Pat Tillman, the football star who gave up a multi-million dollar NFL contract so that he could serve his country in Afghanistan was in a fire fight.

From Reuters:

The official, who asked not to be identified, said Tillman was killed on Thursday. The 27-year-old soldier abruptly quit his National Football League career following the 2002 season and joined the Army a year after the attacks on America.

Enlisting with his brother Kevin in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, Tillman turned down a $3.6 million contract from the Arizona Cardinals to become an Army Ranger for an annual salary of $18,000.

This man was a hero and a patriot. We should all be mourning his loss this day.

Update: (Via Allah)

Some people have no respect for anything. If there is a hell I hope the author of this headline (as well as some of the commenters) rot in it.

Dumb Jock Killed in Afghanistan

You can say what you want about Pat Tillman's beliefs. You certainly don't have to agree with them. But one thing you cannot argue with is his conviction. This man sacrificed riches and eventually his life fighting for something he thought was right and just. I wonder how many of those who would make light of his death can lay claim to the same kind of conviction when it comes to their own beliefs?

My guess is not many.

Update 2:

Spoons is suggesting that the Arizona Cardinals name their new stadium "Pat Tillman Stadium."

Seems like a good idea to me. Spoons has some contact information for you if you agree.