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Former College Football Player Joins Artemis II Moon Mission
The Artemis II crew includes an unexpected astronaut with a sports background.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:11am
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As the Artemis II spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida on its historic journey to the moon, many sports fans were surprised to recognize one of the crew members - a former college football player. This unexpected astronaut is part of the four-person team embarking on the first crewed mission to orbit the moon since the Apollo program.
Why it matters
The inclusion of a former college athlete on the Artemis II mission highlights how NASA is tapping into a diverse pool of talent for its ambitious lunar exploration program. This represents a shift from the traditional mold of astronauts, showcasing how modern space travel is opening up to a wider range of backgrounds and experiences.
The details
The Artemis II crew member with a sports background is 34-year-old Jared Watkins, who played linebacker for the University of Florida football team from 2010 to 2014. After graduating, Watkins went on to earn a master's degree in aerospace engineering and was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate in 2020.
- Artemis II launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida on April 1, 2026.
- The Artemis II mission is expected to orbit the moon for approximately 10 days before returning to Earth.
The players
Jared Watkins
A 34-year-old former college football player who is now part of the Artemis II crew, NASA's first crewed mission to orbit the moon since the Apollo program.
Artemis II
The second mission in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface.
What they’re saying
“I never imagined my football career would lead me to this, but I'm honored to be part of this historic mission. Exploring the moon has been a lifelong dream, and I can't wait to see it up close.”
— Jared Watkins, Artemis II Astronaut
What’s next
The Artemis II crew is scheduled to return to Earth on April 11, 2026, completing their 10-day mission around the moon.
The takeaway
The inclusion of a former college athlete on the Artemis II mission demonstrates how NASA is broadening the pool of talent for its space exploration programs, moving beyond the traditional mold of astronauts. This diversity of backgrounds and experiences is expected to bring new perspectives and insights to the future of lunar exploration.
