Big Al, Steeler tackle and Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva, has a bit of Roger Staubach in him

… though he is blue collar, not white 

The truth is that there are few similarities between former NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach and current Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva, who stands 6-feet, 9-inches tall and weighs about 340 pounds.

There is, however, one.

Few graduates of the military academies can make a career out of the NFL because they have to sit out for about four years after graduation.

Staubach overcame those odds and demonstrated that it can be done successfully. Villanueva is attempting to do that, too, though he is in the early stages of his career.

However, the two have major differences in their lives and careers and potential career.

Grunt vs. Glory Boy

The first difference in that Villanueva's life in the NFL is spent in the trenches, and that was also true in his military career.

Essentially, Staubach was a white collar guy both in the miliary and the NFL, while Villanueva is truly blue collar.

Villanueva is an Army guy, Staubach a Navy guy. Villanueva also saw combat as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan, but while Staubach lists a tour of duty in Vietnam, he worked as a supply officer, never seeing any combat.

Villanueva also earned commendations for his service in combat, particularly the bronze star.

Villanueva is a son of a man who was a Spanish national and lived throughout the world, while Staubach is an American through and through.

Villanueva played three different positions while at Army, but Staubach earned the Heisman Trophy as a QB at Navy in 1963 while the school was still considered to be a top football power.

Staubach received great plaudits for his athletic performance in college, but other than being noticeable for his height, Villanueva drew little attention.

Road to the U.S. Military Academy

While he was born in the U.S., Villanueva's father was a Spanish naval officer who worked for NATO; he lived in Spain, Belgium, and the U.S. (Rhode Island). Consequently, he was not a football player first and foremost. His first love was rugby.

Villanueva started playing football while living in Belgium and studying at a SHAPE school -- a U.S. Defense Department school for dependents -- in Casteau, Belgium. His teammate was playing for Army and told the coaches about Villanueva, and that led him to West Point.

Career as a Ranger

After graduation from the Academy, Villanueva was commissioned as a second lieutenant and assigned to Fort Benning, Ga., where he underwent training in the infantry, airborne, and Rangers.

He was then sent to Afghanistan for a 12-month tour as a rifle platoon leader. There, he was given the Bronze Star for rescuing wounded soldiers while under enemy fire. He later served two more tours in Afghanistan.

Dream to play in the NFL

Finally, in 2014, the athlete realized his dream. The Philadelphia Eagles signed Villanueva to play defensive end in their 3-4 alignment. It did not work out, and he was cut before the season started.

However, Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin noticed him in a preseason game and immediately signed him to a contract to play on the practice squad. According to a 2015 story by ESPN prior to the season, "Tomlin told Villanueva he wanted to give him 'football stability.' That meant an opportunity to learn his position and the NFL game while building his body with no expectations other than Villanueva would work hard and do his best."

Villanueva was grateful. "That was as good of a chance as I'd get. For that, I was extremely thankful."

Out of football longer than Staubach was

When Staubach left Navy in 1964, he was drafted as a future pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round. Seldom do these picks pan out, but this one did.

Four years later, he was playing for the Cowboys.

Villanueva was undrafted in his senior season and his football future appeared to be bleak. He did not play from his senior season at Army in 2008 until his preseason camp with the Eagles in 2014.

To be off that long and still become a starter in the NFL is amazing. He is 29, but still has some years ahead of him if he stays healthy.

Offensive tackle

The Steelers were grooming Villanueva to be an offensive tackle, and he put on 90 pounds to do that. He entered the 2015 as the swing tackle, a reserve who could play either one.

However, after starting left tackle Kelvin Beechum blew out his knee in October, Villanueva was inserted and has basically been there ever since.

Munchak a huge asset

Villanueva received a tremendous bonus, however, when the Steelers signed NFL Hall of Famer Mike Munchak as their offensive line coach after he was fired as head coach by the Tennessee Titans after the 2013 season.

Munchak has earned a reputation as an outstanding teacher of offensive linemen and groomers of lines in general. His tutelage has allowed Villanueva to reach this stage, but the best may yet be to come.

Who knows?

Fascinating, inspiring narrative

What is true is that Villanueva's story is one that many people should read. It is inspiring. He is probably the greatest role model on the Steelers' roster.

He may not become a member of the NFL Hall of Fame like Staubach, but he has achieved a great deal in his young life.

Earning a Super Bowl ring would be a great bonus for the young athlete, but that may not happen this year. It does not matter. He is on the cusp of being a very good NFL lineman.