Anyone who has covered former Michigan linebacker Noah Furbush knows that his ultimate life goals were away from the football field. An aerospace engineering major, Furbush has a pilot's license and has long dreamed of following in the footsteps of multiple family members in serving in our country's military.

On Thursday, Furbush accomplished that goal as he received his eagle, globe and anchor emblem to signify the earning of his title as a United States Marine.

During his senior season last year, Furbush talked with reporters about his passion for the military and why it's something he's wanted to pursue for as long as he can remember.

“Two family members in the service – it’s kind of like being a fan,” Furbush said at the time. “You look up to Michigan football players, you see those jerseys, you see the coach. You see all those people you look up to, that’s kind of the same way. I see those fatigues – they just look sharp to me. You see people in uniform, I look up to them and the sacrifices they made for this country and all the amazing things that they do and get to be a part of in that service.”

One of Furbush's biggest advocates has been Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who would speak at length about Furbush's accomplishments when asked.

“Always thought of Noah Furbush as a guy that could be an NFL player and it’s a very interesting and compelling story," Harbaugh said last fall. "He’s very serious about football and it’s very important to him, but that’s not what he wants to do after college. He wants to go into the military. He wants to fly jets. (He’s an) aerospace engineer, already graduated. Now he’s a graduate studies space engineering. Got his pilot’s license two summers ago.

“It’s, as I said, a compelling story. And it’s great to see him have success on the field, because I know it’s really important to him.”

Furbush has remained cognizant of Harbaugh's support as well. The coach and player grew close during the Kenton (OH) native's time in Ann Arbor.

“One thing that Coach Harbaugh has always been great about is, no matter who you are on the team, obviously, if you earn his respect, he’ll do anything for you,” Furbush said. “I can’t thank him enough for all that he’s done for me. Getting me towards where I want to go in my life and realizing what motivates me, what makes me passionate and helping me achieve those goals. He’s been instrumental in a lot of things. Flight training and helping me out with my application for the military. I really can’t thank him enough."

The next step for Furbush will actually take place on Saturday while his former team takes on rival Michigan State. He is scheduled to graduate from an officer candidate course. After that, he will officially commission as an officer in the USMC.