Raiders Rookie Cut Before Season Retires to Join Military Service
The NFL is often described as the pinnacle of athletic dreams, but for one Las Vegas rookie, the path to greatness has taken a turn away from the gridiron and toward a higher calling.
After being drafted in the third round in April, the young offensive tackle fought through training camp and preseason battles, hoping to carve out a roster spot on a Raiders team searching for offensive line depth and protection.
That player is Caleb Rogers, a standout from Texas Tech who built his name with over 50 career starts in college and a reputation as a durable, versatile lineman with strong pass protection upside.
Waived in late August, Rogers stunned teammates and fans by announcing his retirement from professional football and his decision to enlist in the U.S. military, trading a Raiders jersey for a soldier’s uniform.
“I lived my NFL dream in Las Vegas, but being cut before the season opened another path,” Rogers said in a statement. “This isn’t the end — it’s a higher calling. Now, I choose to serve my country with the same heart I gave the Raiders.”
At 6’5” and 310 pounds, Rogers was considered a solid build for tackle roles but made his mark with durability, technique, and leadership. His preseason PFF grade of 64 reflected consistency, though the roster competition proved overwhelming.
For the Raiders, the move closes the chapter on a developmental project. For Rogers, it begins a profound new journey that echoes his reputation as a “hidden gem” — a player who always found ways to rise above.
Fans in Las Vegas and across the college football community saluted the decision on social media, calling it “the ultimate sacrifice” and “proof that heart is bigger than the game.” Rogers leaves the NFL, but his next mission may prove even greater.
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