“I, Eric Kettani ─ do solemnly swear ─ to support and defend the constitution of the United States ─ against all enemies ─ foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; ─ that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation ─ or purpose of evasion ─ and that I will well and faithfully discharge ─ the duties of this office ─ on which I am about to enter ─ so help me, God.”
Those fine words were used during the pledge that Washington Redskins’ fullback Eric Kettani took today as he was promoted from U.S. Navy Lieutenant, Junior Grade (JG) to Lieutenant, Grade 03. He was then “pinned” by two of his coaches.
Two silver bars are worn on each collar for Navy Lieutenants (Lt., JGs have just one bar). Washington head coach Mike Shanahan pinned one set on one collar and then Kettani’s position coach, Bobby Turner, pinned the other set on his other collar. The Naval officer had asked the two coaches if they would “do the honors” some time ago.
“They’re both big mentors in my life right now,” he said about the two men. “I’m excited to have them do it and also my father to put the cover on. They were both really honored to do that.”
You might have thought Shanahan was a high-schooler pinning a corsage onto a date as nervous as he looked securing the rank insignia.
“I haven’t had much experience,” Shanahan joked, after taking several minutes to finally get it fastened onto his player’s uniform.
One testament to the current unity in the Redskins’ locker room was the twenty-plus teammates on hand to witness Kettani’s ceremony and the cheering they did for him during the event. The significance of their presence did not escape him. 
“It was awesome,” he said when asked if he knew that so many guys would be there. “They’re my teammates and my friends. They saw me putting my stuff on downstairs and they were surprised. They asked what I was doing and they were excited to come up here. I guess they like me.”
The 5’11, 240 lbs. former Midshipman played at the Naval Academy from 2005–2008, finishing his career there with 395 carries for 2,091 and 15 rushing touchdowns. In his senior year, he had a 5.1 yards per carry (ypc) average and, in his junior year, a 5.8 ypc average. Not too shabby. Both years Kettani led the team in rushing yards and he was invited to the Senior Bowl after his senior season.
Kettani was on active duty for three years post graduation and during that time, he served on the USS Klakring (recently decommissioned), a Navy frigate. Onboard, Kettani was a Repair Division Officer and an Officer of the Deck. He was ranked No. 1 for Junior Officers during his tenure there.
In 2009 he was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent on a Reserve/Military contract and played on the practice squad. In September of 2012, he was waived by the team and signed by the Redskins. He spent the run for the 2012 NFC East championship on Washington’s practice squad.
Kettani has had to juggle his job as a professional football player with that of a naval officer. He spent this past off-season touring various military installations, supporting his Navy “teammates” by getting a message out that he feels is important. After his swearing in and pinning this afternoon, he met with reporters and was asked about those tours.
What was the message, exactly?
“They don’t realize there are other opportunities once you leave the Navy or the Armed Forces,” the Lieutenant said when asked by the media what he was trying to get across to his brothers-in-arms. “Right now, they’re downsizing the military, so a lot of the guys are getting out without things to do. They see me, and there’s hope out there that you can find a job with ease.”
Kettani’s success in the NFL is a good example of what he was telling his fellow Navy personnel but, in practical terms, how difficult is the transition from military life to life in the NFL? According to the fullback, his Navy background has actually been very helpful.
“Like being able to multi-task… to get things done while there’s so much stuff going on,” he explained, “You’re learning new plays, you’re tired… but mentally tough. There’s so much stuff I’ve that brought from the Naval Academy and Navy to the NFL.”
I noticed that the head coach looked extremely pleased throughout the entire ceremony. And why not? This man is well-known for his strict, hard-line ways. With the discipline that comes with a Navy background, Kettani is most likely a great fit in a program like Mike Shanahan’s.
“He’s an excellent example…,” Bobby Turner said after the ceremony. “I want that to become contagious throughout. Not only the running backs but, throughout our team. His attitude, his desire, his love, his passion.”
The Academy grad will be fighting for a place on the 53-man roster this offseason at a position (fullback) that is currently held by talented starter Darrel Young. There is also Dorson Boyce who, though on IR last season, was also on the practice squad in 2012. Breaking in for any offensive position will be tough going. But Shanahan respects Kettani; much like his former coach, Bill Belichick, reportedly did. That can’t hurt.
“I’ve had guys in the military,” Shanahan said to reporters after the ceremony, “But not a lieutenant. I have to salute to him now. He’s a great representative for our country.”
You can’t help but respect a guy that’s done what Kettani has done in serving in the United States Navy AND playing professional football. Aforementioned teammate, Darrel Young, comes from a military family himself and so understands the sacrifice and dedication required for a vocation like the Navy, as well as one like professional football. He was straightforward in his praise for the young officer.
“It’s an honor to know Kettani,” Young offered about his teammate. “He brings camaraderie to this team.”
That is certainly important… and a little underrated sometimes.
It’s not unheard of for a military academy graduate to have a successful NFL career though there aren’t as many from those types of schools as, say, the Pac-12 or the SEC. Hall of Fame player and former Dallas Cowboy quarterback (1969 – 1979) Roger Staubach, graduated from the Naval Academy and ─ needless to say ─ had a very successful NFL career. Asked about whether or not the Hall of Famer had been a role model for him as he grew up (with qualifiers attached since he was, after all, a Dallas Cowboy), Kettani said that in fact, he had been.
“Oh yea,” he said. “I watched him. I mean, he was a Hall of Fame player. I’m sure being in the Navy helped him play in the league too.”
The Navy. It’s Not Just a Job. It’s An Adventure.
You could certainly say that about the National Football League and, in particular, the Washington Redskins. Especially for Lt. Eric Kettani.
Hail.
Diane Chesebrough is Chief Editor, writer and photographer for SportsJourney Broadcast Network; and member, Pro Football Writers of America. Accredited media with the NFL, she has been a feature writer for several national magazines/periodicals. Follower her on Twitter: @DiChesebrough