Ex-Football Star Killed in Afghanistan

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former U.S. professional football star Pat Tillman (news), who gave up a $3.6 million sports contract to join the military's elite special forces, has been killed in a firefight in Afghanistan (news - web sites), U.S. officials said on Friday.


The officials, who asked not to be identified, said Tillman was killed on Thursday in an intense firefight in southeastern Afghanistan as his Army Ranger unit hunted for al Qaeda and Taliban guerrillas.


The 27-year-old soldier, who quit his National Football League career to fanfare in May of 2002, eight months after the Sept. 11 attacks on America, was the most prominent American public figure killed in fighting in Iraq (news - web sites) and Afghanistan.


The Pentagon (news - web sites) and the U.S. Army, in keeping with a law passed by Congress that forbids the military from identifying military casualties until 24 hours after their deaths, refused comment on the report.


Enlisting with his brother, Kevin, in the wake of the 2001 attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, Tillman turned down a $3.6 million contract from the Arizona Cardinals to become an Army Ranger for an annual salary of $18,000.


The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Tillman played for four seasons with the Cardinals, from 1998 to 2001.


The U.S. military in the Afghan capital, Kabul, said on Friday that a soldier was killed and two wounded in a firefight near the village of Sperah southwest of Khost on Thursday after a patrol was ambushed. But it did not identify the dead soldier.


REMOTE SOUTHEASTERN AFGHANISTAN


Paktia province, where the ambush took place, is one of several remote southeastern Afghan provinces at the heart of an insurgency led by remnants of the hard-line Islamic Taliban, which U.S.-led forces drove from power in late 2001.


Tillman was selected by Arizona with the 226th pick of the 1998 football draft -- the league only selects 241 players -- but the Arizona State University star emerged from training camp as the Cardinals' starting strong safety on defense.


During his military training period after leaving the Cardinals, Tillman declined interviews with reporters and refused to take the spotlight.


"I am heartbroken today by the news of Pat Tillman's death," said U.S. Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record) of Arizona, himself a combat veteran who spent years in a prison camp in Vietnam.


He noted that other American families have suffered the same terrible sacrifice in combat.


"But there is in Pat Tillman's example - in his unexpected choice of duty to his country over the riches and other comforts of celebrity, and in his humility - such an inspiration to all of us to reclaim the essential public-spiritedness of Americans that many of us, in low moments, had worried was no longer our common distinguishing trait," McCain said.


Former Arizona Cardinals head football coach Dave McGinnis, a close friend of Tillman, said the former star had always shunned the limelight, "but his life deserves to be celebrated and his story to be told."


"Pat knew his purpose in life. He proudly walked away from a career in football to a greater calling, which was to protect and defend our country," said McGinnis. "


man, this was a true hero....

damn that sucks! and I also thinking to join the army ones im out of high school. Poor guy :(

ESPN is constantly running a program dedicated to this great man.

RIP Ranger Tillman.

He was a real american. That man turned down a 3.6 million dollar contract to serve his country and some people cry and whine about it everyday. This is a great guy right here!

Rest in piece, brother may god be with you and your family.

Such a waste of talented life.




That's what Vietnam: The Second Intallmen.........Iraq invasion is doing, wasting lives that could be put to much better use.

Lets avoid turning this into another bitter Iraq discussion...


Servicemen and women deserve all the respect they get.

Rest in peace.













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Lets avoid turning this into another bitter Iraq discussion...

Thank you :D

Constantly hearing this on every single news. Ok he was brave and did he right thing. But why focus all this attention at him?? thousands of other brave young men died and they arent all over the news :screwy:

This guy is different than alot of people. He gave up all the money of teh NFL to go fight for his country. That is a brave and honorable thing to do and I dont know too many people that would do that. Thats the whole reason he is getting attention.

It sucks that we lost a proffesional athlete like that. He also lived in San Jose for most of his life.

Us here in Arizona were very proud of him when he did what he did a couple of years ago.

I don't think calling somebody a "footbal hero" will ever sound the same again.

I just hope they somehow name either Sun Devil's Stadium, or the new Cardinal's Stadium after him somehow.

Servicemen and women deserve all the respect they get.

Thanks!

This guy is different than alot of people. He gave up all the money of teh NFL to go fight for his country

That's not right. His life isn't worth more than any other person's. There's people out there who have no reason to fight for this country and they do. There's people out there who's brothers and sisters live in some of the worst neighborhoods in the U.S. trying to feed their children on minimum wage and they've also DIED for this country. Why don't they get all the respect? Why don't we see THEM on the 10 o'clock news coverage. They didn't have to fight for a country that treated and still treats people they love like shit. Why don't we see them on the news? I say RIP, but he shouldn't get more attention than everyone else who's died. There's people who barely turned 18 and are fighting for a country where their parents didn't get a chance to make enough money to provide them with a college tution.

that was deep damir, and its sort of true, but either way R.I.P who lifes that have been lost in the war.

Today is a very special day in this corner of the world,being ANZAC day.Originally founded as a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives fighting the Turks at Galipoli in the Great War[as WW1 was then known],it has expanded to become an international day of remembrance for all Austalian and New Zealand servicemen who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.There has also been much talk today of those brave troops from many nations who have given their lives in the ongoing conflicts of the last year.It doesn't matter if they are a football star or an Iraqi conscript,at the end of the day every life is of equal value to the loved ones left behind.

As a former serviceman,I salute the fallen,the comrades-in-arms of many nations who are fighting for what they believe to be right in many parts of the world,and pay my respects to the armed forces of my adopted homeland,currently engaged in anti-terrorist and peacekeeping duties in some 20 trouble spots around the world.

I actually tried joining the Army... and the Navy... and the Marines.... not being a U.S. citizen sucks. It feels awful feeling like you can't do anything about a situation, at least that man, as well as everyone else that is in the military, are doing something for their country (regardless of wether or not the war is a good or bad idea).

That's not right. His life isn't worth more than any other person's. There's people out there who have no reason to fight for this country and they do. There's people out there who's brothers and sisters live in some of the worst neighborhoods in the U.S. trying to feed their children on minimum wage and they've also DIED for this country. Why don't they get all the respect? Why don't we see THEM on the 10 o'clock news coverage. They didn't have to fight for a country that treated and still treats people they love like shit. Why don't we see them on the news? I say RIP, but he shouldn't get more attention than everyone else who's died. There's people who barely turned 18 and are fighting for a country where their parents didn't get a chance to make enough money to provide them with a college tution.


its not the fact that his life was more than the person next to him, its the fact that he was a celebrity. he had it all. he had it made, a dreamjob that thousands could only dream about it. And, he chose to give it up for his love of his country and his wish to protect and defend it.when this fighting and acts of terrorism broke out, how many famous people, celebrities, sport stars, did you see drop what they were doing and join the cause. I can't think of any more than a few. they wouldnt give up there cushy lifestyle to defend and protect this country which allowed them to make their fame and wealth. This guy was a true hero in that sense. To me, he is something a young child would hopefully look at and strive to be just like him. I would hope you would understand that aspect of it.

Today is a very special day in this corner of the world,being ANZAC day.Originally founded as a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives fighting the Turks at Galipoli in the Great War[as WW1 was then known],it has expanded to become an international day of remembrance for all Austalian and New Zealand servicemen who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.There has also been much talk today of those brave troops from many nations who have given their lives in the ongoing conflicts of the last year.It doesn't matter if they are a football star or an Iraqi conscript,at the end of the day every life is of equal value to the loved ones left behind.

As a former serviceman,I salute the fallen,the comrades-in-arms of many nations who are fighting for what they believe to be right in many parts of the world,and pay my respects to the armed forces of my adopted homeland,currently engaged in anti-terrorist and peacekeeping duties in some 20 trouble spots around the world.

Could not have said it better myself. Thank you Kevin.

Today is a very special day in this corner of the world,being ANZAC day.Originally founded as a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives fighting the Turks at Galipoli in the Great War[as WW1 was then known],it has expanded to become an international day of remembrance for all Austalian and New Zealand servicemen who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.There has also been much talk today of those brave troops from many nations who have given their lives in the ongoing conflicts of the last year.It doesn't matter if they are a football star or an Iraqi conscript,at the end of the day every life is of equal value to the loved ones left behind.

As a former serviceman,I salute the fallen,the comrades-in-arms of many nations who are fighting for what they believe to be right in many parts of the world,and pay my respects to the armed forces of my adopted homeland,currently engaged in anti-terrorist and peacekeeping duties in some 20 trouble spots around the world.
As much as I agree with you Kev and acknowledge that every serviceman has different talents that are wasted by war.

BUT, sometimes the loss of ones talents are taken more notice of than those of others. The death of this football bloke very much reminds me of Peter Weirs 1979 movie of Galipoli, when Archie, the sprinter who'd have broken many a worl record gets mowed down in a tactical blunder.

I actually tried joining the Army... and the Navy... and the Marines.... not being a U.S. citizen sucks. It feels awful feeling like you can't do anything about a situation, at least that man, as well as everyone else that is in the military, are doing something for their country (regardless of wether or not the war is a good or bad idea).

What? Did you come here illegaly or something? lol

I wasn't a U.S. citizen when I was in the army. Now I'm a "veteran" and I'm still not a U.S. citizen.



Sniper, answer me this: Would you rather fight for a country that has given you everything you could ever dream of or would you rather fight for a country that has given you nothing and treats you like it wouldn't matter whether you're alive or dead?

Why do you think there are so many African Americans and Hispanics in the U.S. army compared to whites? Are you telling me that even though they're minorities, they should be the ones protecting this country so that "stars" and people in these nice neighborhoods with their 760ILs can have wonderful lives and go to college to become programmers - while at the same time someone with no reason to be protecting this country because they have nothing to protect is fighting a war they shouldn't be fighting in 110 degrees heat? See, obviously you're looking at the armed forces the wrong way. Just because you're rich doesn't mean that someone not as fortunate should be fighting a war so that you can live in your dream house.

It doesn't matter what you are, if there's need, everyone should be protecting their country. Just because you die as a "star" doesn't make you more special than someone who isn't one. In fact, more "stars" SHOULD protect their country because they receive a lot more from this country than someone with parents who work 2 jobs and still can barely provide money to feed themselves.

The reason I couldn't join was because I'm not a permanent resident yet. it's funny, my family has been here for 12 years, paid all of our taxes, done everything properly and legaly, and I guess they still thought we were on an extended vacation or somethng. :screwy:

It should be about a year or so before I become a permanent resident, hopefully less.

wow, that's really gay. You can probably apply for citizenship as soon as you get your permanent resident card.

yeah, but it'll be about another 5 years before i am accepted as one. I'll just marry an american, it's much easier and faster.

What? Did you come here illegaly or something? lol

I wasn't a U.S. citizen when I was in the army. Now I'm a "veteran" and I'm still not a U.S. citizen.



Sniper, answer me this: Would you rather fight for a country that has given you everything you could ever dream of or would you rather fight for a country that has given you nothing and treats you like it wouldn't matter whether you're alive or dead?

Why do you think there are so many African Americans and Hispanics in the U.S. army compared to whites? Are you telling me that even though they're minorities, they should be the ones protecting this country so that "stars" and people in these nice neighborhoods with their 760ILs can have wonderful lives and go to college to become programmers - while at the same time someone with no reason to be protecting this country because they have nothing to protect is fighting a war they shouldn't be fighting in 110 degrees heat? See, obviously you're looking at the armed forces the wrong way. Just because you're rich doesn't mean that someone not as fortunate should be fighting a war so that you can live in your dream house.

It doesn't matter what you are, if there's need, everyone should be protecting their country. Just because you die as a "star" doesn't make you more special than someone who isn't one. In fact, more "stars" SHOULD protect their country because they receive a lot more from this country than someone with parents who work 2 jobs and still can barely provide money to feed themselves.


dude, did you even bother reading my post?? no where in there did I state that stars were stay out of the military and let the minorities fight for them. My View of the Armed Forces is askewed? I served my country, I did my time. I would gladly go again if I was called forth. I stated the reason he was made popular by the news was that yes he was a star, and he did what he should have done when someone felt a strong patriotic urge to defend their country, he did just that. name me any other stars that did that?

and so, by your last paragraph, the stars should all go fight, and let the people who cant feed themselves and dont have jobs or money stay home... and continue to be poor and hungry....

I don't know why your trying to turn this into a debate over rich vs poor joining up. Most people I know, and myself included, joined to serve and actually get something out of it. if you have ever served in the military, you would know you dont ever join for money. E1 to E4 qualifies for welfare because the pay is so low. Thats why when someone drops the chance at 18 million a year, for pennence, it makes a story.

yeah, it is very sad, he was a good player for the cardnials too, RIP

Just to add, before Pat Tillman turned-down 3.6 mil for an 18,000/yr job as an Army Ranger, he turned-down 9 mil from the St. Louis Rams, because he wanted to stay loyal to the team that drafted him, the Cardinals, even though it was (and is :(), a losing program. Talk about loyalty, and integrity over money.

I usually get annoyed by too much celebrity being given to someone who doesn't deserve it, like they did with Pvt. Jessica Lynch, but Pat deserves all the accolades we can give him. You should see the makeshift memorials that popped-up for him in town.

The ironic thing is, he would've hated all this attention. He was a humble man, indeed.

Just to add, before Pat Tillman turned-down 3.6 mil for an 18,000/yr job as an Army Ranger, he turned-down 9 mil from the St. Louis Rams, because he wanted to stay loyal to the team that drafted him, the Cardinals, even though it was (and is :(), a losing program. Talk about loyalty, and integrity over money.

I usually get annoyed by too much celebrity being given to someone who doesn't deserve it, like they did with Pvt. Jessica Lynch, but Pat deserves all the accolades we can give him. You should see the makeshift memorials that popped-up for him in town.

The ironic thing is, he would've hated all this attention. He was a humble man, indeed.
I agree. It's nice to see and proves that there are people out there that think of others over themselves.

I don't know why your trying to turn this into a debate over rich vs poor joining up. Most people I know, and myself included, joined to serve and actually get something out of it. if you have ever served in the military, you would know you dont ever join for money. E1 to E4 qualifies for welfare because the pay is so low. Thats why when someone drops the chance at 18 million a year, for pennence, it makes a story.


Alright, there's different types of people. If he was a ranger, he was obviously a thrill seeker. If you had millions in your bank account, wouldn't you wanna go out and do something crazy? Wouldn't you wanna help your country by doing so? Think about it, do PT, food is all paid for, your house is pretty much all paid for. Then they do air aussault and what not. I mean, just look at all the Army rangers, they really know what they're doing. Once they're done with training, I would wanna do all that stuff they do if I didn't have to worry about what pay grade I was. If I had millions in my bank account, why wouldn't anyone wanna join the army? What I was getting at is, everyone has their own reason why they joined the army. It doesn't matter if you're a millionair or if you lived on the street before you got picked up by a recruiter, everyone's life is worth the same. Think about all the families who have lost their kids, moms and dads. They're all heros, but do you see them every day on the news? No, the football star get's called by his name. And then you hear..."In other news, 10 soldiers have died..." If you're not a star, you're just a number.

Btw, where were you stationed?

I was Stationed at Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls MT.

and you?

Oh ok, I was with the 101st at Fort Cambell, Ky. Some air force guys at Campbell got paid more just because the barracks they gave them were below the standard of what they're used to.

that man is a true hero

It would appear that Mr Tillman may have been a victim of 'friendly' fire.

http://edition.cnn.com/2004/US/05/29/tillman.report/index.html

It doesn't lessen my opinion of the man one bit,but it does put a recogniseable face to one of the less desireable consequences of military action.

http://edition.cnn.com/2004/US/03/29/iraq.friendly.fire/

http://radiofreeusa.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1155

http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/FutureTech/iraq_friendlyfiretech030415.html