Clemson WR Daniel Rodriguez is an Army veteran, whose journey from the combat field to the football field was marked by a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. (4:32)

CLEMSON, S.C. -- Clemson receiver and Bronze Star Medal recipient Daniel Rodriguez earned the Armed Forces Merit Award from the Football Writers Association of America.

Rodriguez is a senior who also plays special teams for the Tigers. The award, announced Tuesday, is presented to an individual or group with a military background who's made an impact on college football.

Rodriguez served in the Army from 2006-10 and fought in the Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan in 2009 where 38 U.S. troops faced 300 Taliban fighters. Eight Americans were killed in the fighting and 22 were wounded, including Rodriguez. He was also awarded the Purple Heart.

In 2012, Rodriguez was offered a walk-on spot with Clemson and has played in 35 straight games for the Tigers.