Pat Tillman

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"Heroes can come and go, but legends are forever" (Kobe Bryant). Pat Tillman wasn't only a hero, but he was a legend. Pat's act of courteousness, sacrifice, and selflessness helped shape the person he was, and he will always be remembered for. Tillman started his outstanding life in San Jose where he attended Leland High (Pat Tillman). During his adolescence, he was an exceptional football player, and brought his team a state championship (Pat Tillman). His talent led him to a scholarship to Arizona State University (Pat Tillman). In 2001, he was drafted to the NFL by the Arizona Cardinals (Pat Tillman). Despite such an accomplishment, Tillman was not satisfied with his life. He felt helpless to the event in which 9/11 occurred. He felt as if he needed to make an impact with society, not just as a football player, but as a soldier. A year later, he decided to enlist in the army with his supportive brother, Kevin (Pat Tillman). Pat Tillman turned down his 3 million dollar contract just because he was afflicted by 9/11 (Pat Tillman). Shortly after many deployments, he was found killed in action in Sperah, Afghanistan (Pat Tillman). The worst part of this was that he was killed by friendly fire. Although deceased, he was remembered for his outstanding sacrifice and courage on and off the battlefield. His work was truly selfless and can be demonstrated by the things he had done.

Tillman shows his courage by the idea that he joined the army. Regardless of the dangers with joining the army, he knew what he was getting himself into, and still proceeded to enlisting. His courage tied into his willingness to lose all that he had to protect the people he loved. His courageous life started early in his football career and at the brink of 9/11 (Pat Tillman). "Tillman was deeply affected by the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks. He told the media, "A lot of my family have fought in wars, and I haven't done a damn thing as far as laying myself on the line like that" (Pat Tillman). Pat Tillman was a courageous man because of what he sacrificed in contemplation to serve for our country. He knew that it was all in his hands, whether or not he wanted to risk his life, and he served, trying to fight in the war. He abandoned his successful career into something where he gave back the the community. Because of the war going on, he thought less of himself for not being able to help out. This gave him an urge to enlist. Tillman was also acknowledged for his courageousness on the football and battlefield. Also stated, "Tillman, who had the square-jawed face of a comic-book warrior, certainly looked the part, and some of the details of his life supported the image of him as a rampaging gung-ho patriot. He had quit the National Football League in the wake of 9/11 to join the Army Rangers, turning down a multimillion-dollar contract from the Arizona Cardinals. After his death he received a Silver Star for valor (Holden, Stephen)." Pat Tillman's idea of joining the military had nothing to do with glory. The courageous do not do the things they do for glory. He quit his exceptionally successful career to the extent of serving for his country, and only that. He did it for the goodness of his heart and received a Silver Star for valor (Holden, Stephen). His courage was only a part of the tremendous hero he was. It added up with other factors that eventually made him an unforgettable person.

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Courage wasn't the only attribute to make Tillman a hero. His sacrificial acts add on to why he is a hero, or better yet, a legend. His sacrifice undoubtedly helped people in many ways, therefore, making him a hero. His actions shape the person he was, and will be loved as. "In May 2002 Arizona offered its tackle record holder a three-year, $3.6 million contract; however, Tillman informed the team that he had instead signed a three-year deal with the U.S. Army, with annual starting pay of less than $15,000. In July 2002 Tillman and his brother Kevin reported to basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia" (Pat Tillman). Pat Tillman sacrificed many of his life pleasures conducive to risk his life in a war that he didn't have to fight in. He ended his football career to enlist in the military, in which his football career would make a lot more money than that of a military troop. Not only that he risked his career, but paid the ultimate price for his heroic decisions. He also risked his life as he died in a friendly firefight in Afghanistan (Pat Tillman). Also stated about him, "The story of Pat Tillman was a powerful and moving one that touched Americans, both at the beginning and at the end. He was a star NFL player who, after the Sept. 11 attacks, forfeited a $3.6 million contract to join the Army and become a Ranger. On April 22, he made the ultimate sacrifice: Serving in Afghanistan in operations against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, he died on the battlefield" (The Rest of Pat Tillman's Story). Being a Ranger takes heaps of commitment and hard work. Tillman dedicated his life to becoming a Ranger, and sacrificed most that he had to do it (The Rest of Pat Tillman's Story). Not only that, but he had is life taken away while on his military trip. That sacrifice wasn't only for the troops, but for the country we live in, making him arguably one of the most heroic sports idols.

Courage and sacrifice are an important role into being a hero. One other attribute that Tillman acquired was his selflessness. Selflessness was the main asset that contributed to the idea that Pat Tillman was a hero. Many people can agree to that. "People talk a lot and do little," said Terry Richards, 36, of Tempe, part of a steady line of visitors Saturday to a memorial outside Sun Devil Stadium. "Here's the guy who did a lot and said nothing. I can't think of a more poignant reason as to why people care as they do" (Pat Tillman's Silent Selfless Act...)" Tillman was a guy who did volumes and talked little. He wanted to help out more than talk about why. He did the things he wished, not for himself, but for other people. That is part of selflessness that he demonstrates to not only his family, but to people around the world. Tillman was also known for his selflessness throughout his childhood. "He was definitely a man among men," said Martinez, who wore Tillman's No. 40 Cardinals jersey. He didn't let society or coaches dictate what he should do. He was an inspiration, that's for sure" (Pat Tillman's Silent Selfless Act...). He wasn't an individual that let others shape the way he was. He had his own instinct that led him to his own success. That also meant that he did robust deeds for others, even though people didn't want him to, or that he didn't have to. Selflessness was the main force to drive him through his success.

Pat's act of courage, sacrifice, and selflessness was purely from the goodness of his heart, and not for fame and glory. Those three traits are the ones that made him a memorable hero. Because of his enlistment to the military, Tillman was identified for his heroism throughout the world. His actions would be the most memorable act done in sports history. Not only that, but he would be acknowledged as one of the most inspirational troop of the United States. His story would inspire people from young to old, not only in his community, but in the world. All that he has done can be recognized by his heroic acts and can set an example for generations to come.  Pat is not only a hero, but he will be remembered as a legend, and never will be forgotten.

Works Cited

"Pat Tillman." The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives. Detroit: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2007.Biography in Context. Web. 2 May 2015

Holden, Stephen. "When Heroism Means Finding Truth." The New York Times. The New York Times, 19 Aug. 2010. Web. 07 May 2015.

"The Rest of the Pat Tillman Story." Tribunedigital-chicagotribune. N.p., 07 Dec. 2004. Web. 06 May 2015.

"Pat Tillman's Silent Selfless Act Speaks about His Character - Taipei Times."Pat Tillman's Silent Selfless Act Speaks about His Character - Taipei Times. NY Times, 26 Apr. 2004. Web. 16 May 2015.