Brandon O'Brien was no longer serving active duty in the Marines. Instead, the former Kentucky/Montanta State Northern University wide receiver was training for the upcoming NFL draft with hopes of becoming a professional football player and starting a new career path. However, after seeing the terrible tragedy that took place at the Boston Marathon on Monday, O'Brien has decided to forgo the draft and re-enlist in the Marines.
O'Brien walked on to the Kentucky football team in 2000 but was forced to quit after financial problems began at home. He then enlisted in the Marines Corps in 2005. After serving, O'Brien enrolled at Montana State Northern University where he played wide receiver. He set school records in touchdowns scored in a single game, receiving yards in a game and receiving touchdowns in a season. After graduation he attended the NFL's regional combine in Houston in mid-February along with a Pro Day in March. Despite being 30-years old, O'Brien was still hopeful that he could sign on with a team as a free agent or on special teams. He lacked experience playing at a high-level of football, his stats proved he could be productive for a team.
Instead, O'Brien's agent told NFL.com that after the events that happened Monday O'Brien has decided not to pursue an NFL career. He said after his client heard about the bombing it "left a big hole in his heart." So, instead of pursing a new career, he will return to the Marines and serve his country once again. The move is reminiscent of Pat Tillman who made a similar decision. Following the attacks on 9/11, Tillman re-enlisted back into the military. He turned down a $3.6 million, three-year deal for the Arizona Cardinals to return to the U.S. Army. The Cardinals had originally drafted him in 1998.
