Pat Tillman, the NFL player that left the Cardinals and enlisted in the army after 9/11 was killed in action in Afghanistan yesterday (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4815441/). This is the guy, gave up millions for playing in the NFL, to join the Army with his brother in support of our country.

He was killed in anti-Al Queda / Taliban activities in eastern Afghanistan near the Pak border.

He is truly an inspiration.

wow, thats probably the most respectable thing a person a could do in this world we live in. ill be praying for him and his family.

Couldn't agree more, John.

You can't do anything but admire the courage and conviction of someone who would do that.

It's frustrating to see how many people forget that we're here leading normal lives due to those folks serving in Iraq and Central Asia.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

That's a sad but inspirational story.

God speed to all our troops.

I truly amazing story of patriotism and selflessness.

What a sad story. My prayers to his family and all involved, God Bless Our Troops who fight so we can all be free.

I'm sick to my stomach right now...

Pat Tillman graduated from Arizona State A SEMESTER EARLY, while earning a 3.8 GPA in marketing, and winning the award for PAC-10 player of the year.

He turned down a $3.6 million contract from the Cardinals to join the Army, where he made $18,000 his first year. Not wanting to be seen as doing it for a publicity stunt, he refused all requests for interviews about his decision. He served in the same platoon as his younger brother.

In today's era, most athletes are cocky, spoiled, enabled from birth, too dumb to scratch their name in the dirt with a stick, and immeasurably self-centered. What an incredible example of humility, service, and sacrifice this kid is.

We have truly suffered a deep loss, and I just hope that through his example, we all try to practice a FRACTION of the sense of duty, and doing the right thing, that he personified.

He was the last athlete that I really respected. His face should be on Mt Rushmore as far as I'm concerned. After September 11, he chose to walk away from a pampered life of fame, fortune, and celebrity to be a private in the army. Unbelievable.

Well, there's a MAN who knew something about dedication to duty.

I'm sure he took more than a few of those savages with him.

Well said Jamie...

Originally posted by Jamie M
In today's era, most athletes are cocky, spoiled, enabled from birth, too dumb to scratch their name in the dirt with a stick, and immeasurably self-centered. What an incredible example of humility, service, and sacrifice this kid is.

Very well said Jamie. I've nothing more to add.

A very sad ending to a great story about patriotism.

I just want to add that I mean no disrespect to all our brave soldiers who have also given their lives in the fight against terrorism.

Pat Tillman's death is no more or less important than the rest of our people. They're all heroes in my book.

God speed.

:(

Not that none of us have those same attributes, but we could all learn something from Mr. Tillman. Ty law take note and thank-you to the Tillman family for giving us your son.

No honor is found in battle where no blood was spilled....."Patton"

It's alwayse very sad when a comrad at arms loses his life. Thanks to his family for their sacrifice. And may he stand as an idol for our young rather than those who chose the more selfish road. We have lost a good man. God bless him.

Armand

A true American hero. May God bless his soul.

RIP He will not be forgoten...Thanks Pat and the rest of our troops who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Brought a tear to my eye to read his story.

Thank you Mr. Tillman for your service and sacrifice.

In your death a hero is born

RIP and God Bless you and your family.


Mike

PAT TJLLMAN- TRUE AMERICAN HERO. HE SHOULD BE A GREAT INSPIRATION TO ALL AMERICANS, MAKES ME PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN. HE IS WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT. PAT- GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THIS MAKES ME VIEW GREEDY, SELF SERVING ATHLETS IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT.

GOD BLESS PAT TILLMAN AND HIS FAMILY.PRAY FOR ALL THOSE FIGHTING FOR US TO KEEP OUR WAY OF LIFE.

i agree with addict
somehow his loss of life after having reached so much initial success seems to be a much greater loss than others and he paid with his life a greater sacrifice by loosing it....

it just makes you feel so empty yet enormously proud.