As a veteran, a football fan and a former Arizona State Sun Devil, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I think the Pat Tillman story is one of the greatest in the history of sports.
Today’s headlines debate whether or not Nike should have chosen Tillman over Colin Kaepernick for the 30th anniversary of their ‘Just Do It” campaign, and - despite his family asking to keep out of it - his name is still injected by fans into the heated NFL anthem-protest arguments.
Here are a few lessons from his legacy that have nothing to do with politicizing veterans, the anthem and the foundations of our country:
Hard Work: The all-star Arizona State University linebacker was not drafted until the 7th round by the Phoenix Cardinals. (To put it into perspective, he was the 226th overall pick in the draft.) Though he was not the highest draft pick, his work ethic and spirit were contagious among his Cardinals teammates. And those are things we can aspire to demonstrate in our own workplace.
Love: In an era where celebrity glamour seems to be the societal goal, its nice to see that Tillman married his high school sweetheart, Marie Ugenti in 2002.
Patriotism: After watching the events of 9/11 unfold on TV, he and his brother Kevin were moved to make a sacrifice in the name of patriotism few would. They quit their jobs to join the Army. Considering Pat could have stayed and enjoyed the comfortable life enjoyed by many NFL players (and his brother Kevin was playing baseball for a Cleveland Indian minor league team), they both became Army Rangers and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pat was assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion from Ft Lewis, Washington.
Sacrifice: War is not like the movies. Tillman was killed on April 22, 2004 after his platoon’s convoy was ambushed in Eastern Afghanistan. After taking a protective position, he was killed by friendly fire, by soldiers who had mistaken him and others for enemy combatants. His service is an example of the ugly nature of war, and that these are sacrifices made for freedom, not for personal pride or bragging rights.
Honor: Tillman’s family does not want his name used for political purposes. According to AZcentral.com, Tillman's widow released a statement last year requesting to keep Tillman’s name out of these debates, “"As a football player and soldier, Pat inspired countless Americans to unify," she said. "It is my hope that his memory should always remind people that we must come together. Pat's service, along with that of every man and woman's service, should never be politicized in a way that divides us. We are too great of a country for that. Those that serve fight for the American ideals of freedom, justice and democracy. They and their families know the cost of that fight. I know the very personal costs in a way I feel acutely every day."
Pay it Forward: A look at the Pat Tillman Foundation website, and you’ll see that there is something far greater than sports, and 1st Ammendment rights going on. Founded in 2008, the foundation’s stated mission is, “to unite and empower remarkable military veterans and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self. Through the Tillman Scholars program, we are building the leading fellowship program for military veterans and spouses. Founded in 2008, the program supports active-duty service members, veterans and their spouses with academic scholarships, a national network, and professional development opportunities, so they are empowered to make an impact at home and around the world. The Tillman Scholars are already making a difference in the fields of medicine, law, business, technology, education, the arts.”
For more information on the Pat Tillman Foundation and scholarship opportunities click here.