<<Not many modern athletes like him>>
Yeah...this is the only one I can think of:
nfl.com
The Week That Was: Tillman's true colors
By Dave Richard
NFL.com
(May 29, 2002) -- While the Arizona Cardinals lost players to opposing teams during the offseason, they lost safety Pat Tillman on May 23 to a team everyone roots for -- the United States Army.
Tillman has chosen boot camp over training camp, wanting a chance to join the elite Army Rangers along with his younger brother, Kevin, who spent time in baseball's minor leagues before enlisting.
Members of the 75th Ranger Regiment, as the Army refers to them, make up an "elite combat unit." Candidates must pass a stringent orientation course, where they are challenged physically and mentally, before they can even be selected. The Rangers are an infantry force trained to fight against any threat. Their creed: "Rangers lead the way!"
Clearly, becoming an Army Ranger isn't as simple as signing an autograph or studying game film.
"This is very serious with Pat," head coach Dave McGinnis said when the announcement was made. "It's very personal, and I honor that. I honor the integrity of that. It was not a snap decision he woke up and made. This has been an ongoing process, and he feels very strongly about it."
Tillman, an unrestricted free agent when he made his decision, declined an offer from the Cardinals to play football in 2002. This isn't the first time Tillman has proven his loyalty -- in 2001 he turned down a chance to play with the St. Louis Rams to stay with Arizona for another year.
Following the news and seeing Armed Forces recruitment commercials on television more regularly, Americans realize that being a part of the Army means so much more now than it did before Sept. 11. Tillman's decision is one of those choices no one can argue with. Anyone who is willing to help the United States fight to maintain its freedom has to be commended.
With the Cardinals moving to the NFC West this year, they need all the secondary help they can get. With two games each against pass-happy St. Louis and San Francisco, Tillman's timetable to leave the Cardinals isn't ideal. Nonetheless, the Cards will have Kwamie Lassiter returning this year along with newcomer Duane Starks, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. In 2001, those two players combined for 13 interceptions and 139 tackles while starting every game they played.
Tillman's teammates, of course, can't look at this change of career as someone quitting on them. Instead, Tillman is serving his country -- an admirable change of heart. He will now help tackle America's foes instead of opposing wide receivers.
In four seasons, the 5-foot, 11-inch safety started 39 games, registered three interceptions and 2½ sacks. He also made 70 tackles in 2002. Tillman never scored a touchdown in the NFL, but he has now scored big off the field.
For more information about the Army, as well as the Army Rangers, check out GoArmy.com. |
