Tribute: Pat Tillman -- An American Hero

Some people are born to be heroes.

Others, meanwhile, achieve heroism throughout their lives by their contributions to God, their family, their community and the country they represent.

More often than not, their heroics come in the athletic forum.

Former Arizona Cardinal safety Pat Tillman was one of those whose accomplishments in life made him a hero.

Unlike most athletes however, it wasn't his on-the-field accomplishments that will forever make Tillman a legend. It's the ultimate sacrifice he paid off the field that will make his legacy last forever, long after many of his teammates have retired.

In an era of athlete selfishness, Tillman's heroics stand out like a sore thumb.

In 2001, he turned down a $3.6 million contract from the Cardinals to enlist in the Army, a job that would pay him less than $20,000 a year.

To most, the decision to walk away from that kind of money would be impossible to fathom. For Tillman, it was almost a no brainer.

His reasoning for doing it was clear. It certainly wasn't for the money. It wasn't for the prestige, or for media recognition.

There were never any major press conferences announcing his departure, and there were equally as many interviews with the media.

From the very get-go, Tillman rejected such a notion that what he was doing was anything out of the ordinary, and never asked for preferential treatment from his commanding officers.

In this era, the term "hero" is thrown around with such vest and valor that the word almost loses meaning.

Anytime someone hits a game winning shot, hits a walk off homer, or throws for over 150 yards, the label is tagged on them.

Tillman was never labeled a hero on the football field. He never went to a Pro Bowl, and was never one you would see on the opening page of the newspaper as you flipped to the morning news.

He never was a big jersey seller, nor was he one who people would flock to Sun Devil Stadium to watch.

However, his selfless act of patriotism and unselfishness in an era where unselfishness fails to exist, Tillman set himself out amongst the core.

He is a true hero. One that every athlete that threatens to hold out if a certain team drafts him, or complains about not getting enough money from the team they play for, should take lessons from.

Tillman will go to the grave with his own self pride; knowing that he made a sacrifice to myself and every other American citizen that no multi-million dollar contract or shoe endorsement could ever duplicate.

He sacrificed his life.

He did it under no spotlight, no pomp and circumstance and with little press.

However, from all I have heard of Pat Tillman, he wouldn't want it any other way.