With the Season 22 DSFL draft now less than a week away, a lot of the talk has been what Quarterback will be going early in the draft. While there is a lot of buzz for Jim Waters and Dude Doggo, it was a Tight End that found himself center stage in the media spotlight this week.
Montgomery “Monty” Mantooth, the Phenom that helped lead the Navy Midshipmen to the AAC title and back to back bowl wins during the last two years fell under heavy criticism and garnered national media attention after his father Senator Charles Mantooth of California was asked if he approved of his son’s choice to bypass active military service and commit to be drafted by the DSFL.
Mantooth, a highly recruited player out of high school passed on football powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State and LSU to take an appointment at the Naval Academy, which he knew would make it almost impossible to have a pro career in football after college.
“Telling coach Nick Saben no in favor of going to Navy was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” said Mantooth, who at 6 feet 6 inches is expected to be the first Tight End taken in the draft. “But I didn’t feel like I had a choice. My grandfather gave his life for our country and with my father in public service, it just felt like the right thing to do.”
Mantooth’s grandfather is famed Vietnam POW Jack Mantooth, who was shot down during the Tet offensive and spent 2 years buried in a hole by his captures. For those 2 years he recited the Star Spangled Banner in that hole and inspired the 20 men held in captivity with him. He then overthrew his captures almost single handedly turning the tide in the conflict, but was killed by friendly fire unable to communicate that their camp was no longer under control of the viet kong.
Jack’s story would go on to inspire the Academy Award winning film Last Man On Station, which detailed the heroic story of our nation’s most famous Vietnam Veteran.
“It’s an honor to continue my family’s history in the U.S. Navy,” said Mantooth, who is considered the greatest professional prospect to come out of Navy since Roger Staubach in 1964. “But I also know that my grandfather would want me to embrace my dreams equally to the service I provide to my country.”
Upon graduating from the Naval Academy, Mantooth was expected to serve 6 years as a Navy officer on active duty, but after his 20 touchdown season, the pressure for him to enter the DSFL was inevitable. Mantooth submitted a request to waiver active duty in lieu of entering the draft. The compromise is that Mantooth will be obligated to serve 12 years in the U.S. Navy Reserves which will allow him to chase his professional football dreams while also completing his obligation to his country.
“I know some critics are saying my son is shirking his duty,” said Senator Mantooth during a recent Q and A at the capitol building in Washington. “But I support his decision as I know his grandfather would as well. This is a rare opportunity and if the DSFL wants him, then I say give him a chance to become one of the greatest players they’ve ever had.”
Montgomery Mantooth will get to display his talents ahead of the draft in the Season 22 Prospect Bowl as part of the New York Poodles.
“I just want to be the best player I can and help my team bring home a championship,” Mantooth said when asked what his goals were with the DSFL. “I’m going to give this everything I got and no matter where I am draft or by who, they’ll be getting the hardest working and dedicated person walking into their facility. I won’t be taking any prisoners. Whoever I play for, winning a championship is the only goal.”
Tune in on March 5th for the season 22 draft and see where Mantooth and other top rated prospects will end up playing in the DSFL this year.
Follow Mantooth on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MontgomeryMant1
Word count 697
Montgomery “Monty” Mantooth, the Phenom that helped lead the Navy Midshipmen to the AAC title and back to back bowl wins during the last two years fell under heavy criticism and garnered national media attention after his father Senator Charles Mantooth of California was asked if he approved of his son’s choice to bypass active military service and commit to be drafted by the DSFL.
Mantooth, a highly recruited player out of high school passed on football powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State and LSU to take an appointment at the Naval Academy, which he knew would make it almost impossible to have a pro career in football after college.
“Telling coach Nick Saben no in favor of going to Navy was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” said Mantooth, who at 6 feet 6 inches is expected to be the first Tight End taken in the draft. “But I didn’t feel like I had a choice. My grandfather gave his life for our country and with my father in public service, it just felt like the right thing to do.”
Mantooth’s grandfather is famed Vietnam POW Jack Mantooth, who was shot down during the Tet offensive and spent 2 years buried in a hole by his captures. For those 2 years he recited the Star Spangled Banner in that hole and inspired the 20 men held in captivity with him. He then overthrew his captures almost single handedly turning the tide in the conflict, but was killed by friendly fire unable to communicate that their camp was no longer under control of the viet kong.
Jack’s story would go on to inspire the Academy Award winning film Last Man On Station, which detailed the heroic story of our nation’s most famous Vietnam Veteran.
“It’s an honor to continue my family’s history in the U.S. Navy,” said Mantooth, who is considered the greatest professional prospect to come out of Navy since Roger Staubach in 1964. “But I also know that my grandfather would want me to embrace my dreams equally to the service I provide to my country.”
Upon graduating from the Naval Academy, Mantooth was expected to serve 6 years as a Navy officer on active duty, but after his 20 touchdown season, the pressure for him to enter the DSFL was inevitable. Mantooth submitted a request to waiver active duty in lieu of entering the draft. The compromise is that Mantooth will be obligated to serve 12 years in the U.S. Navy Reserves which will allow him to chase his professional football dreams while also completing his obligation to his country.
“I know some critics are saying my son is shirking his duty,” said Senator Mantooth during a recent Q and A at the capitol building in Washington. “But I support his decision as I know his grandfather would as well. This is a rare opportunity and if the DSFL wants him, then I say give him a chance to become one of the greatest players they’ve ever had.”
Montgomery Mantooth will get to display his talents ahead of the draft in the Season 22 Prospect Bowl as part of the New York Poodles.
“I just want to be the best player I can and help my team bring home a championship,” Mantooth said when asked what his goals were with the DSFL. “I’m going to give this everything I got and no matter where I am draft or by who, they’ll be getting the hardest working and dedicated person walking into their facility. I won’t be taking any prisoners. Whoever I play for, winning a championship is the only goal.”
Tune in on March 5th for the season 22 draft and see where Mantooth and other top rated prospects will end up playing in the DSFL this year.
Follow Mantooth on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MontgomeryMant1
Word count 697