(Photo via Ryan Tully)

U.S. Naval Academy Director of Player Development and Marines Capt. Ryan Tully has traversed a unique path in football, one that stretched far beyond his expectations.

"I thought multiple times I’d either played in or been part of my last game, but somehow I keep getting drawn back in,"  said Tully, a member of the inaugural U.S. National Team in 2007. "There’s something about this sport. Anybody who’s played it can tell you. There’s nothing like it."

After a standout athletic and academic career at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Tully made the 45-minute move north to Harvard University, where the economics major was a three-year starter at outside linebacker who earned the prestigious team captain honor in his final season in 2006.

Tully [right] was an All-Ivy League selection as a senior. (Photo via The Harvard Crimson)

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After his senior campaign, Tully figured his playing days were over, but he was chosen for the U.S. National Team coached by John Mackovic that traveled to Tokyo, Japan, for the World Cup of American Football.

"That was such a great experience. I don’t know how I fell into it," Tully said. "Playing with guys from all over the country from all different levels, just an awesome opportunity. Pretty crazy putting a team together, flying to Japan and playing three games in six days. I don’t know if anybody’s ever done that."

That week opened Tully's eyes to the love of football shared by many overseas. To explore that further, he played two years in Italy for the Parma Panthers, a team made famous by the 2007 John Grisham book, "Playing for Pizza."

"That was another great experience. It gave me a chance to be an ambassador for the sport, and help it grow in other places," Tully said.

Tully and former Middle Tennessee quarterback/current Arkansas offensive coordinator Joe Craddock, during their time with the Parma Panthers. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Tully)

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That international stay, and public service work with a teammate in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, played a big part in Tully's subsequent decision to join the U.S. Marine Corps.

"I knew I wanted to do something where I’d have an impact on people’s lives," Tully said. "Once I really gave it a serious look, I got hooked."

Tully attended Officer Candidate School in 2010, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and reported to Basic School, where he scored in the top 5 percent of his class. Duties with the 5th Marines took him around the globe, including operations in the South Pacific and training programs in Australia.

Tully [second from left] with members of the Thai Marines. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Tully)

In 2015, Tully heard the Naval Academy hoped to expand its military roles within the football program. He accepted a job as military liaison, and two years later, took his current player development position. With Tully's assistance, players focus on academics, leadership development, physical fitness, military obligations and football.

"Our job is to introduce the incoming players to the military culture, then help them make that transition from high school to Midshipman athlete, and make sure they’re ready for commission on their way out," Tully said. "It’s a huge transformation. That’s what this place is really all about."

Tully during the 2017 season, which ended with a win over Virginia in the Military Bowl. (Photo via Navy Athletics)

Navy has played in 10 bowl games under 11-year head coach Ken Niumatalolo, who's had an impact on Tully's own development.

"I’ve been so fortunate to work under Coach Niumatalolo and all of his staff. They’re among the longest-tenured staffs in Division I college football for good reason," Tully said. "Coach is a master to learn from – from a football perspective, how to run an organization and treat people."

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At Annapolis, no matter how much you know, every day is a learning experience.

"I’ve learned a ton about myself, leadership, building a team, working with young men and women from around the country who do amazing things and don’t ask for recognition," Tully said. "It’s all about being able to rely on the person next to you and going out to accomplish a mission."