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After weeks of uncertainty, rookie defensive back Cameron Kinley will join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for training camp after the military’s ruling.
“God’s plan,” Kinley tweed after receiving the news.
Kinley then shared a statement confirming that U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reversed the Navy’s decision to let the former Midshipmen football standout compete for a spot with the Bucs. The Navy called Kinley away from the team in May because of the required post-graduate Naval service requirement and wouldn’t accept an appeal to delay service.
“I am extremely appreciative of Secretary Austin’s decision and I am excited to represent our fine military in the National Football League,” Kinley wrote in his statement. “This past month has been very challenging and I am thankful for everyone who has supported me in any way.”
“Sometimes in life God tells us to be still,” Kinley continued. “We do not always understand what He is trying to show us, but He always has an ultimate plan. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned throughout this whole process is to trust His timing and remain confident in the fact that God will always prevail.”
“Thank you to my village for standing beside me. Without my family and close friends, there is no way I would be where I am today,” Kinley added.
Kinley’s First Time With the Bucs Went Well
The former Navy football star and 2021 class president joined the Bucs rookie minicamp as a undrafted free agent in May, with the Navy’s permission according to ESPN, and made a strong impression. Bucs head coach Bruce Arians made that clear after the Navy called Kinley away to fulfill his post-graduate service commitment first.
“He’s obviously very important to the Navy … I would love to have him. I thought he showed promise,” Arians said per ABC Action News’ Kyle Burger.
Kinley showed his skills when he picked off a pass from rookie quarterback Kyle Trask during the camp.
Kinley posted 88 tackles, a sack, an interception and forced fumble in his Navy career. He thanked the Bucs for working with him amid the uncertainty.
“Lastly, thank you to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization for believing in me and remaining patient with me throughout this process,” Kinley said in his statement. “I am excited to get back to work in Tampa Bay with my teammates.”
Tough Sailing Back for Kinley
Upon receiving the news from the Navy that he couldn’t continue his NFL dream without a reason, Kinley accepted what he signed up for.
“That’s kind of the business that we’re in in the military. I’m not owed an explanation,” Kinley said Patrick via Pro Football Talk.
Kinley told Patrick that he wants to serve the U.S. but play in the NFL first for a time, so the Memphis native started contacting legislators to help him appeal. He started with Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, per ESPN. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, then went to bat for Kinley.
Rubio sent a letter to President Joe Biden on June 21 to change the decision per The Hill, the senator asked Secretary for the Navy nominee Carlos Del Toro to do likewise. Service academy graduates have been able to play in the pros before their service commitment since 2019 when former President Donald Trump requested it per the Associated Press via ESPN.
Kinley thanked Rubio and others involved in making his NFL dream possible.
“I would also like to say thank you to DeMaurice Smith, Joe Briggs and the NFLPA, the NFL league office, Senator Marco Rubio, Representative John Garamendi, Representative Austin Scott, Omega Psi Phil Fraternity, Inc., various USNA alumni, and the many others for their efforts,” Kinley wrote in his statement. “Also, I’d like to extend my gratitude to all the media outlets who reached out to help share my story.”
He also thanked Divine Sports & Entertainment agents Michael De Sane and Ryan Williams-Jenkins for representing him through the process.
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