Memories of 2008 flooded back when Caleb Campbell heard the news.
The former Army safety and seventh-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions had been there. He had prepared for a life as a West Point graduate and future NFL player because he was told he could. He even sat through the draft, saw his name flash across the ticker on the television, received a phone call from the Lions and showed up to the training facility days later, ready to sign.
And that’s when it ended.
The government called. It wanted its guy back.
The emotional toll was heavy, and likely similar to the one Air Force receiver Jalen Robinette and safety Weston Steelhammer felt as their opportunity to go pro immediately circled the drain last week.