RIP Pat Tillman, Special Forces / former Arizona Cardinal

[Celeval]

No link yet, but just came over the radio here. Killed in action in Afghanistan.

Edit: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4815441/

[Ksyrup]

Shit. :(

[SirFozzie]

Fuck.

[Young Drachma]

OMG, that's crazy.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

If true then God rest his soul.

[Arles]

That sucks. I met Pat when he played at Arizona State and he was one of the most genuine and generally "good" people I had ever met (this coming from a UofA alum). Our prayers go out for his family.

[scooper]

Obsolutely sad. For all the jackasses that have played in the NFL, there have been some good men as well. He leads that list. My prayers go out to his family.

[WSUCougar]

:(

[FrogMan]

:(

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

http://www.cnn.com/

[cthomer5000]

Deciding to go from well-payed pro athlete to giving his life in battle is pretty amazing. I have the utmost respect for the man and what he did.

[QuikSand]

Aw, damn.

[Philliesfan980]

Thoughts go to his family, as well as all others killed in battle.

[sachmo71]

:(

Found this article on American Spectator, and though some might like it:


Watching football on Thanksgiving weekend reminded me of younger days when the NFL was a passion of mine. In recent years it has become more of a diversionary interest, and I no longer know who is who, or which teams are the ones to beat. While the league is still blessed with some admirable players, the ones I tend to remember now, unfortunately, are those who behave notoriously off the field or insufferably on it. But sitting among family on the holiday, I happily remembered Pat Tillman, the best story the NFL has had in many years.

Pat Tillman was the starting strong safety for the Arizona Cardinals when the 9/11 attacks occurred. He played out the 2001 season and then with his brother Kevin, a former minor league baseball player, enlisted in the Army Rangers. In doing so, Tillman walked away from a three-year, $3.6 million dollar contract with the Cardinals for an $18,000 salary and plentiful opportunities to get his head shot off. That hasn't happened yet, and God willing it won't. But the pay cut kicked in right away.

Some Internet surfing revealed that the Tillman brothers are currently deployed somewhere in the Middle East with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. On the weekend before Thanksgiving, the brothers spoke briefly with their parents, who do not know where they are or what mission they are pursuing. They do know that their sons were in Iraq in the spring during the height of the fighting, and that this summer they were briefly stateside at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington.

Outside of an ESPY award earlier this year and the occasional column, Tillman's story has gotten little press, but it's not all the media's fault. For one thing, as Tillman's parents well know, there is precious little information. For another, the Tillmans have not granted a single interview since their enlistment. Apparently determined that their endeavor not be construed as self-aggrandizing or insincere, they have simply done what they said they would do -- leave behind the fantasy world of sports to serve their country.

It would be a remarkable story in any time, but in a more cynical age it is nothing short of breathtaking. Imagine a 26-year old American male, talented enough to play in the National Football League and earn millions of dollars, leaving because he felt he had more important things to do. What could be more important than riches and fame? Why sacrifice when our culture so often portrays sacrifice as the preserve of misfits and losers? For many observers, Tillman's decision had to have an explanation more rational, and less abstract, than mere nobility.

Certainly that was the attitude of Tillman's former teammate Simeon Rice, who now plays with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rice suggested that Tillman might be joining the army because he wasn't a very good football player anyway. While Tillman was not an All-Pro, he did set a Cardinals team record with 224 tackles in 2000. Even if Rice's charge were true, it takes an especially small person to voice such a thought publicly. But then the NFL happens to be densely populated with such men, including Rice's Tampa Bay teammate, the repulsive Warren Sapp.

In his inability to understand Tillman's patriotism, Rice no doubt spoke for many of his NFL colleagues. His incomprehension was further in evidence when, prompted by an interviewer, he acknowledged that his former teammate's decision was "admirable." Did Rice belatedly realize that it was patriotism -- one of the oldest virtues -- that had motivated Tillman? Of course not:

"Maybe it was the Rambo movies?" he asked. "Maybe it's Sylvester Stallone and Rocky?"

Right. If it isn't pure self-interest, then it must be unadulterated fantasy. Such is the mentality of a good portion of professional athletes today, particularly in the NFL, a once-proud league now overrun by exhibitionists whose constant preening is often difficult to distinguish from professional wrestling.

While media coverage of the Tillman story has been very positive, a subtle "wait and see" attitude prevails in some of the pieces that have been written, as if some revelation about a big-bucks contract, or perhaps a movie deal, will surface sooner or later to compromise his decision. The "mystery" some commentators see in Tillman's actions is almost certainly the result of his refusal to grant interviews; if he would only sit for a weepy tell-all, all of their doubts could be put to rest.

For most normal people, though, the story is pretty simple -- somewhere in the Middle East, Pat Tillman is serving the United States because he believes it is his duty. Meanwhile, back in the NFL, a contingent of helmeted narcissists -- Rice, Sapp, Jeremy Shockey, take your pick -- grow rich. The closest any of them will come to war is in the numbing military metaphors that have long been part of the repertoire of NFL players, coaches and broadcasters.

Pat Tillman knows where the real war is, which is why he left the fake one behind. If he decides to return to football when his three-year tour of duty is up, he would have the impact of a human disinfectant on the NFL. And his fellow players would owe him their gratitude -- even Simeon Rice, assuming he can reach that high.

[miami_fan]

RIP :(

[gstelmack]

Not much to add, except condolences to the family and a big thanks to all the members of the military that are risking their lives to keep us safe.

[cody8200]

I just heard this. Horrible news.

[JeeberD]

Very sad news indeed. Pat is a true American hero and our country could use more men like him...

:(

[ScottVib]

:(

[GrantDawg]

Heartbreaking.

[Ben E Lou]

CNN is reporting it now: "-- Former NFL player Pat Tillman killed in action while serving in U.S. Army in Afghanistan, CNN confirms."

[Noble_Platypus]

After reading Rices comments about Tillman I hope that SOB breaks both legs this year.

[cody8200]

Jerry or Simean's (Rice) comments? What he say?

[cthomer5000]

Jerry or Simean's (Rice) comments? What he say?
Simeon, his jackass comments are in the article someone posted a few posts up.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

I really don't know what to say to Simeon Rice's comments. Seems like it was made by
a pathetic millionaire.

[hukarez]

Damn..

RIP, Pat Tillman.

[dan_garlick]

The word honor ,respect and hero are thrown around alot these days but as far as I am concerned Pat Tillman you are a hero in my book for going where you didn't have and doing what you didn't have to.Pro athletes are always looking to see "what's in it for me" and it's good to see someone trying to give back tosociety /his country.Guys like Simeon Rice"Punk" who ripped on this guy's football skills on the Jim Rome show among others I got one thing to say pardon my language.Blow you MotherF@#$er!!!!!!!and burn in hell.As for you pat tillman rest in peace.

[Travis]

Wow, people's (ie: Rice's) ignorance never cease to amaze me, and RIP Pat, prayer's to all the soldiers out there.

[Blade]

I am just shocked...I remember watching a little story on Tillman after he enlisted on Sunday Countdown. He seemed like a very good guy...it is a tragedy.

[JAG]

What everyone else beat me to saying. Damn.

I hope that 224 tackle Cardinals record stands for a long long time.

[MacroGuru]

RIP - Enjoy the Ultimate Team in the sky.

[samifan24]

I wonder how Simeon Rice feels now. RIP Pat Tillman, a true American hero.

[Noble_Platypus]

The sad thing is that I will bet Rice still doesnt care.

[Raven Hawk]

:(

Prayers.

[3ric]

I can't properly say in words how sad this makes me. I wish more people were like Pat Tillman.

[BigJohn&TheLions]

God bless Pat Tillman.

As for Rice's comments, they were made when he joined the army, not now, when this man who gave his life fighting for our safety comes lies dead in Afganistan.

The question must be asked:What would the situation in Afganistan be like if we had the troops that are in Iraq committed to where the real problem was? As it is, we are spread too thin and this puts all the troops in even more danger.

[henry296]

Shocking... just plained shocked.

[Travis]

It'd be worse if Rice's comments were made now, but I understand the time frame involved, and it still makes him a jackass to think it was because Tillman wasn't a good enough player, or because he'd seen one too many action movies.

Newsflash: Some people don't live their lives just to become rich Simeon, they do what they feel they have to do no matter what the cost.

[WussGawd]

Pat Tillman was a legend on so many fronts at Arizona State. When asked to redshirt by then coach Bruce Snyder, he said, coach, you can redshirt me if you want, but I'm gone in 4 years after I graduate.

He pulled a 3.9 GPA at Arizona State, was a repeat Academic All-American, and an all Pac 10 linebacker. He was a little guy (roughly 6'0", 200 lbs.), very small to be playing LB in a major conference, but he was smart, quick to the play, and a deceptively hard hitter. Best of all though, I met him a couple of times, and he was one of the most genuinely likeable athletes I've ever been acquainted with.

I can't even begin to express my sorrow and feelings about the sacrifices this guy made, and what a loss he is to us all as a human being. RIP, Pat. Heaven just got one hell of a hard hitting linebacker. :(

[cuervo72]

We lost a good American today (as are all the troops over in hostile lands).

[Bosco]

I just got out of class and opened up my browser to ESPN.com and I'm just stunned. I don't know what to say.

[RendeR]

Pat Tillman exemplifies the selflessness that I wish all of humanity could share. He gave up the easy life for something he felt was more important, and paid the ultimate price for that choice.

Rest in Peace Pat.

[QuikSand]

I hope that the many sports fans, like myself, who get unexpectedly choked up at this news are able to translate that feeling to a greater sense of appreciation for the fighting men and women who are in harm's way. At times like these, it's easy to get numbed to bad news on the war front -- we're losing young men and women with enough regularity that it's hard to keep "feeling" it each time you hear the news about on more here or six more there. They just become numbers.

The reason that we hurt so much for Pat Tillman is in part due to the unusual sacrifice that he made (or did he?) in foregoing such economic opportunitites in professional sports. But there are brave and heroic stories behind countless other lives lost in the world's conflicts... Americans, allied forces, and others.

My heart goes out to Pat Tillman, who will no doubt receive a deserved hero's thanks from our country and from sports fans everywhere. Let's all commit not to forget that there are countless other stories out there, countless other greiving families of fallen soldiers, that share the heroism but just not the million-dollar football angle.

[Eaglesfan27]

I was immediately saddened by this and then I thought why is this so much more sad then all of the other soldiers dying in the middle east. I admire what Pat Tillman did and will keep him and his family in my prayers tonight, but I will also make sure to keep in mind all of the other soldiers facing peril on this day and in the future.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola - as usual Quiksand just said what I was feeling in a much more eloquent manner.

[Senator]

DAMN IT!!

[WussGawd]

I hope that the many sports fans, like myself, who get unexpectedly choked up at this news are able to translate that feeling to a greater sense of appreciation for the fighting men and women who are in harm's way. At times like these, it's easy to get numbed to bad news on the war front -- we're losing young men and women with enough regularity that it's hard to keep "feeling" it each time you hear the news about on more here or six more there. They just become numbers.

The reason that we hurt so much for Pat Tillman is in part due to the unusual sacrifice that he made (or did he?) in foregoing such economic opportunitites in professional sports. But there are brave and heroic stories behind countless other lives lost in the world's conflicts... Americans, allied forces, and others.

My heart goes out to Pat Tillman, who will no doubt receive a deserved hero's thanks from our country and from sports fans everywhere. Let's all commit not to forget that there are countless other stories out there, countless other greiving families of fallen soldiers, that share the heroism but just not the million-dollar football angle.

Certainly, QS, you put this eloquently. I agree with the sentiment wholeheartedly. OTOH, for a lot folks, I'm sure this is the first person that a lot of them know or know of. Unfortunately, it will inevitably hit people a little bit harder if someone lost is a friend or family member, or someone they know. It doesn't mean that everybody necessarily forgets the others who have been lost, just that its inevitably dehumanized just a bit because you don't know them.

[Ksyrup]

Certainly, QS, you put this eloquently. I agree with the sentiment wholeheartedly. OTOH, for a lot folks, I'm sure this is the first person that a lot of them know or know of. Unfortunately, it will inevitably hit people a little bit harder if someone lost is a friend or family member, or someone they known. This is basically inevitable. It doesn't mean that everybody necessarily forgets the others who have been lost, just that its inevitably dehumanized just a bit because you don't know them.
Exactly. I personally "know" two people who served over there, and both came back safely. If something had happened to either of them, I would have felt much worse about them than I do now about Tillman. He's really the first person I knew anything of before the war, who died serving during the war.

[Thomkal]

As a fan of my beloved Cardinals, my heart is breaking even more now over this news. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Kind of makes the excitement of the draft tomorrow fade away.

Please lets not let this thread degenerate into one of our infamous political threads or letting Simeon Rice dominate it either.

[Kodos]

This is really sad. But QuikSand is right. It does help put a face on all the other soldiers who died who we never knew (even in a small way like we "know" NFL players), as well as the ones who are still over there fighting.

RIP, Pat. Your country owes you a debt of gratitude. :(

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

From FSN:Bret Baier a pentagon correspondent for fox news is saying that: '' Along with Tillman,there were other fatalities in a brutal firefight in S Eastern Afghanistan.
May they all rest in peace.

[SplitPersonality1]

RIP and thanks. :(

[General Mike]

RIP :(

[GoldenEagle]

Thanks Pat Tillman.

I think the NFL should retire his number.

[JeeberD]

I think the NFL should retire his number.

I completely agree with you. Or at the very least the Cardinals and the Sun Devils should...

[Gary Gorski]

RIP Pat

He was not only a great American but a great person. Its refreshing to know that in today's world of greed and selfishness that there are a few people who still can put other people first - it sucks that the world lost one of those people. Pat paid the ultimate price for his fellow man and he has my utmost respect for doing so - especially considering what he gave up to do it. God Bless Pat and may his soul rest in peace.

[hoosierdude]

:( Prayers are with the family.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I hope that the many sports fans, like myself, who get unexpectedly choked up at this news are able to translate that feeling to a greater sense of appreciation for the fighting men and women who are in harm's way. At times like these, it's easy to get numbed to bad news on the war front -- we're losing young men and women with enough regularity that it's hard to keep "feeling" it each time you hear the news about on more here or six more there. They just become numbers.

The reason that we hurt so much for Pat Tillman is in part due to the unusual sacrifice that he made (or did he?) in foregoing such economic opportunitites in professional sports. But there are brave and heroic stories behind countless other lives lost in the world's conflicts... Americans, allied forces, and others.

My heart goes out to Pat Tillman, who will no doubt receive a deserved hero's thanks from our country and from sports fans everywhere. Let's all commit not to forget that there are countless other stories out there, countless other greiving families of fallen soldiers, that share the heroism but just not the million-dollar football angle.
Thank you sir, for putting my thoughts & comments (to my wife) far more eloquently than I managed to.

[Hammer755]

Thanks for the post QS, my thoughts exactly. Tillman's death hit me like a ton of bricks for some reason. But I am certain that there are countless others who willingly gave up their day jobs to join the armed forces under a far smaller spotlight and every one of them are just a big of a hero as Tillman.

RIP Pat Tillman and God Bless.

[ice4277]

:(

My thoughts and prayers go out to not only the Tillman family but all the troops stationed in harm's way.

[RawIsDan]

Obsolutely sad. For all the jackasses that have played in the NFL, there have been some good men as well. He leads that list. My prayers go out to his family.

My sentiments exactly.

[mtaystl03]

Just terrible. RIP :(

I hope Simeon Rice can't sleep at night for what he said about him only going over there because he wasn't a good enough football player.

[Calis]

Wow, I'm shocked with how hard this hit me when I just saw the news on CNN. RIP Pat. Not much I can add that hasn't been said already. I have the utmost respect for the man, as I know it's hard enough to make that commitment to your country without the opportunities he had in front of him.

[Ksyrup]

The irony is that, from what I've read about Pat Tillman, he would have absolutely detested all of the media coverage and the inevitable 20/20-type "retrospectives" about his life that we are seeing, and will see, for the next week or so. It may be a great story, but it's not really honoring his memory - at least not in the way he would have wanted it done.

[Huckleberry]

Pat Tillman would rather have the Pat Tillman retrospectives replaced by equal time retrospectives on each and every soldier that has perished in Afghanistan or Iraq.

[dan_garlick]

I can't properly say in words how sad this makes me. I wish more people were like Pat Tillman.

Same here! :(

[Huckleberry]

By the way, I'm pretty sure he would also wonder why gets a huge thread on thousands of message boards while the hundreds of other dead soldiers did not and will not.

[dan_garlick]

This is really sad. But QuikSand is right. It does help put a face on all the other soldiers who died who we never knew (even in a small way like we "know" NFL players), as well as the ones who are still over there fighting.

RIP, Pat. Your country owes you a debt of gratitude. :(

I have lived here in Korea for a number of years and served in the first Gulf War and was in the military for a total of 8 years.And you know what even though I was against Bush and the administration for how it went into Iraq and under rather dubious reasons I want to say one thing.Stories like this don't happen in very many countries.This is why for all it's faults America is still the greatest.God Bless America. :cool:

[Axxon]

Pat Tillman exemplifies the selflessness that I wish all of humanity could share. He gave up the easy life for something he felt was more important, and paid the ultimate price for that choice.

Rest in Peace Pat.

As long time readers of this board know, I express a dislike, nay hatred for humanity. RendeR just gave the best ephithet possible for a truly exceptional human being. It's guys like Pat that give me hope for the future of our species. Examples like this are few and far between but they do exist. I'm heartbroken right now.

I'm a life long Buccaneer fan and have appreciated what Rice has done for the team. Fine. I'm a human being and while disillusioned with our progress as a species in general, I'm a huge fan of Mr. Tillman. Rice was so out of line it's not funny. I hope he learns something from this. It's all we can hope for as human beings. Extraordinary leadership from Pat Tillman.

Forget the whole senator calls for a draft thread for today and reflect on this man's service and dedication. It's truly remarkable.

Thanks Pat, I learned something from you. A lot actually. May whatever lies ahead for you be fantastic and rewarding. How many Pat Tillmans have died and we just can't relate?? I'd bet it's quite a few. :( :(

I'm overwhelmed and stunned and for a moment. Wow.

[Bad-example]

Terrible news :(

[HornedFrog Purple]

Let's all commit not to forget that there are countless other stories out there, countless other greiving families of fallen soldiers, that share the heroism but just not the million-dollar football angle.

Thanks.

[WussGawd]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cheapseats/gambo/0423rant.html

Local reaction to a very special Sun Devil.

One other thought of mine. Charles Barkley was right. He's not a role model.

Pat Tillman, however, in my mind, was the best kind of role model one could hope for.

[Neuqua]

Tough to wake up and hear this tragic news.

Mr. Tillman, thank you.

RIP.

[Axxon]

Thanks.

HFP, in my post I also honored these countless heroes but you must admit, this guy gave up the good life to defend his country. I tried to honor both.

At least give Tillman his props. My life given would have made me a hero. His life given, selflessly, over collecting riches, has to be celebrated. It was a shining example of selfishness.

How else can we expect others to follow his example??? We have to acknowledge the greatness of his accomplishments.

[Hurst2112]

I thought that Neil Peart's lyrics for "Nobody's Hero' would be good to read at a time like this.

(last part of song)

Hero --- the voice of reason
Against the howling mob
Hero --- the pride of purpose
In the unrewarding job

Hero --- not the champion player
Who plays the perfect game
Not the glamor boy
Who loves to sell his name
Everybody's buying
NOBODY'S HERO

As the years went by, we drifted apart
When I heard that you were gone
I felt a shadow cross my heart

Hero

[DeToxRox]

As far as lyrics go, this is "Ghosts of Freedom" by Iced Earth.

Every time you think about it
It tears you up inside
You curse the day your mother
told you, your father died
Now you're always searching
Searching for the reason why I've gone
But I will always be here
By your side, through the darkest night

Here I'll stand on the firing line
Here I'll walk through the field where I died
I will fight and let the voice ring true
I am the ghost
Standing next to you

Every night you go to sleep
You pray the Lord my soul to keep
You don't know I've not gone away
You see I watch over fighting men
So they can have peace again
And maybe someday you will all be free

Here I'll stand on the firing line
Here I'll walk through the field where I died
I will fight and let the voice ring true
I am the ghost
Standing next to you

You speak to me
And I feel your pride
Assuring me I'll never die
I write Mother...
"He's here with me..."
He's in our minds
He's in our souls
Of sacrifice his story's told
He holds the flame of freedom for all to see

Here we stand on the firing line
Here I'll walk in the field where I fight
I will fight of die for liberty
With the ghost standing next to me

Don't tread on me...live free or die!!!
To our fallen brothers
You died to keep us free
To our fallen brothers
Who gave us liberty!!!



RIP Pat Tillman

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

I know its about an old soldier but its still applies to all who have and will maje the ultimate sacrifice n the coming days,weeks,months and years.


A SOLDIER DIED TODAY

Originally Titled, "JUST A COMMON SOLDIER"

by A. Lawrence Vaincourt ©1985
Reprinted By Permission
This is consistently one of the most popular pages posted on Jack's Joint




He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.


And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.


He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today.


When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young,
But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.


Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?


A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.


It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,
That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.


Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?


He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.


If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.

[HornedFrog Purple]

HFP, in my post I also honored these countless heroes but you must admit, this guy gave up the good life to defend his country. I tried to honor both.

At least give Tillman his props. My life given would have made me a hero. His life given, selflessly, over collecting riches, has to be celebrated. It was a shining example of selfishness.

How else can we expect others to follow his example??? We have to acknowledge the greatness of his accomplishments.

Sorry Axxon, that wasn't my intention. I was just moved by that particular piece of prose. It was not intended as a slight to Tillman at all.

My apologies.

[Primal]

I was truly in shock when I saw this today. Pat Tillman is a true hero.

I had the opportunity to play behind (far behind) Pat my freshman year at ASU. He was a truly good person and I have good memories on how he's affected those around him.

I really don’t have much else to say but thank you to all the Pat Tillman’s out there that sacrifice for us.

[cthomer5000]

Thanks Pat Tillman.

I think the NFL should retire his number.
Honestly, I think that's going a bit far. But the Cardinals should definitely recognize him in some way at their first home game, if not permanently.

[korme]

saw this in school today, :(

[cthomer5000]

The irony is that, from what I've read about Pat Tillman, he would have absolutely detested all of the media coverage and the inevitable 20/20-type "retrospectives" about his life that we are seeing, and will see, for the next week or so. It may be a great story, but it's not really honoring his memory - at least not in the way he would have wanted it done.
While that's almost certainly true, I don't think much bad comes out of the focus on him. Like the Jessica Lynch story, hearing the story of a particular individual helps a lot of us "put a face" on war. While all soliders who risk their lives are worthy of our gratitude, seeing the amazing story of a well-paid professional athlete willingly joing the military and eventually die for his country is definitely noteworthy. I think it reflects positively on the military as a whole, and could/will probably inspire others to join the armed forces.

[WussGawd]

Pat will almost certainly go into Arizona State's ring of honor at Sun Devil Stadium. His on the field and off the field accomplishments will almost certainly make that happen.

It would not shock me to see Pat similarly honored when the Cards move into the new stadium in Glendale, next to the Coyotes arena. They have a banner up today at their training facility in Tempe for folks to sign that will ultimately go to the family.

As for the NFL? I think a moment of silence might be cool for the first regular season game. Retire the number? Naw, I think that'd probably take it a bit far. Truthfully, not too many NFL teams retire numbers anyway.

[WussGawd]

dola. Nice remembrance piece on CNNSI now.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/tim_layden/04/23/remembering.tillman/index.html

[markprior22]

A true hero....

[Poli]

Rest in peace.

ET2(SW)

[cthomer5000]

dola. Nice remembrance piece on CNNSI now.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/tim_layden/04/23/remembering.tillman/index.html

That's a great article.

[korme]

godspeed pat
http://www.jbl.ootp-leagues.com/host/tillman.jpg

just a little tribute nothing special

[RebelMan]

God Bless that man, a true hero indeed.

Condolences to the family and friends

[Vince]

I can't really put what I'm feeling into words. Richard Tillman, Pat's little brother, is my age, and was a fellow classmate from Kindergarten to 8th grade. I knew Pat, and he really was everything you read about him and more. The world is a darker place without his presence.

EDIT - Someone mentioned it above...I'm really happy that everyone is supportive of him and his family, but it is kind of sad that he is getting all this publicity. He wanted to go into the special forces under anonymity, saying that there were plenty of other men doing this, and he was no one special. He definitely would not approve of all of this over just 'little old him.'

That being said, it is nice that people care.

[korme]

replaying espy awards tribute for the tillman's on espn news right now

[MizzouRah]

Wow, sad news when I heard it today on ESPN radio. RIP Pat.


Todd

[k0ruptr]

RIP. I am completely shocked and amazed, I pray for the rest of his family right now.

[Danny]

My thoughts are with all of the men and women lost.

[digamma]

RIP Pat Tillman, as well as the others who have given their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Hopefully, my dad now has himself a helluva linebacker for his heavenly football team.

[Vegas Vic]

I think this quote from Sen. John McCain will address some of the prior posts in this thread:

"When Pat made his choice to leave the NFL and became an Army Ranger, he declined requests for interviews because he viewed his decision as no more patriotic than that of his less-fortunate, less-renowned countrymen who loved our country enough to volunteer to defend her in a time of peril. It is that first lesson of patriotism that we should reaffirm in our own lives as we celebrate the courageous life and mourn the heroic death of this most honorable American."

[SFL Cat]

Maybe Tillman wasn't the football player Rice is, but Rice is NOWHERE near the MAN Tillman was. RIP Pat...my prayers are with his and all of our other fallen soldiers' families. Tough losses all.

[Kodos]

Those articles were both good. Sometimes you don't really know about the good ones until it's too late... :(

[Dutch]

This is terribly saddening news and all I can say R.I.P. and Thank You.

[pennywisesb]

RIP Pat Tillman, all the respect in the world to you. My condolences to his family as well.

[TLK]

this just sucks....

[Ragone]

The Arizona Cardinals today announced the plaza surrounding the perimeter of the new Cardinals Stadium, scheduled to open in 2006 in Glendale, will be named “Pat Tillman Freedom Plaza.”

“Pat exhibited the finest qualities of humanity—loyalty, integrity, and excellence—and we are honored to show our appreciation to this citizen soldier,” offers Cardinal President Bill Bidwill. “The plaza will be open 365 days a year as an interactive
exhibit to celebrate American freedom and Pat’s legacy.

We will coordinate efforts with the City of Glendale and the Tourism and Sports Authority to make this a reality.”

In addition, the team plans to retire Tillman’s number 40 jersey, only the fifth retired number in club history (8–Larry Wilson, 77–Stan Maudlin, 88–J.V. Cain, 99–Marshall Goldberg). No player has worn the number 40 since Tillman last played for the team in 2001. The team also will be consulting with the National Football League regarding display of Tillman’s number ‘40’ on team apparel.

In conjunction with Arizona State University earlier this afternoon, the team announced the formation of the Pat Tillman Memorial Scholarship Award. Tillman was a four-year standout for the Sun Devil football team and played from 1998–2001 with the Cardinals. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a student in the W.P. Carey School of Business that is studying
marketing, the same major Tillman attained his degree in just three and one-half years.

[Leonidas]

From all I've read, Tillman seems to me to have been very nearly the perfect soldier. Modest, physically gifted, willing to give all of himself at all times for the greater good. I have little doubt he was a leader on the battlefield as well. As I look back it seems like this was destined to be. The way this all played out to the public, it was only a matter of time before Tillman made his impact on the battlefield. Tillman was the right man at the right place in his time. I hope his sacrifice comes to some good in a world that frequently has its priorities all wrong. With any luck Simeon Rice is laying in a corner somewhere balling his eyes out.

[WussGawd]

With any luck Simeon Rice is laying in a corner somewhere balling his eyes out.

This, I seriously, seriously doubt. He was not exactly the epitome of class his last couple of years here, and lighting into Pat Tillman's decision was probably the smallest incident of his terminal case of oral diahrrhea.

[WussGawd]

FYI. ASU will be retiring his number (42) at a halftime ceremony on November 13 vs. Washington State.

[WussGawd]

My favorite quote on Tillman so far comes from Chuck Bednarik, the last real two way player in the NFL.

"Pat Tillman's the end of the line, the last of his kind," said NFL Hall-of-Famer Chuck Bednarik, a k a "Concrete Charlie," a World War II veteran who flew 30 combat missions over Germany and later played 14 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"You'll never see another one like him. The professional athletes today are pussycats. They make too damn much money to fight for their country."