With NIL deals pouring cash into college football, top athletes are making serious money. But it’s a different story at military academies like the Army, Navy, and Air Force, where the cadets (student-athletes) can’t earn a dime.
Army head coach Jeff Monken just opened up about this frustrating reality, shedding light on how these players sacrifice more than most and still miss out on opportunities their peers at other schools are cashing in on big time.
Jeff Monken Speaks Out on NIL Limitations
While most college football players are cashing in through NIL deals, athletes at military academies like the Army, Navy, and Air Force are barred from earning a cent. That’s because their commitment is tied to service, making them federal employees and restricting their ability to profit while in school. Army head coach Jeff Monken recently opened up about this.
“I am in favor of athletes being able to benefit from their own name, image, and likeness. It’s theirs. They should be able to benefit from it,” Monken said on the Next Up podcast with Adam Breneman. But he’s not blind to the chaos. “There are some guard rails that need to be put in place… administrators, coaches, fans, and even the athletes realize that this is a bit of a free-for-all, and we’ve got to rein this in a little bit.”
He’s also critical of how the transfer portal has warped loyalty and purpose. “The transfer portal and being able to just trade schools… I don’t think it’s healthy because I don’t think it’s good for athletes,” he explained. “A guy could play five years of college football and be at nine different schools.”
Military academies have felt the sting. “Our players have always been able to leave… Now they can leave for money, and it’s significant money,” Monken said, highlighting just how much has changed, and how far behind service academies are being left when it comes to football.
Army Losing Talent Over NIL Money
Coach Jeff Monken didn’t hold back about how military NIL rules are costing the Army good players. “We lost some guys at the transfer portal… but I hate to lose somebody from our program without at least having a counteroffer. And we don’t offer that here.”
Unlike other programs, the Army can’t join the House settlement or revenue sharing. “Our cadets… are committed to becoming army officers, and they can’t have jobs doing other things,” Monken said. “Our young men and women… are committed to one thing and that’s serving their nation with distinction and honor.”
Jeff Monken Reflects on NIL Dilemma
Coach Jeff Monken is honest that he can’t blame young athletes for chasing big NIL checks. “Part of me wants to stand up and shake their hand and congratulate them,” he admits. When someone waves hundreds of thousands in front of a 20-year-old, it’s hard not to jump. “It’s life-changing money in the short term.” But Monken urges his players to think beyond the now.
He believes staying at West Point offers a different kind of reward, what he terms the long game. “You have the potential to make life-changing money… 20, 25 years from now,” he said, referring to the kind of success that comes from graduating from the prestigious military academy and serving the nation. Whether it’s becoming a Fortune 500 CEO, owning a sports franchise, or running for governor, Monken sees leadership potential far beyond the football field.
That said, he also points out the stark contrast of the stipend that Army cadets are being paid vs the NIL money earned by other student athletes in bigger programs: “A few hundred a month is a lot different than a few hundred thousands.”
Army athletes receive scholarships and stipends, but they’re not allowed to profit off NIL like their peers elsewhere. Still, Monken reminds his players of the commitment they’ve made to serve and to lead.
While Coach Monken respects the grind and celebrates his players’ success, he remains grounded in the Army’s mission. For him, it’s about building leaders for the future, not just cashing in today.