NFL: Navy standout gets approval to join Ravens

Keenan Reynolds, a former US Naval Academy star quarterback, and long-snap center Joe Cardona have been granted permission to play in the NFL next season, US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said Friday.

Mabus said Reynolds, who was taken in the sixth round by the Baltimore Ravens in this year's NFL Draft, and Cardona, a Super Bowl champion last season as an NFL rookie with the New England Patriots, were given permission to play next season despite their agreement with the Navy for a five-year service vow in exchange for an undergraduate education.

Reynolds was a triple-option quarterback and finished his career last season as the all-time leader in touchdowns scored (88) and career rushing yards (4,559) by a quarterback for a top-level collegiate squad.

The Ravens plan to use Reynolds as a receiver, occasional running back and return specialist.

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