WAR: Former NFL Player Killed in Afghanistan

Former Arizona Cardinal player Pat Tillman, age 27, was killed in action Thursday in southeastern Afghanistan while on Special Operations maneuvers. His death reportedly occurred in a firefight during a combat mission.
Tillman made headlines after 9-11 when he turned down a $3.6 million dollar contract to join the Army, where he completed Ranger training and served time in Iraq and Afghanistan.

11Alive.com

Tillman played with the Cardinals from 1998-2001 as a strong safety. He turned down a 3-year contract with the team to enter Army Ranger training with his younger brother, Kevin. He was deployed in March 2003 first to Iraq as part of the 75th Ranger Batallion. He returned to the States briefly at the end of 2003 before returning to the Middle East on deployment in Afghanistan.

When Tillman discussed his enlistment with the Cardinals coach, he said, "I have to pay something back for the comfortable life which I was afforded."

He leaves behind many friends, family, and a wife. The two married in 2003.

Related Links:
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ESPN.com


[Edited on 23-4-2004 by Banshee]

i remember pat he was a good safety and i wish he would have stayed in the NFL and my condolences go out to his family

Originally posted by Banshee
Tillman made headlines after 9-11 when he turned down a $3.6 million dollar contract to join the Army, where he completed Ranger training and served time in Afghanistan.
safety.
[Edited on 23-4-2004 by Banshee]

He was a great guy and I pray for his family. Thank You Pat

To quit football, to go be a ranger. This guy Is a TRUE hero. It just blows my mind.

[Edited on 23-4-2004 by SpittinCobra]

well my heart goes out to his family and the people who knew him.

He did something very few people would do.
I'm speechless.

This was obviously a very rare, very special kind of person. When you're willing to walk away from millions of dollars and the perks of life as a pro athlete to serve your country, you obviously have higher convictions and ideals than most of us.

Rest in Peace, Pat Tillman. You will not be easily forgotten.

Originally posted by SpittinCobra
To quit football, to go be a ranger. This guy Is a TRUE hero. It just blows my mind.

[Edited on 23-4-2004 by SpittinCobra]

My thoughts exactly...A true American role model if i say so...

Ranger Tillman is the epitome of selfless service. May his memory live on forever. See you on the flipside, man.

Best of luck to Ranger Kevin Tillman, who quit minor leaque baseball to serve in the 75th Rangers with his brother...

"Rangers Lead the Way"

[Edited on 24-4-2004 by DeltaChaos]

When I saw the headline here, I thought, not Tillman, not Tillman, then ah #. THIS is a true patriot. The NFL better do him the honour he deserves.

I can honestly say that if I was offered ether a great sports contract or the army, I would probably take the contract.

He was a better man than I, may he find peace in the next life.

Originally posted by ShirtNinja
I can honestly say that if I was offered ether a great sports contract or the army, I would probably take the contract.

He was a better man than I, may he find peace in the next life.

That's exactly it, how many of us would that the harder,more dangerous path? I probably wouldn't. Pat was one of the very few.

All I can say is this is a terrible loss. Pat exemplified selflessness and heroism of the highest order. May his memory live on forever.

Tillman is a true American hereo. why aren't more people like him. "I have to pay something back for the comfortable life which I was afforded." How many sheeples realize this?? Weather u believe the administration, or believe in military power, it is the American solider who has given us, the average American citizen, sheeple, the freedom we have today. U.S. troops must believe in what they are doing. in combat, politics go out the window. it is about the soldier to your left and right, protecting your comerades and then yourself.
hopefully there will those with his convictions that will rise to the situation when it happens on American soil.

Rangers Lead the Way.

Pat Tillman was without a doubt is an American hero. He was inspired by the events of 9/11 to give up a multi-million dollar contract to play football (What could be more American than playing football!) and join the Army to defend this country. Whatever you may think of this war, news of this sort has to make you proud to be a part of a nation populated by people such as this. So, next time we hear the Anthem of the United States, maybe we should put our cynicism aside for a moment, place our hand over our heart, and think of him and the other 600+ heroes that have given their lives to allow us to remain free.

there are billboards with the alleged 'lets roll'...why not Tillans comment????

I like given credit to such a great man but this really makes me depressed. I sat in my buddies arm chair two years ago and read the story about Pat's deciscion, well his dad was a Ranger and we were really proud that this guy was gonna become one too. He was this guy who wed remember and like have a good laugh about how cool he was. I really respected him and hoped to see him back on the field. I like seeing people remember him but for me it just makes me so sad and frustrated.

What an absolutely tragic loss. Here we have a great example of someone of such integrity that his belief system was stronger than the greed and selfcenteredness that has infected our society.

Originally posted by clearmind
there are billboards with the alleged 'lets roll'...why not Tillans comment????

I love that idea man. great tribute plan.

Originally posted by clearmind
there are billboards with the alleged 'lets roll'...why not Tillans comment????

Cool idea! Maybe one line quoted from him on why he went