The journey to the NFL is filled with memorable moments, and for Jacob Rodriguez, a standout from Texas Tech, it involves both football dreams and a unique personal adventure. Alongside preparing for the NFL Draft, Rodriguez recently experienced the thrill of piloting a Black Hawk helicopter simulator, with his Army pilot wife, Emma, by his side. This extraordinary experience was part of a USAA video showcase, celebrating his connection to the military.
“Being a military spouse means a lot to me. It’s about being a part of something bigger than yourself,” Rodriguez shared with USAA. He expressed awe at his wife’s career, stating, “I’m blown away by how cool of a job she has.” The couple, who have been in a long-distance relationship for seven years, found this moment particularly special as they finally got to spend time together.
Anticipating the NFL Draft
As the draft approaches, Rodriguez, a 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker known for his rugged play, is projected to go in the second round. He placed fifth in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting and is now ready to find his place in the NFL. His wife Emma, who has experienced the challenges military families face during deployments, emphasized the difficulty of being apart: “For service members, a lot of life moments happen while they’re deployed. It can be really hard to go through.”
Despite the uncertainties of their respective careers, the couple remains committed to each other. Rodriguez stated, “No matter what it takes, I’ll be with her through anything.” He expressed gratitude for the support of his wife and the broader military community through his partnership with USAA during the Salute to Service NFL Draft content.
Caleb Downs: Legacy of Service
Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, another promising NFL prospect, shares a deep military connection through his family. He recently visited veterans with his grandfather, Army veteran Gary Downs Sr., in Georgia, gaining insight into the sacrifices and wisdom of those who served. “It’s great to be at the DAV and hear stories from people who have a lot of experiences and a lot of wisdom to share,” Downs remarked to USAA.
Downs Sr. served nearly 23 years in the Army, and his influence is evident in Caleb’s discipline and leadership on and off the field. Reflecting on his grandfather’s impact, Downs said, “I have grown to the person I am today thanks to the support and strength from my grandpa.”
Paving the Way to Professional Football
Caleb Downs’ journey to the NFL is marked by hard work and dedication, standing out as a top prospect projected to be selected in the top ten. Despite being only a junior, he has already been a two-time All-American and the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. His engagement with veterans through USAA and DAV highlights his gratitude towards those who served the nation.
Veterans have drawn parallels between football and military service, focusing on teamwork and mental resilience as key components of success. Downs expressed his appreciation, saying, “I thank you all for the wisdom that you shared, and I appreciate you all for showing up today.” His grandfather, filled with pride, noted the joy of seeing Caleb embrace this opportunity: “It’s been a pleasure; Caleb was just so excited to do this … my heart, I’m drowning in tears.”
