Utah State’s Levi Williams reveals he is giving up college football to become a US Navy SEAL with the quarterback set to forego his senior season: ‘I just want to protect this great country’

Utah State Aggies quarterback Levi Williams is set to give up his final year of NCAA eligibility in order to join the United States Navy SEALs.

‘I love football and it’s so great,’ Williams said during an appearance on KSL Sports Zone’s Hans & Scotty. ‘But I knew that, eventually, it was going to come to an end.

‘I just want to be in a spot where I can protect this great country where we get to play football with the freedom to do that. I think this is the best country in the world. So I’d like to keep it that way and protect it as long as I can.’ 

Williams is hoping to be selected to be part of the SEAL selection process in February and secure his degree from Utah State University in the summer of 2024.

‘What I love about their ethos and their motto is that no one guy is better than the other. It takes all of them to complete a mission,’ said Williams

Williams is foregoing his final year in the hopes of becoming joining the US Navy SEALs in February (Pictured: Group of US Navy Seal recruits)

Williams scored a game-winning touchdown to make them bowl eligible in a stellar showing

‘I think that’s super critical… Just to have the ability to be part of that brotherhood, it would be a great honor.’

He is also planning to use his service as a way to honor several members of his family including his mother, grandparents, and his fiancé’s father.

‘The timeline with training and stuff, it just kind of works out perfectly to get in this year. My mom was Army. My grandparents were Navy and Army. So it kind of runs in the family,’ said Williams.

‘This is where God’s calling me,’ Williams said he told his wife of the decision to join the military.

‘Obviously, we can’t prepare for everything. There’s going to be some unexpected turns along the way. As long you trust God and trust me, I think we’re gonna be alright.’ 

Williams’ announcement coincidentally comes at the highpoint of his career as he was recently named Mountain West offensive player of the week after an amazing performance against New Mexico that helped Utah State become bowl eligible this season.

During the Aggies 44-41 win Williams threw for 16-27, 198 yards and two touchdowns, while securing 153 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries.