Dean Michaels

Washington Redskins fullback Eric Kettani revealed that he received hate mail for making arrangements with the Navy to join the NFL before completing five years of active duty required of most US Naval Academy graduates.

"I received some hate mail, saying, 'Go back to the military, do your job, and do what you signed up for.' They have every right to say that," Kettani said.

After graduating from the US Naval Academy in 2009, he was told that he will be allowed to join the NFL after two years in active service.

At the start of the 2011 season, the New England Patriots hired him as practice player but the Navy told him to report to active duty.

"It's tough," Kettani told the NFL Network. "You work so hard for something, and it's taken away. But that's what I signed up for, so I can't complain."

After serving another year, Kettani worked out an agreement with the Navy to serve in the public affairs for seven years, doing recruiting work so he could pursue his NFL dream.

Kettani was released by the Patriots last year but the Redskins picked him up and placed him on the practice squad.

Coach Mike Shanahan, who attended Kettani's recent Navy promotion ceremony, said the fullback's chances of making the team's 53-man roster are "good."

Redskins Eric Kettani Gets Hate Mail for Navy Deal - NFL 2013