Rochester Post-Bulletin, 4-24-2004
Comment
If he were here, Pat Tillman would likely tell you that he was just one of many brave men and women serving this country in combat.
But if only Tillman were here.
The former NFL player, it was confirmed yesterday, was killed on Thursday in Afghanistan, where he was serving as a specialist with the elite Army Rangers.
By now you've probably heard a lot about Tillman, his football career and his unique life of modesty, loyalty, selflessness and, ultimately, sacrifice. And you can read more about him elsewhere in this Sports section.
From my own reading and hearing, I'm struck by two things.
When he could have gone, he stayed. In 2001, Tillman spurned a more lucrative offer from the St. Louis Rams to stay with the Arizona Cardinals, apparently out of loyalty.
When he could have stayed, he went. In 2002, Tillman left the Cardinals and joined the Army. Loyalty again, this time to country, was the motivation.
People like Pat Tillman don't come around very often. And all too frequently, it seems, they aren't here long enough.