Patriots practice squad running back Eric Kettani has been summoned back to active duty in the Navy, and he'll return to the USS Klakring on Friday morning in Jacksonville, Fla.
Kettani is disappointed that his "dream" of playing for the Patriots has been derailed for the time being, but he has been a patriot through and through.
"I love my country, and I'm happy to serve it," Kettani told NESN.com.
Kettani lost an appeal to stay with the Patriots, but he has appealed the ruling again. He said there's no timetable for the next appeal process, noting that he could find out Thursday night or weeks from now, even mentioning that he hoped to be back in time to help the Patriots prepare for the Cowboys next week.
Kettani, a Navy graduate and officer on his ship, has already served two years of active duty. He was given select reserve status in time to report for training camp in July under the condition that he helped promote the Navy. He has also been actively involved with the Wounded Warrior Project.
Because of that, Kettani was passionate about his latest appeal, saying he's done everything the Navy has asked of him. Yet, he's been told it's a time of war, and they need him back.
If the appeal doesn't hold up, he wasn't sure of the steps that would follow his arrival in Jacksonville. But his ship just returned Thursday morning from a brief tour at sea.
"I look forward to continuing my dream of playing for the New England Patriots," Kettani said.
