How did Chad Hall get out of the Air Force and into the NFL?
by JasonB on Mar 13, 2010 9:22 AM EST
in Philadelphia Eagles News
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In case you missed it, the Eagles signed HB/WR/KR Chad Hall who played his college football for Air Force. Actually,the story that led to the Eagles signing him is really fantastic and one that Dave Spadaro recounts in this must read story. It not only gives us a glimpse into the way the Eagles scouting department works, but also Hall's extraordinary path to the NFL.
I was actually a little more curious about the techinical/legal elements of the signing. After graduating from the Air Force Academy, Hall became a 2nd Lt. with the 388th Fighter Wing's 421st Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. He spent two years there as part of what is supposed to be a five year commitment. So who was he able to sign with the Eagles if he still has 3 years left? He explains.
The post graduation Air Force commitment is typically five years, but Hall is asking the Air Force to allow him to transfer from an active-duty member of the force to a reservist. Hall has been at Hill since June 2008.
"The Air Force seems supportive of the whole thing," Hall said.
"Because I'm not quitting the Air Force, I'm just trying to become a reservist. Right now, the Air Force is the most important thing in my life."
I'll just assume that none of his reservist weekends will be scheduled during the NFL season... I think it's great that the USAF would allow him to pursue his dream and I'm sure he'll be a great ambassador for the armed forces. His request is not unprecedented. You may remember former Dallas Cowboy Chad Hennings, who also served in the Air Force before starting his NFL career. Hall said that he's spoken to Hennings throughout this process and that his advice has been helpful.
Oh and one more thing. His name is not actually Chad. His given name is Chandler. Yes, Chandler.
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my buddy is stationed at hill
for once it looks like the air force actually gave a damn about a mechanic, strange.
"Never give in, never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.
especially since he starred on the air force football team, he probably gets a little more leeway, not to mention it is good pub if one of your players makes it in the nfl
exactly.
great point. it’s all about publicity.
aww dude
open your mind. why do you think pat tillman being killed by his own men was covered up so much? a hero dying in uniform is good…. wait for the word…. publicity!!! dude you live in america and you haven’t caught on to how things work here???
If you think the that military isnt concerned with publicity
Nor is it concerned about trying to recruit as many people as possible then you’re dumber than I thought
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
i didn't say that...
i made a scarcastic comment about this quote from your little sidekick here…
great point. it’s all about publicity.
the military is not ALL about publicity. ask the people who serve and risk their lives so that pompous a-holes like you can type on you computer. before you call me dumb, maybe you should learn how to read.
I know a LOT of people who served
and they all say the same thing: they HATED It. I’ve had friends in the Navy, Air Force, Army, AND Marines. Some combat vets, a lot not, and they all say it was a huge mistake joining.
Their recruiters were liars, their commercials are misleading, and you’re just a # to them.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
hill
i hope he makes the team and jumps ahead of baskett on the depth chart
"Bleed green for life my nocos"
i hope he makes the team and jumps ahead of maclin on the depth chart, b/c then we’d have another great wideout
"My grandmom's favorite grandson, ask my grandmom" --Rone
by layout ultimate on Mar 13, 2010 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
maclin's just developing,
but you can’t say he’s bad, at all
The Eagles WILL redeem themselves in the '10-'11 season, with a win at SuperBowl 45 in Dallas!
Good story
My favorite quote from the scouts:
People may say, ‘Oh, this kid hasn’t played in two years’ and all of that, but we had to trust what we saw.
Just a reminder that fans can talk themselves into some funny beliefs thinking they’re being logical, but the FO is making decisions based on a lot of work.
If my mother put on a helmet and shoulder pads and a uniform that wasn't the same as the one I was wearing, I'd run over her if she was in my way. And I love my mother. - Bo Jackson
jason i never thought i’d read the words “can’t miss story” and “dave spadaro” in the same sentence in one of your posts. i did read the story and it is in fact really good, which is why i’m shocked
Skeptical
I’ll be surprised if he makes the final roster. This move reeks of Jeremy Bloom, although at least we didn’t waste a draft pick this time.
ahh
you beat me to it. i said it earlier this week. hank baskett will make this guy look like an amateur.
ehh
this guys getting cut .. too small and hasnt played in two years . way to quit the airforce to be on the practice squad
by jack is better than asante on Mar 13, 2010 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
reading must be a new thing in your family jibta
you dont “quit” the AF. he went reserves. he still has to fill his commitment and im sure if he gets cut he will go back to active duty
"Never give in, never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.
I dont see that at all...
Did Jeremy Bloom ever even play football??? I am pretty sure he was some kind of downhill skier right? This guy has played football before. Therefore to me it seems nothing like Jeremy Bloom. Give the guy a little bit of credit.
it does kinda smell like jeremy bloom but i have more faith in a guy coming off miliatary duty than a guy who came off a mountain with skis. military teaches discipline and commitment and it appears that this guy was commited to staying in football shape. jeremy bloom was in skiier shape and could not get back up to speed
Caplan Writes
That someone from the Eagles told him that Hall’s workout was “phenomenal.”
Don’t write him off yet. My buddy went to the AFA with him and said that he thinks the kid has a chance.
Also, I’d be happy if he turns out to just be a really strong return man. I’d love to have some consistency there and it would be great to not have to worry about DeSean on PRs.
Veritas Liberabit Te
Chad Hall might be for real
Hard to tell but as an AF season ticket holder and displaced Iggles fan I think Chad Hall might be the real deal. He sort of languished during the last few years of the Fisher DeBerry era here at Air Force. However, he was “discovered” when Troy Calhoun took over (former Gary Kubiak protege with the Texans.) We started reading in the local paper how Calhoun was impressed with his footbal skills. After two or three games they started putting plays in to exploit his skills. Completely opened up the offense with some nifty moves and ability to make people miss. The Falcons went from 4-8 to 8-4 with the same players Fischer had the year before. OK it wasn’t the SEC, but the Mountain West includes BYU, Utah, and TCU, plus Navy is always respectable.
Utah coach is a Winner
Utah, as well as BYU and TCU, honor the service commitments of the Falcon players. Win or lose, they always stand respectfully behind the Falcon team after games for the playing of the AF Alma Mater.
It'll be fun watching him in preseason and I'll root for him
But, this quote from Spadaro’s article worried me:
“Initial comparisons — fair or not — have been made to Danny Amendola and Reno Mahe.”
Also, I know that JIBTA will hate this guy.
Sometimes it's just fun to take the family for a spin around the lake in the old boat. Even if it's not your family or your boat, and they're screaming for you to stop.
by Baron Dainer Von Tresvant on Mar 13, 2010 8:27 PM EST reply actions
from the eyes of a soldier....
its good to see that one of these losers who join the military can actually get a real job….better then i can apperently do…and better then all these assholes i work with….fuck the army!
but way to go AF for letting a kid have a life!
I feel ya bro
My budy just joined the Marines a year ago. Hates it. Rarely have I ever heard anyone say they actually liked the service…except one guy but hes on a Marine Recon team.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
Chad and DeSean
DeSean Jackson played his last college football game against Air Force and Chad Hall. Jeff Tedford, Cal’s coach, stated that his objective was to stop Chad Hall. Chad only scored one touchdown in that game, as Cal spied him wherever he went. Air Force was leading the entire game until their starting senior quarterback suffered a career-ending terrible injury to his knee, which allowed Cal to overtake a large Air Force lead and win the game 42-36.
DeSean know Chad Hall. In fact, on some of the fan boards, there was spirited debate over who was better. It will be interesting to see them on the same field, and it’s a no-lose for the Eagles.
hall
small white and hasnt played in two years .. yea we hit the trifecta all right .. he sucks .. he will be lucky to survive cuts
by jack is better than asante on Mar 15, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
ha ha probably right
Every short white guy gets compared to Wes Welker. I think this guy has potential but he’ll be lucky to survive the first wave of cuts
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
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