National Football League

Meet the former NFL cheerleader who is now in the Army

Published Dec. 20, 2013 5:27 p.m. ET

Jimmy Traina

Rachel Washburn was a Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader from 2007-2009.

Now she's set to be honored at the team's home game on Sunday night after completing two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

The 25-year-old Washburn, whose father was in the Army and Air Force, is currently a 1st lieutenant after being an ROTC student in college.

For three seasons, she danced and performed on the sidelines. Shortly thereafter, she was helping deliver a baby while in Afghanistan.

Washburn is fully aware of her unusual journey from cheerleader to lieutentant.

"You don't expect those two things to go hand in hand with one person," she told USA Today.

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic