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"WASHINGTON - Pat Tillman, who gave up a lucrative NFL contract with the Arizona Cardinals to join the Army Rangers, was killed in action in Afghanistan, military officials said Friday.
In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Tillman decided to turn down a three-year, $3.6 million contract with the Cardinals to enlist in the Army.
Tillman was first deployed to Iraq in March 2003 with the 75th Rangers.
In Afghanistan, Tillman's battalion was involved in "Operation Mountain Storm," part of the U.S. campaign against Taliban and al-Qaida groups along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, military officials told NBC.
He was killed during action in the past 24 hours, they said.
Separately, officials who spoke with The Associated Press said a formal announcement was expected later in the day. Spokesmen at the Pentagon and U.S. Army declined comment.
Tillman joined the Army with his younger brother Kevin in May 2002, but Pat Tillman denied requests for media coverage of his enlistment, basic training and ultimate deployments."
I just read this and thought I'd share this with you guys. I have nothing but love and respect for him. Gave up a career in the NFL to serve this country. How many men do you think would trade over a million dollars a year and fame for $18,000 or so a year? That's a true American right there. RIP
"WASHINGTON - Pat Tillman, who gave up a lucrative NFL contract with the Arizona Cardinals to join the Army Rangers, was killed in action in Afghanistan, military officials said Friday.
In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Tillman decided to turn down a three-year, $3.6 million contract with the Cardinals to enlist in the Army.
Tillman was first deployed to Iraq in March 2003 with the 75th Rangers.
In Afghanistan, Tillman's battalion was involved in "Operation Mountain Storm," part of the U.S. campaign against Taliban and al-Qaida groups along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, military officials told NBC.
He was killed during action in the past 24 hours, they said.
Separately, officials who spoke with The Associated Press said a formal announcement was expected later in the day. Spokesmen at the Pentagon and U.S. Army declined comment.
Tillman joined the Army with his younger brother Kevin in May 2002, but Pat Tillman denied requests for media coverage of his enlistment, basic training and ultimate deployments."
I just read this and thought I'd share this with you guys. I have nothing but love and respect for him. Gave up a career in the NFL to serve this country. How many men do you think would trade over a million dollars a year and fame for $18,000 or so a year? That's a true American right there. RIP
