Tillman Makes Ultimate Sacrifice
Friday April 23, 2004
The war on terrorism hit close to home for many football fans Friday as ABCNEWS reported the death of former NFL player Pat Tillman, who was killed while serving in Afghanistan. Tillman, who played safety with the Arizona Cardinals for four seasons, gave up an NFL career and a multi-million dollar contract to enlist in the Army Rangers, after the Sept. 11 attacks, and now he has made the ultimate sacrifice.
There are very few details available, but reports say Tillman was killed in a firefight in eastern Afghanistan when his Ranger patrol was ambushed.
On a personal note, I feel a little empty this morning as I consider how irrelevant football and sports are in the big picture. The bickering of prima donna athletes suddenly seems tremendously petty as I consider what Pat Tillman and his family have given up to help ensure the safety of you, I, and our families.
Eli Manning doesn't want to play in San Diego. Terrell Owens wants to play in Philadelphia. Dennis Northcutt, Mike McKenzie, and Ty Law are all unhappy with their situations.
But what does it matter?
Pat Tillman gave up millions of dollars and the prestigious life as an NFL athlete to do what he felt was the right thing while others complain about where they are (or will be) making their fortunes. And now Tillman has given his life in a firefight in Afghanistan so that these guys that we idolize and worship so much can continue to have that freedom without the constant fear of terrorism in our own country.
Terrell Owens and Eli Manning are not heroes. Maurice Clarett and Mike Williams are not heroes. Nor are any of the others I mentioned above.
Pat Tillman is the true American hero!
There are very few details available, but reports say Tillman was killed in a firefight in eastern Afghanistan when his Ranger patrol was ambushed.
On a personal note, I feel a little empty this morning as I consider how irrelevant football and sports are in the big picture. The bickering of prima donna athletes suddenly seems tremendously petty as I consider what Pat Tillman and his family have given up to help ensure the safety of you, I, and our families.
Eli Manning doesn't want to play in San Diego. Terrell Owens wants to play in Philadelphia. Dennis Northcutt, Mike McKenzie, and Ty Law are all unhappy with their situations.
But what does it matter?
Pat Tillman gave up millions of dollars and the prestigious life as an NFL athlete to do what he felt was the right thing while others complain about where they are (or will be) making their fortunes. And now Tillman has given his life in a firefight in Afghanistan so that these guys that we idolize and worship so much can continue to have that freedom without the constant fear of terrorism in our own country.
Terrell Owens and Eli Manning are not heroes. Maurice Clarett and Mike Williams are not heroes. Nor are any of the others I mentioned above.
Pat Tillman is the true American hero!
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