Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who swapped a glamorous football career to enlist in the U.S. Army, has been killed in action in Afghanistan, ABCNEWS has learned.
The 27-year-old former football player was killed in direct action during a firefight in eastern Afghanistan Thursday, Pentagon sources told ABCNEWS.
A former member of the Arizona Cardinals, Tillman, along with his brother Kevin, enrolled with the U.S. Army Rangers a year after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
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Tillman, an unrestricted free agent, traded a $3.6 million, three-year contract with the Cardinals for approximately $18,000 a year in the military. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Tillman was an exceptional student with a 3.84 grade point average through college and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in marketing.
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The former Cardinals safety shocked his teammates and fans in May 2002, when he returned from his honeymoon and signed up with the Army.
Pat Tillman turned down a $9million contract with the NFL to serve along side his brother. He gave up everything on Thursday. To the family and friends or Mr. Tillman, my thoughts are prayers are with you.
Pat – Thank you for your service, I truly appreciate the freedom that you have helped to provide to my family, my country, and the world.
News Links
ABC News – U.S. Army Ranger and Ex-NFL Player Pat Tillman Killed in Afghanistan
NFL – Former Cardinal Tillman killed in Afghanistan
WSJ – Privileged to Serve
Glenn Beck offered a great suggestion for the NFL. Pat Tillman wore the #40 jersey with the Cardinals. The NFL should honor the memory of Tillman by changing the white 40 yard line to be Red, White and Blue in every NFL stadium. You can contact the NFL at (212) 450-2000.