US Ranger Tillman an 'Inspiration,' White House Says

Arizona Central.com ^ | April 23 2004 | wire report

[threat matrix]

The White House is calling US Ranger Pat Tillman 'an inspiration both on and off the football field.'

Tillman walked away from a lucrative NFL pro football career to join the US Army.

Yesterday the former Arizona Cardinals player was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

[threat matrix]

You can post your reactions of other officials here if you like.

[Lunatic Fringe]

"Pat Tillman personified all the best values of his country and the NFL. He was an achiever and leader on many levels who always put his team, his community, and his country ahead of his personal interests. Like other men and women protecting our freedom around the world, Pat made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life in the service of our country. We are deeply saddened by his loss and, on behalf of everyone in the NFL, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Tillman family."

-Paul Tagliabue

[doug9732]

The McCain quote should read "as no more patriotic".

Tillman's death is a great loss to our country.

[threat matrix]

You are correct, 'no more'

[RabidBartender]

I hope they don't ask that a$$hole Simeon Rice's opinion.

Good article from late last year praising Tillman: http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=5857

[Pharmboy]

That's one Cardinal this ol' NY Giants fan always liked. I was in awe of him when--without fanfare, press conferences or Today Show interviews--he quietly went to serve his country and defend all of us against terror and tyranny. What a dreadful outcome for him, his family and the American people.

RIP, Pat Tillman.

[threat matrix]

'Pat died fighting for what he believed in. His courage and convications are what this country are built on. He is a hero to us all.'

St. Louis Rams coach Mike Martz

[threat matrix]

'Our hearts break for his family, his friends, the Cardinals organization, and those who knew him at Arizona State. He was a remarkable young man. His incredible willingness to give, for the sake of his values and his country will be a source of pride to Arizona for generations to come.'

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano

[threat matrix]

'Pat Tillman exemplified the sacrifice, selflessness, and service of the United States Military. Nowadays, genuine role models in sports are few and far between, but Tillman proved there are still heroes in sports.'

Arizona Congressman Jeff Flake

[Warren]

Yes, it is a terrible loss. But what I don't understand is why he felt it necessary to join at this time. I heard he just returned from his honeymoon. Everyone doesn't need to serve. Wonder how his widow feels now. When I joined the Army in 64 I don't believe married men were drafted. I can certainly understand his call to duty as I wound up in nam, but I wouldn't have joined if I had been married. Doesn't his wife deserves some consideration?

[threat matrix]

'All NFL PLayers mourn the tragic and untimely death of Pat Tillman, one of our own. His courage and heart transcended football and we will miss him. Pat Tillman is a true American hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Tillman family.'

Gene Upshaw- NFL Players Association Executive Director

[WinOne4TheGipper]

Well, I guess Pat gave his life for the ignorant, too.

[Drago]

Statement from former Cardinal Head Coach...(now Titans Linebacker coach):

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STATEMENT BY DAVE MCGINNIS ON PAT TILLMAN:

“This is a painful day for the Tillman family and my condolences go out to them. I have known Pat since 1998 and I don’t know if I have ever met a more dedicated person in my lifetime. He represented all that was good in sports, bringing passion, honor, integrity and dignity to the game.

Pat knew his purpose in life. He proudly walked away from a career in football to a greater calling, which was to protect and defend our country. Pat represents those who have and will make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I am overwhelmed with a sense of sorrow, but I also feel a tremendous feeling of pride for him and his service.

He was not the first and won’t be the last to give his life for his country. He always shunned the limelight and I am sure he would want that continued, but his life deserves to be celebrated and for his story to be told. He and the people he served with are what make this country such a special place. It was an honor to be his friend and coach and I will miss him.”

---

[freedumb2003]

Well, I guess Pat gave his life for the ignorant, too.

Yep -- God bless and keep Mr. Tillman's family and friends. He is now safe with the Lord.

[cynicom]

Marriage should get anyone a free pass??? I don't think so.

[Hacksaw]

He was a man. He deserves a postage stamp. He could have went for a high salary, but he decided to serve the United States, my country.

[threat matrix]

'Pat Tillman is a great American hero in the truest sense. He had already given up so much, including his professional football career, and his loving family, to fight for his country in the war on terrorism. His patriotism and courage are in inspiration and we are grateful for his ultimate sacrifice. My deepest sympathies are with his family.'

US Senator John Kyl Arizona

[WinOne4TheGipper]

Heads up: Dave McGinnis (former Cardinals coach) tonight on Hannity and Colmes...

[Kate of Spice Island]

He and his brother decided that it was "the thing to do" for our country. His wife may have supported him 100% on the decidion.

It has been a while but I had read about it in the local paper when he and his brother joined.

[tallhappy]

Lefty media and libs are chomping at the bit to exploit this as a Bush-caused senseless death is my guess.

We will see how Welsstone they go on it and how much it will backfire on them.

CNN's excitement is exemplified in their intial mistaken report he was killed in Iraq.