Cameron

Kinley

Kinley’s request was initially denied but the Secretary of Defense, Retired General Lloyd Austin, ultimately granted him permission to delay his service. He will attend Tampa Bay’s training camp and fight for a roster spot as a special teams player. Kinley, the president of his graduating class and a captain of Navy’s football team, had a solid minicamp which included snagging an interception from Kyle Trask. He defended 12 passes and recorded one interception in his four years at Navy.

In an open letter to U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kinley says of the Navy’s decision to deny his waiver to defer his military commitment: “I do not know why my request was denied, as I have received no written explanation for this decision.” Kinley’s agent said in a statement that Kinley -- a team captain in college -- wants to serve in the Navy after his NFL career, as many players have done. The Navy’s denial of Kinley’s request could have “a long-term impact on his mental health,” his agent said.