Football has always been my life. As an NFL player and executive, there have been many extraordinary teammates, coaches and football people who have had a tremendous influence on my life. We have grown together, seeking excellence and creating our legacies. 

The word “legacy” isn’t taken lightly when you’re surrounded by people destined for greatness, even enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  

That’s why Navy football coach Brian Newberry’s recent comments stopped me in my tracks. “Our seniors talk about leaving a legacy,” he said after Navy defeated Air Force on Oct. 5 to extend the Midshipmen’s undefeated start to the season. “I’ve got the best job in the country. I coach the best young men in the country. It’s a joy to come to work every day — every day I’ve got to pinch myself.” 

You know what? He’s right. Taking it a step further, Newberry and his counterparts at the United States service academies have the best coaching jobs in the world.  

They are leading individuals defined by selflessness, service and sacrifice. They are developing leaders who could face life-or-death decisions in defense of our nation. 

They are inspiring cadets, who show up for love of country, not playing time, every single day.    

Coach Newberry’s seniors don’t need to worry about leaving a legacy. That mission was accomplished the day they enlisted. Winning their first six games for the first time since 1979 — now carrying a 6-2 record into mid-November — is just icing on the cake. The same holds true for Army’s still-undefeated team.  

Reflecting further, the coach’s interview struck a chord because it reminded me of people who have made a tremendous impact on my life or the lives of others.  

Coming to mind is my grandfather Jefferson Vincent, who served as a T/5 infantryman (technician 5th grade, equivalent to a corporal) for one of the U.S. Army’s all-Black platoons during World War II. Grandpa stepped up to raise me, inspire me, and challenge me to make the most of every day. His legacy lives on as the namesake of Jefferson Vincent Park in Trenton, N.J. 

Another is Col. Eric Kail, a friend and collaborator who served in the Middle East and later taught a masterclass on leadership at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Nobody was better suited for the job. 

The players, drafted into the NFL from the military academies, their dreams of playing professional football deferred until completing their service commitments, remind me of great dedication to their country. Imagine being good enough for the NFL, but waiting two years for your chance? That’s a different kind of sacrifice. These are special men.  

Former Arizona Cardinals star Pat Tillman’s career overlapped with mine, but regretfully I didn’t know him as well as I’d wished. We all know the story: Pat left the NFL to join the Army after 9/11. He made the ultimate sacrifice. His legacy is one that inspires to this day. 

This year, as the NFL celebrates its annual “Salute to Service” month on Sundays, I’ll also be paying special attention to our military academies on Saturdays.  

Players representing Navy and Army — appearing together last month in the national rankings for the first time since 1960 — don’t need success on the field to be remembered for all the right reasons. Those playing for the Air Force Academy also demonstrate their love of country and dedication to sport even when their season hasn’t met their expectations. They all know the value of teamwork, perseverance and integrity. 

With every game and every play, these young men are reminding Americans what makes their teams, and the honor of coaching them, so special in the first place.  

Troy Vincent Sr. played 15 seasons in the National Football League and is the only player in history to have received the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, NFL Players Association Byron Whizzer White Award, Sporting News #1 Good Guy, NFL Athletes in Action Bart Starr Award and the Jefferson Award, considered the Nobel Prize for extraordinary community service. He is now the executive vice president of football operations for the NFL.