Secretary of Defense allows Buccaneers rookie Cameron Kinley to delay Navy commission for training camp
After having his initial request denied, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie defensive back Cameron Kinley will have his commission to the U.S. Navy delayed so he can attend training camp this summer.
Kinley, who signed with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent, has an outside chance to win a roster spot as the team's fifth cornerback and a special teams player. However, his chances of making the roster took a major hit last month when the Navy upheld his commission as an ensign.
But the situation took an about-face on Tuesday when Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III ruled in Kinley's favor.
"This plan will see Cameron enlisted in the Inactive Ready Reserve for the duration of his football career," Austin said. "Upon completion of his playing time, we look forward to welcoming him back inside the ranks as a naval officer."
In sharing the results on social media, Kinley credited his faith for allowing him to remain patient and hopeful throughout the process.
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“Sometimes in life God tells us to be still," he wrote. "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."
Kinley also thanked supporters he called "my village" for standing beside him. "Without the support from my family and close friends, there is no way I would be where I am today," he said.
President Joe Biden praised the decision by Austin.
"I am confident that Cameron will represent the Navy well in the NFL, just as he did as a standout athlete and class president at the Naval Academy," Biden said. "After his NFL career is over, he will continue to make us proud as an officer in the United States Navy."
Even after his request to delay his commission was denied, the Buccaneers kept Kinley on their 90-man roster. Kinley thanked the team "for believing in me and remaining patient with me throughout this process."
Kinley played in 27 games over four seasons at Navy, recording 88 tackles and one interception.