Today the US army suffered a casualty during a ranger mission in Afghanistan. The deceased was identified as Pat Tillman, an Army Rangers soldier. The same Pat Tillman who shocked and inspired many a sports fan by leaving the National Football League to join the US Army after the attacks of Sept 11th. Back then numerous people applauded the young man?s decision for his bravery and courage but no one would have expected his end to be such.
Pat Tillman was a standout linebacker at Arizona State University who played the game hard. His coach and team mates were often surprised by the sheer toughness he showed on and off the field. Pat was no slouch at school either graduating with a marketing degree and a 3.72 GPA. For his outstanding achievements on the football field he won the Pac-10 (a conference of schools) defensive player of the year in 1997. Tillman then joined the Arizona Cardinals and played professional football as a safety for 4 seasons. While deciding to temporarily quit football for a chance to serve his country, Tillman passed up a contract offer of $ 4 million from the Cardinals.
Tillman will be remembered as a patriot who took sport to a new level. Many sportswriters and commentators regularly use the word courage and bravery for on-field acts, but Pat symbolized true courage. The politics which motivated him to lay down his life can be questioned and debated endlessly, however his act will surely inspire awe in many.
Today the media is obsessed with even trivial events when it comes to celebrities. Sehwag?s wedding and Sachin?s birthday cover most of the headlines at this hour. While we can rejoice in the happiness of our beloved sports heroes, would it not be appropriate to spare a minute thinking of all the people who continue to inspire us by defying all logic and reason with their sacrifices.