[Preds]

Thanks to Doggler for the heads up on this.

My thoughts go out to the Tillman family. I had all the respect in the world for Tillman when he passed up big bucks to join the Army Rangers after 9/11... it's just sad to see the story end this way.



Here's a link http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4815441/ and the actual story

Ex-NFL player Tillman killed in Afghanistan

Former Cardinal gave up big salary to join Army Rangers

Pat Tillman turned down a $3.6 million salary offer from the Arizona Cardinals in 2002 to join the Army in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Tom Hauck / Getty Images file

BREAKING NEWS
NBCSports.com news services
Updated: 10:47 a.m. ET April 23, 2004

Pat Tillman, who gave up a lucrative NFL contract with the Arizona Cardinals to join the Army Rangers, has been killed in Afghanistan, NBC News is reporting.

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, who went through Special Forces training to become a Ranger, was first deployed to Iraq in March 2003 with the 75th Regiment Ranger Battalion.

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. According to Army officials at the time, Tillman wanted no special treatment, wanted no special attention, but wanted to be considered just one of the soldiers doing his duty for his country.

© 2004 NBC Sports.com