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Basic training starts for former NFL player (Pat Tillman)
ESPN and AP ^ | 8 July 2002 | Associated Press

Posted on 07/08/2002 7:02:24 AM PDT by fnord

COLUMBUS, Ga. -- Pat Tillman is ready for a different challenge from the one he normally got in the NFL playing safety for the Arizona Cardinals.

Pat Tillman played four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.

Tillman turned down a three-year, $3.6 million contract offer from the Cardinals in May to pursue his dream of becoming a Ranger in the U.S. Army. His military pay will be about $18,000 annually.

His quest begins Monday when he begins basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., aiming for membership in the elite light infantry unit.

Tillman's decision didn't surprise longtime friends.

''Pat is the type of person who needs challenges,'' Arizona State University associate athletic director Mark Brand said. ''When I heard what he was doing, I knew it was perfect.''

The 25-year-old Tillman walked into the Cardinals headquarters a few months ago and told team owner Bill Bidwell and the coaching staff of his plan to serve his country, then simply vanished.

Tillman does things his way.

Last year, he turned down a $9 million contract offer from the St. Louis Rams because of his loyalty to the Cardinals, who chose him in the seventh round of the 1998 NFL draft.

Tillman has turned down all requests for interviews with the news media to discuss his new venture. He didn't even give an explanation to Cardinals coach Dave McGinnis.

''He said there were personal reasons he didn't want to divulge to me, and I didn't press him on it,'' McGinnis said. ''I respect his decision. I think it's honorable. It's not just a snap decision. You're dealing with a guy whose waters run pretty deep.''

Several of Tillman's friends think the Sept. 11 attacks influenced his decision.

Former Arizona State linebackers coach Lyle Setencich attended Tillman's wedding in May and talked with him about the NFL.

''He mentioned he might get out of it,'' Setencich said. ''I asked him if he wanted to go to law school and he kind of smiled and said, 'There are a lot of things I can do.' In Pat Tillman's view of the world, football is a part of it, but there are a lot of other things that are important to him.''

“ You don't find guys that have that combination of being as bright and as tough as him. This guy could go live in a foxhole for a year by himself with no food. ” — Phil Snow, talking about Pat Tillman

Tillman's goal will be difficult to achieve. Only 35 percent of all candidates get to wear the coveted black and gold Ranger Tab on their left shoulders. It's a badge of honor bestowed on those who withstand the countless push-ups, parachute drops and mortar shots that make up almost a year of training.

As a linebacker at Arizona State and a safety in the NFL, Tillman developed a reputation for fierce play characterized by crunching hits. Bored in the offseason two years ago, Tillman ran a marathon. Last year, he competed in a triathlon.

''You don't find guys that have that combination of being as bright and as tough as him,'' said Phil Snow, who was Arizona State's defensive coordinator when Tillman played with the Sun Devils. ''This guy could go live in a foxhole for a year by himself with no food.''


TOPICS: Front Page News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: military; sports
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With the passing of Ted Williams, there was a lot of talk about his patriotism in giving up prime ball-playing years to serve his country. Nice to know at least one current sports figure who has the same dedication.
1 posted on 07/08/2002 7:02:24 AM PDT by fnord
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To: summer
Not for the money...hmmm.
2 posted on 07/08/2002 7:03:48 AM PDT by Registered
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To: Registered
If Tillman were motivated by financial gain he would stay in the NFL. Madison Ave. is as liberal and warped as Hollywood-- he won't get endorsements or recognition he deserves from the marketing world. This is why they throw around buzzwords like "jingoism".
3 posted on 07/08/2002 7:20:48 AM PDT by 1bigdictator
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To: fnord
Tillman walked into the Cardinals headquarters a few months ago and told team owner Bill Bidwell and the coaching staff of his plan to serve his country,

What a refreshing story - and a reminder to pray for our service men and women, and their families!!

4 posted on 07/08/2002 7:30:08 AM PDT by Psalm 73
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To: fnord; Criminal Number 18F
PFC Tillman (college degree gets you an automatic E-3) will be massively successful as a Ranger. He has the physical ability and aggresiveness that is characteristic of members of the Regiment. I predict that he will go far beyond a four-year stint and eventually end up being one of our leading military minds.

Salute this great American. Good luck Pat. (RLTW).

5 posted on 07/08/2002 7:36:23 AM PDT by SBeck
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To: fnord
This is an incredible and inspiring story of patriotism.
6 posted on 07/08/2002 7:43:00 AM PDT by doug from upland
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To: fnord
The AZ Cardinals seem to have the worst luck
7 posted on 07/08/2002 7:47:14 AM PDT by Guillermo
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To: fnord
I hope he stays healthy. Ranger School has a way of hurting you. Lots of variables. God protect him and fulfill the desires of his heart.
8 posted on 07/08/2002 7:49:20 AM PDT by WestPoint90
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To: WestPoint90
Tillman sounds like a helluva guy! The military might consider this guy most useful as a poster boy. I have a feeling Pat will turn down any handshaking assignments and demand to be placed in harm's way. Suck on that, Deion Sanders!
9 posted on 07/08/2002 8:00:48 AM PDT by Callahan
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To: fnord
Shades of Rocky Bleier! It is hard to believe that anyone would pass up that much money and fame to serve his country-but apparently there are a few patriotic Americans left.

I hope he makes it through RANGER School, does well in one of the RANGER Battalions, and becomes the biggest star in the NFL when he is discharged.

RANGERS, LEAD THE WAY!

10 posted on 07/08/2002 8:09:45 AM PDT by RANGERAIRBORNE
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To: fnord
BUMP for a real hero!
11 posted on 07/08/2002 8:16:22 AM PDT by soccermom
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To: fnord
Tillman was utterly confused when the Army recruiter showed up to give him his orders to report for basic training.

"$18,000 per year?" he cried out, "I can't imagine the Players' Association would allow the Rangers to pay me so little!"

"Players' Association?" the recruiter asked, "What the heck are you talking about, soldier?"

"The Major League Baseball Players' Association! I did sign a contract to play for the Texas Rangers, didn't I????"

12 posted on 07/08/2002 8:17:58 AM PDT by Alberta's Child
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To: Registered
Re: Basic training starts for former NFL player (Pat Tillman)

Gee, uh, wonder how a "former NFL Player's" salary compares to a first year public school teacher in Lee County, FL several years ago....hmmmm....let's see: Teacher: about $21,000 verses: Oh, I don't know, but I will GUESS a WHOLE LOT MORE PLAYING FOR THE NFL. Enough to maybe NOT WORK the rest of one's life. Something a teacher on a salary of $21, 25, or 28K really does not have the luxury of contemplating.

Otherwise, great point you make, Registered! I am all for love of country! :)
13 posted on 07/08/2002 8:21:39 AM PDT by summer
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To: fnord
My son goes in August 13. He is also bound for one of the Ranger battalions.
14 posted on 07/08/2002 8:22:21 AM PDT by american_ranger
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To: Registered
BTW, I don't know any teacher anywhere in this guy's shoes:

Last year, he turned down a $9 million contract offer

Must be nice! And, again - a great comparison you make here! Lots of obvious equity between teachers pay and pay for playing pro football! :)
15 posted on 07/08/2002 8:23:01 AM PDT by summer
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To: RANGERAIRBORNE
Blier was drafted and tried to get out of going to Nam. He failed in that effort and went. Tillman volunteered. That's not shades of Blier. Big difference.
16 posted on 07/08/2002 8:32:50 AM PDT by RayBob
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To: summer
Lots of obvious equity between teachers pay and pay for playing pro football!

Good point, but I don't think the football player has anything to do with it. When you watch an NFL game and see 75,000 people sitting in the stands, remember that most of them probably spent more time drinking beer at a tailgate party before that game than they would spend reviewing their child's homework for an entire semester.

17 posted on 07/08/2002 8:33:23 AM PDT by Alberta's Child
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To: Alberta's Child
I agree with you. Good points!
18 posted on 07/08/2002 8:34:10 AM PDT by summer
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To: fnord
Drive On, Ranger Tillman. Stay out of trees


19 posted on 07/08/2002 8:44:04 AM PDT by archy
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To: american_ranger
good luck to your son!

This is a great story, makes me proud.

Semper Fi
20 posted on 07/08/2002 8:45:08 AM PDT by fnord
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