Our Alumni membership is fortunate to include highly-respected individuals who have a military background.
Some members such as Roger Staubach (U.S. Navy) and Rocky Bleier (U.S. Army) are veterans who faced action during the Vietnam War while others such as Michael Strahan and Herm Edwards were influenced by a parent who served in the Armed Forces.
Malcolm Perry is not as well known as some of his Alumni brothers nor did he play in the league as long as they did. However, Perry was raised in a military family in Clarksville (TN). Both his parents served in the Army. He grew up knowing the meaning of service and discipline.
Perry was a high school football standout who received many college offers, including from all three military service academies. He ultimately chose Staubach’s alma mater– the Naval Academy– where he played quarterback and slotback and was a key member of the offensive unit.
“As a child, my dream was always to serve in the military in some capacity,” says Perry. “Attending the Naval Academy was my goal from the start, with the clear intention of joining the military afterward.”
Perry chose the difficult service option of “Marine Corps Ground” at the Academy but upon graduation elected to defer his military service to apply for the NFL Draft in 2020. He was selected in the 7th round by the Dolphins and caught his first touchdown as a wide receiver and played special teams his rookie year in Miami. He later was on the practice squads of both the Saints and Patriots. Injuries and limited playing time eventually led him to retire from the league in 2022.
“That desire to serve in the military never left me,” Perry said when he left the league. “I eventually realized that football wasn’t bringing me the fulfillment I was looking for.”
Perry began his military career in Quantico (VA) in 2023 where he, like every Marine officer, trained to become a provisional rifle platoon commander. He later opted for aviation due to its competitive nature and the opportunity to develop technical expertise in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) such as drones.
Perry credits his time playing in the league and at Annapolis for shaping his discipline, time management, and ability to perform under pressure. He believes his experience studying football playbooks now aids him in mastering aviation UAS technology. The ability to analyze plays, adjust strategies and execute under high stakes conditions directly relates to his new role in the military, where decision making and adaptability are essential.
Perry’s first duty station will be in Yuma (AZ) where he will begin his six-year military commitment.
We at NFL Alumni are proud of our brother Malcolm Perry and thank him for his exemplary young life and service to our country. We were pleased to have him in the league—even for a short time– and wish him much success with the Marines.
