As one of the top prospects in this year’s NFL Draft, Texas Tech star Jacob Rodriguez will soon realize his dream, feeling the exhilaration of becoming a pro football player.
But before draft night, came another thrill: flying a Black Hawk helicopter with his Army wife riding shotgun. Sort of. Rodriguez got to pilot a simulator recently in a video for USAA, one of the NFL’s leading sponsors.
“Being a military spouse means a lot to me. It’s about being a part of something bigger than yourself,” Rodriguez told USAA. “I’m blown away by how cool of a job she has.”
For a couple that hasn’t seen each other a lot the past several years, it made for the perfect date night. With his wife, Emma, serving as an Army pilot, and Rodriguez attending college and starring for the Red Raiders, the high school sweethearts spent seven years living apart.
“We’ve been together for seven years, and we’ve been doing long distance for seven years,” Emma Rodriguez said. “But if Jacob went to the (NFL) Combine and did really well, we would get to live together … and that happened.”
“Even though our time together is short, it’s very meaningful,” Jacob Rodriguez said.
Going to a New Team
Soon, life will change again when Rodriguez finds his NFL home.
The rugged 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker, who finished fifth in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting, is projected to be picked in the second round of the draft, April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
As a military spouse, Rodriguez is used to an unpredictable future. Emma said deployments can be difficult for families because service members spend months away from loved ones.
“Being apart, for him and for me, that was the first experience of what military families have to go through,” Emma Rodriguez said, holding back tears. “For service members, a lot of life moments happen while they’re deployed. It can be really hard to go through.”
No matter what team Rodriguez ends up with and wherever his wife’s military career takes her, the couple’s dedication to each other is unwavering.
“No matter what it takes, I’ll be with her through anything,” Jacob Rodriguez said. “I am blessed to have a best friend and partner like Emma, who is always there to support me. Partnering with USAA for the Salute to Service NFL Draft content was fun for us, and important for me to show my support and appreciation for her and all of the military families in our great country.”
Ohio State Star, Army Grandpa
Like Rodriguez, fellow draft prospect Caleb Downs’ military experience is forged in family.
Downs, a safety at Ohio State, recently joined his grandfather, Army veteran Gary Downs Sr., on a visit to veterans at a Disabled American Veterans chapter in Columbus, Georgia. Hearing stories from his grandfather, and those of former service members who sacrificed both mental and physical needs for the military, made Downs appreciate the dedication they gave to a greater cause.
“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 told USAA.
Downs Sr. spent almost 23 years in the Army (1976-1998), as a jump master. He served in bases across the U.S., Germany and South Korea.
“Any time you can sit down and talk to other veterans from the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, it’s great,” Downs Sr. said.
Growing up, Downs looked to his military grandfather for direction.
“I have grown to the person I am today thanks to the support and strength from my grandpa – my discipline, poise, and leadership are all traits he learned from the military that were instilled in me,” Downs said. “I’ve tried to have that same stoicism.”
Overcoming the Odds
Listening to veterans’ stories of perseverance, Downs’ road to the NFL felt less arduous, compared to what they’ve been through. Downs, a 6-foot, 205-pound defensive back, is an elite prospect, projected to be selected in the top ten. Only a junior, Downs is a two-time All-American and the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
“As I see my dreams of playing in the NFL come true, it was an honor to partner with USAA and the DAV to connect with veterans and show my appreciation for our nation’s heroes so they can feel the same pride that I will when my name is called on Draft night,” he said.
Some veterans noted the similarities between football and the military, leaning on teamwork, sacrifice and discipline to achieve goals. Others emphasized that while Downs has the athleticism and physical attributes to succeed, having strong mental health is also vital for life in pro football.
“I thank you all for the wisdom that you shared, and I appreciate you all for showing up today,” Downs said. “Thank you for your service and everything you’ve meant to this nation and to your families as well.”
It all made a proud grandpa swell with pride.
“It’s been a pleasure; Caleb was just so excited to do this … my heart, I’m drowning in tears,” Downs Sr. said.