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Back in the old Southwest Conference days (dating myself), we pledged and initiated the starting QB. We did it in the Spring. There's zero chance he would have endured a fall pledgeship. As it was, we made a lot of allowances for his athletic commitments in the spring. Of course, the reduced pledgeship burden he endured was a heck of a lot harder and longer than any of today's pledges likely see.
I would think most houses will cut athletes slack. Some houses also have reduced dues for varsity athletes. My chapter did.
The football coach didn't have any problems with guys pledging our fraternity. I'm sure the fact that one of our alums gave a lot of money to the football team and was a hunting buddy with the head coach didn't impact it at all.
This was not our only athlete or football player. My roommate was a football player until an injury left him to choose between walking and football. I was a varsity athlete in a different sport. I pledged in-season, but was badly injured and going through rehab. If I was playing, there's no way I could have pledged. Even if I could, I would have missed a lot of the pledging experience.
Tell your sons to talk with the coach. Maybe they can rush now, but pledge in the spring. Personally, I would recommend focusing on football and school. The fraternity can come later.
Most houses will have a positive bias for football players. They'll accomodate your sons' requirements. Plus, waiting will give your sons time to make sure they're selecting the house that fits them best.
Good luck.
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