Nearly two years ago Pat Tillman was the focus of the sports world when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. By doing so, the 25-year-old free-spirit left behind his wife of two months, the limelight of the NFL and a $3.6 million contract offer from the Arizona Cardinals.

Fans were left to speculate why Tillman would give up a dream-job to put himself in harm’s way. After all, Tillman only made mention of his decision to friends and family, while declining all media interview requests.

Tillman was once again the focus of the sports world on Friday. This time his decision to enlist wasn’t being speculated; rather the life he gave up to protect his country was being celebrated. Serving as a member of the elite Army Rangers, Tillman was killed Thursday during an ambush on a coalition combat patrol in Afghanistan.

Shortly after receiving word of Tillman’s death, Michael Bidwill, Cardinals vice president and general counsel said, “In sports, we have a tendency to overuse terms like courage, bravery and heroes. Then someone special like Pat Tillman comes along and reminds us of what those terms really mean.”

Tillman became the second player in NFL history killed during combat. Bob Kalsu, a 25-year-old guard for the Buffalo Bills, died July 21, 1970, in Vietnam.

Steve Mooshagian, Sacramento State’s head football coach and former wide receivers coach for the Cincinnati Bengals, had the opportunity to coach against Tillman in 2000.

“Pat Tillman was a great player and even more than that, a great person and true patriot,” Mooshagian said. “It’s a sad day to lose a quality person like Pat, but he was doing something he loved and will always be remembered for his love for our country.”

Just weeks before the 2003 college football season began, Sac State linebacker Andrew Bonner followed Tillman’s lead, leaving football to enlist in the Army. In a letter addressed to the Hornets’ football staff, Bonner wrote, “I now feel that I can do more good with a rifle in my hands than a football.”

Because of medical problems, Bonner was unable to enlist; however, his intent was clear. Like Tillman, he chose to defend his country instead of an end zone.

Across the nation people have been paying tribute to Tillman by honoring his life and telling his heroic tale. Although many soldiers have sacrificed their lives to protect their country, never had a name, face or story been as well-known as Tillman’s.

When word circulated that Tillman finished his training to become an Army Ranger and had been deployed to the Middle East, his supporters half-heartedly joked that Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein had better watch out. The man who wouldn’t step down from any battle on the football field was now loose on the field of combat.

Although Tillman’s life tragically ended in a firefight on that field, he died a hero. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes tragedy to remember what truly makes a hero.

Heroes are Tillman, Kalsu, Bonner and every other person who has been willing to give up everything to protect their country.

Contact Alan Schuster at [email protected]