The Eagles didn’t wait for the NFL Draft to get a big player.
Alejandro Villanueva, a 6-foot-9 defensive lineman, was signed by Philadelphia as a rookie free agent on Monday. The 25-year-old spent the past four years in the US Army.
Villanueva, a recently promoted captain who served three tours in Afghanistan, last played football in 2009 as a wide receiver, though after seeing him play at a regional combine in Detroit last month, the Eagles envision him on defense.
In 2009, Villanueva led the Black Knights with 34 receptions, 522 yards receiving and five touchdowns, having switched positions just before the season started. He began his career as a defensive lineman, then started at left tackle during his entire junior season.
Villanueva earned several honors during his service, including the Ranger tab, the Parachutist Badge, the Bronze Star Medal for overseas service, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Expert Infantryman’s Badge.
He also earned the Bronze Star Medal for valor, after moving forward under enemy fire to remove wounded soldiers from an isolated position.
Unsure if he would land with a team, Villanueva was ready to return to service if no teams came calling.
“The four years I’ve had in the Army have been the best four years you could ask for,” Villanueva said at the combine. “The guys I served with … above me and under me … were phenomenal guys. They were good experiences that made me the man I am today. But now, I see this as a win-win situation. Obviously, I’m trying to get to a team and contribute. But if I can’t, then I can’t wait to get back to the Army and serve in the same manner that I have.”