TODAY THE NATION REMEMBERS Pat Tillman, a standout safety for the Arizona Cardinals who was killed in action yesterday during a firefight in eastern Afghanistan. The national press considered Tillman something of an enigma. His decision to leave a lucrative career in the NFL in favor of enlisting, with his brother Kevin, in the U.S. Army drew a great deal of media attention in the summer of 2002. Tillman, however, declined to offer any explanation for his actions and simply informed the press of his hope to join the elite Army Rangers. In truth, no explanation was needed. Whether it was the loss of a friend in the September 11 attacks, or merely an overwhelming sense of duty, honor, and patriotism, his selfless actions were reminiscent of a bygone era of noblesse oblige. Tillman was successful in his quest to join the Rangers, of course.
Reading about the man, it’s clear that Tillman was the type of person who could do anything he set his mind to. His success at Arizona State came as a surprise to nearly everyone, having been recruited as a “role player,” or a member of the team who plays occasionally, used only in particular circumstances. But Tillman, like Rudy Ruettiger, the Notre Dame bench warmer, exceeded expectations. Tillman became a PAC-10 conference defensive player of the year. What’s more, Tillman graduated with an impressive 3.8 grade point average. He was selected 226th overall in the 1998 NFL draft. Few expected him to excel as he did in college, but, after switching positions to safety, he went on to set a team record in the 2000 season with 224 tackles. Most stunning of all was his decision to turn down significantly more money from the St. Louis Rams in order to stay in Arizona with the lowly Cardinals. Clearly Tillman was one of a kind. His death, like others, brings home the true cost of freedom.
Michael Goldfarb is a staff assistant at The Weekly Standard.
