There are many athletes in the past who have shown great courage and determination, yet one, who has sadly been forgotten in our minds, has shown the most courage of all. Pat Tillman, the former safety for the Arizona Cardinals, had his life tragically shortened serving as an American soldier in Afghanistan in 2004.

Beginning his football career as an Arizona Sun Devil in 1994, he received the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year at the linebacker position, which is a huge honor. Not only did he exceed on the field, but he averaged a terrific 3.84 GPA throughout his three and a half years at Arizona State University.

In 1998, Tillman was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, and because of his lack in height, he moved from his beloved linebacker position, to safety. In several solid NFL seasons, one including 155 total tackles in 2000, he finished his 2001 season off by signing a new contract. His new contract, however, was not with a football team, but by signing into the armed forces eight months after September 11th. After extensive training, him and many other proud soldiers were sent to Iraq in 2003. In 2004, he was deployed to Afghanistan, and in late April, was tragically killed in a friendly fire. On patrol, him and his unit were accidently ambushed by allied American soldiers. Tillman lay dead on the Afghani desert sand, killed, as an American soldier. Not only did he pass as an American soldier, but did he pass as an American hero.

Before leaving to enlist in the army, Tillman was offered a 3.6 million dollar contract over three years. Rejecting the contract, and surprising the franchise, fans, and his own family, he decided to serve his country instead of living his dream. Playing football his whole life, in high school, college, and in the NFL, Pat Tillman was living every man's dream, being offered millions of dollars to play professional football. Some may say he would be crazy to reject this contract. Brainsick. Loony. Stupid. By turning down an opportunity of a lifetime, did he show us that men are not measured by money, and they're skills on the sports field. But did he prove to all over the nation, that a man is measured by their courage and strength.

The numbers of foundations and memorials across the country in Tillman's memory show all the kind of man he was. This man, this hero, has been slightly forgotten by many, and I'm hoping many more can remember the courageous act he performed.

Turning down a multi million dollar contract to play in the NFL after four solid seasons, entering the army, he lay his life on the line, knowing he could possibly lose everything he ever had. Pat Tillman has most definitely showed the world he is most certainly an athlete who has demonstrated true courage and determination to become the better athlete, and most importantly, the better man.

There are many athletes in the past who have shown great courage and determination, yet one, who has sadly been forgotten in our minds, has shown the most courage of all. Pat Tillman, the former safety for the Arizona Cardinals, had his life tragically shortened serving as an American soldier in Afghanistan in 2004.

Beginning his football career as an Arizona Sun Devil in 1994, he received the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year at the linebacker position, which is a huge honor. Not only did he exceed on the field, but he averaged a terrific 3.84 GPA throughout his three and a half years at Arizona State University.

In 1998, Tillman was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, and because of his lack in height, he moved from his beloved linebacker position, to safety. In several solid NFL seasons, one including 155 total tackles in 2000, he finished his 2001 season off by signing a new contract. His new contract, however, was not with a football team, but by signing into the armed forces eight months after September 11th. After extensive training, him and many other proud soldiers were sent to Iraq in 2003. In 2004, he was deployed to Afghanistan, and in late April, was tragically killed in a friendly fire. On patrol, him and his unit were accidently ambushed by allied American soldiers. Tillman lay dead on the Afghani desert sand, killed, as an American soldier. Not only did he pass as an American soldier, but did he pass as an American hero.

Before leaving to enlist in the army, Tillman was offered a 3.6 million dollar contract over three years. Rejecting the contract, and surprising the franchise, fans, and his own family, he decided to serve his country instead of living his dream. Playing football his whole life, in high school, college, and in the NFL, Pat Tillman was living every man's dream, being offered millions of dollars to play professional football. Some may say he would be crazy to reject this contract. Brainsick. Loony. Stupid. By turning down an opportunity of a lifetime, did he show us that men are not measured by money, and they're skills on the sports field. But did he prove to all over the nation, that a man is measured by their courage and strength.

The numbers of foundations and memorials across the country in Tillman's memory show all the kind of man he was. This man, this hero, has been slightly forgotten by many, and I'm hoping many more can remember the courageous act he performed.

Turning down a multi million dollar contract to play in the NFL after four solid seasons, entering the army, he lay his life on the line, knowing he could possibly lose everything he ever had. Pat Tillman has most definitely showed the world he is most certainly an athlete who has demonstrated true courage and determination to become the better athlete, and most importantly, the better man.