Now, it’s official.
Nearly two months after verbally committing to play football at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Newburgh Free Academy senior Tyler Rafferty confirmed his commitment on Wednesday, signing his National Letter of Intent for the fall 2021.
“It feels good,” Rafferty said. “It’s been a long time since I got the offer in February and it’s good to finally be committed to a school.”
He had several offers, but Army was the first, extending an offer to play on Feb. 11. He also received offers from Stony Brook University, The College of Holy Cross, Fordham University, Sacred Heart University, Bucknell University and Rhode Island.
West Point’s proximity to home also added a level of comfort for Rafferty.

“For me, it’s the best option across the board,” Rafferty said. “It’s bigger football than my other options and it’s a better option being only 30 minutes down the road.”
The Goldbacks didn’t get on the field in the fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Rafferty would have liked to wait until after his senior season, but over the summer the football season was postponed until March by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.
Football – considered a high-risk sport was postponed indefinitely on Dec. 18 by the New York State High School Athletic Association, so even the idea of a season in March could be in doubt.
Meanwhile, the Black Knights were able to get on the gridiron this season, running a 9-2 record. They defeated Navy on Dec. 12 at Michie Stadium, and then beat Air Force, 10-7, on Saturday, also at Michie Stadium for the Commander-in-Chief Trophy. The Black Knights are scheduled to face West Virginia on New Year’s Eve in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis.
“I am excited about the future of Army Football,” said Army Football Coach Jeff Monken in a statement released on Dec. 16. “With today being the start of the early signing period, we have secured commitments from several outstanding young men. Unlike traditional colleges, we cannot publicize these commitments until after their arrival at West Point this summer, but we are confident that we have recruited a group of young men who will be outstanding Cadets, leaders of character to serve our nation, and football players who will help carry on the winning tradition of Army Football.”
Rafferty started out as a safety but moved to inside linebacker during his sophomore year. Army is looking at him to play either inside or outside.
“They’re getting a guy with some position flexibility,” Newburgh football coach Bill Bianco said in September. “He’s big enough to play inside and at 6’3”, he’s long enough to play outside. He can run. A lot of football these days is down-and distance packaging. He’s a guy who can do a lot of different things.”
After graduating from West Point, he will be obligated to serve five years for the Army. But that’s down the road, while he’s looking forward to hopefully having a senior football season at Newburgh, he’s looking forward to one of the special benefits of playing for Army, playing in an Army-Navy game.
“I’m happy with my decision and wouldn’t change it,” Rafferty said.