB player to join the U.S. Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Feller attained several commendations for military service in the course of World War II. His astuteness was as fierce as his fastball. 

Warren Spahn

As one of baseball’s all-time great pitchers, Warren Spahn served in World War II, where he earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. His military service mirrored his baseball career, which was marked by perseverance and excellence. Spahn’s return to the game saw him become MLB’s winningest left-handed pitcher with 363 career victories.

Jackie Robinson

Robinson’s courage extended outside the baseball diamond. In 1946, as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, he faced a court martial for his unwavering opposition to racial injustice when he refused to board a segregated bus. This unyielding spirit paved the way for integration into baseball and fueled his groundbreaking achievements.

Joe Louis

Boxing legend Joe Louis was a beacon of strength beyond the ring. While serving in the Second World War, he lifted troop spirits with exhibition matches and advocated for racial integration. The “Brown Bomber” later held the heavyweight title for over a decade, which was a symbol of American unity and resilience.

Chuck Bednarik

Recognized as one of the toughest players in NFL history, Chuck Bednarik was a gunner in the U.S. Army Air Forces during the Second World War. After the war, Bednarik became the last full-time two-way player in the NFL, a Hall of Famer, and led the Philadelphia Eagles to two championships. 

Rocky Bleier

Drafted by the Steelers in 1968, Rocky Bleier was soon called to serve in Vietnam, receiving a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his bravery. Despite severe injuries from World War II, he returned to the NFL in 1974 and fought for his place, ultimately securing four Super Bowl rings with Pittsburgh.

Joe DiMaggio

During World War II, New York Yankees legend Joe DiMaggio operated as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Forces, stationed at bases nationwide. His unwavering commitment and sense of responsibility mirrored his baseball greatness. DiMaggio earned nine World Series titles and a 56-game hitting streak.

Jack Dempsey

The ferocious heavyweight boxing champion was a United States Coast Guard lieutenant commander in the Second World War. Dempsey’s service added another layer to his tough-guy persona, as he helped patrol the American coastline by bringing the same intensity to his military duties as he did to the ring.

Roberto Clemente

Roberto Clemente, an MLB legend, played 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. His tragic death while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua cemented his legacy. In 1973, He was admitted into the Hall of Fame as the first player from the Caribbean and Latin America.