Pat Tillman, US Army Ranger, and former NFL player. Here are some things I copied from another site for you that may not know him-

In May 2002, eight months after the September 11 attacks and after completing the fifteen remaining games of the 2001 season which followed the attacks (at a salary of $512,000 per year),[7] Tillman turned down a contract offer of $3.6 million over three years from the Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. Army.

Tillman was the first professional football player to be killed in combat since Bob Kalsu, who died in the Vietnam War in 1970. Tillman was posthumously laterally promoted from Specialist to Corporal. He also received posthumous Silver Star and Purple Heart medals.

PS- it was great to grow up in the same town as him- Almaden Ca. Right out side of San Jose CA.
Thank You Pat. You are still missed. If only every NFL team could have just one like him!! But there is only one Pat Tillman!!

Generally we use the word "hero" far to often when we talk about sports figures. In this case it is truly deserved. Thanks for posting the info.

Ray

Intensity and Passion are two words that come to mind when Pat Tillman's name comes up. He walked it.

I agree. He was one of the true heroes.

Michael

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends . Now where did I hear that before ? Yes , he is a hero .

Great Post!

Did you know Pat personally? That was one of the most unbelievable things that i remember happening around that time. I do not recall it being mentioned until after he Past. sure would have been great for him to get the recogniton before he went in.

A true american hero!

I did not really know him. He was a good bit older than me. But followed him from our local High School to ASU and then the pros. His mom came into my work back in the day. And somewhat knew his wife's family. His wife's family lived in my neighborhood. I did know about him. Even when he played in NFL and made good $$, he was not flashy. Simple condo and simple car.

He also turned down 9 mil from the Rams earlier in his career. Cause he wanted to stay loyal to the Cardinals since they were the ones who drafted him in the 7th round.