Great men walk this Earth, kids. Never forget it. Sadly, a great American has been Killed in Afghanistan
Tillman played four seasons with the National Football League's Arizona Cardinals (news) before enlisting in the Army in May 2002. The safety turned down a three-year, $3.6 million deal from Arizona.
He made the decision after returning from his honeymoon with his wife, Marie.
Tillman's brother, Kevin, a former minor league baseball prospect in the Cleveland Indians (news)' organization, also joined the Rangers and served in the Middle East. They committed to three-year stints in the Army.
Tillman's agent, Frank Bauer, has called him a deep and clear thinker who has never valued material things.
In 2001, Tillman turned down a $9 million, five-year offer sheet from the Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams (news) out of loyalty to the Cardinals, and by joining the Army, he passed on millions more from the team.
Thanks to Mr. Tillman and condolences to his family. He made this a brighter world. Requiescat In Pace.
UPDATE: The WSJ has reposted Peggy Noonan's "Privileged to Serve" which ran July 12, 2002.