halter91 Posted September 20, 2004 Share Posted September 20, 2004 Not sure if anyone posted this yet, but let's not forget a real soldeir. Cardinals Retire Pat Tillman's Jersey Sun Sep 19, 7:51 PM ET By BOB BAUM, AP Sports Writer TEMPE, Ariz. - The Arizona Cardinals (news) honored Pat Tillman on Sunday in an emotional halftime ceremony that featured the fallen player's widow and other members of his family. AP Photo In her first public comments since her husband's death, Marie Tillman thanked all who had supported the family. "It really helps us knowing that his spirit and memory live on in all of you," she said to the rousing cheers of the crowd. She was joined at midfield by Tillman's brother Richard and his parents. Cardinals vice president Michael Bidwill presented Tillman's widow with a framed Pat Tillman jersey. A giant No. 40 jersey was unfurled in Sun Devil Stadium, where Tillman played as a star linebacker for Arizona State and an overachieving safety for the Cardinals. Tillman left a lucrative contract in the NFL in 2002 to join the Army Rangers with his brother Kevin. He was killed April 22 in the Khost province of Afghanistan (news - web sites), the first NFL player to die in combat since the Vietnam War. He was 27. A military investigation concluded he was likely killed mistakenly by fire from other U.S. troops. In a video message on the giant screen at the stadium, President Bush (news - web sites) praised Tillman and others who have died in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq (news - web sites). "As much as Pat Tillman loved competing on the football field, he loved America even more," Bush said. "...Courageous and humble, a loving husband and son, a devoted brother and a fierce defender of liberty. Pat Tillman will always be remembered and honored in our country." Tillman was shown talking about what the flag meant to him in an interview conducted after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. "My great-grandfather was at Pearl Harbor," Tillman said. "A lot of my family has done far more. I really haven't done a damn thing as laying my butt on the line like that, so I have a great deal of respect for those that have, and what our flag stands for." Also speaking via video, Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record), R-Ariz., who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, said of Tillman, "While many of us may be blessed to live a longer life than Pat did, few of us will ever live a better one." Every NFL player wore a decal bearing Tillman's No. 40 this weekend. The Cardinals will wear it all season. No. 40 commemorative pins were distributed to everyone who came to Sunday's game. "We're very humbled," Tillman's brother-in-law Alex Garwood told reporters before the game. "I don't presume to speak for him certainly, but if he were here, you can bet that he would be looking each and every one of you in the eye and saying `Thank you.'" The NFL and Cardinals are donating proceeds from the sale of Tillman's jersey to the foundation that bears his name. Garwood is the executive director of the fledgling foundation. Kevin and Marie Tillman serve on its board of directors. "First and foremost, we're going to carry Pat's legacy forward," Garwood said. "We're going to do that by inspiring others to make positive change in themselves and the world around them." He said the foundation already had received personal checks from about 450 people. Some wrote the word "hero" at the bottom of the check. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris 44 Posted September 20, 2004 Share Posted September 20, 2004 FOX showed Arrington pointing to the #40 on his helmet prior to the game and he made a comment I belive was "a real hero" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FullbackIsKey Posted September 20, 2004 Share Posted September 20, 2004 I'm wary of the #40 stickers. Last year we were on a roll until we added the GSS patches to everyone's jersey. I'm very superstitious with football and sports in general, and i know many mnay players are too, and I knew when the GSS patched were added the kwan was leaving. Now this change with the #40 stickers and we get our first loss. I'm wary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. S Posted September 20, 2004 Share Posted September 20, 2004 i didnt think we left the 40 stickers on the whole season, or do we? Thought it was only the Cardinals who did. On espn classic they were showing the 1997 rose bowl, arizona state v. (sorry, i forgot), was funny to see Jake Plummer, Orlando Pace, David Boston on there, and I think they said Pat Tillman was there also, not sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FullbackIsKey Posted September 20, 2004 Share Posted September 20, 2004 I thought i heard the announcers say every team has to were em all year. That should help to dissipate the effect, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuji869 Posted September 20, 2004 Share Posted September 20, 2004 Makes you realize how insignificant the Redskins loss to the Giants is in the real scheme of things. RIP Pat, you will never be forgotten. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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