Pat Tillman

[Purple Punishment]

Being in the military I know what it is like to be deployed and serve my country abroad. Pat Tillman knew this too. Whether it was friendly fire or not, he made the greatest sacrifice for his country. I didn't know much of him as a player but as a person, he was Grade A Golden in my book. So it brings me to my question. For his sacrifices after turning down millions of dollars in the NFL, should Pat Tillman receieve Hall Of Fame honors.

I know HOF is based on stats, but I feel he should be there.

Thoughts?

[LilyRaven]

I am prior military and come from long standing military family. While I honor and respect the sacrifices Tillman made, I feel they have nothing to do with his football career. Therefore I have to say no, he doesn't belong in the HOF unless his football stats put him there.

There are other honors, just not this one.

[Purple Punishment]

[quote name='LilyRaven' date='24 November 2009 - 04:28 AM' timestamp='1259054937' post='292334']
I am prior military and come from long standing military family. While I honor and respect the sacrifices Tillman made, I feel they have nothing to do with his football career. Therefore I have to say no, he doesn't belong in the HOF unless his football stats put him there.

There are other honors, just not this one.
[/quote]

I could agree with you on that. I was discussing this earlier and cem to an agreement that his honors should be much higher than the Pro Football HOF.

We felt that there should be a statue erected of him. He represents the sense of duty that all Americans should have. A statue of him in Washington DC would be a great honor to the fallen comrade, as I would never have the desire to turn my back to millions of dollars in pursuit of a military career. Thats just real talk from me

[Moderator 2]

This is a great topic but please keep politics out of it so it can stand, friendly reminder.


That being said if you watch [i]Inside the NFL[/i], Chris Collingsworth is really lobbing for him to be in the HOF. He did not play long enough, but I think the HOF should have a section dedicated to all the military who have played in the NFL. I am a huge supporter of the military also, grew up a Navy Brat and my husband is an ex-Army Ranger.

[Purple Punishment]

[quote name='Moderator 2' date='24 November 2009 - 04:53 AM' timestamp='1259056401' post='292338']
I think the HOF should have a section dedicated to all the military who have played in the NFL.
[/quote]

This is what I am talking about right here. I just feel that he should be recognized there not exactly for his play but for the personal and ultimate sacrifice that was made

I also agree on others who have served being recognized there as well. It is the least that the NFL can do. I feel there will eventually be pressure on the Pro Football HOF to make this happen

[FlaccoFlicker]

[b]Tillman finished his career with totals of 238 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 interceptions for 37 yards, 3 forced fumbles, 2 pass deflections, and 3 fumble recoveries in 60 career games. In addition he also had 1 rush attempt for 4 yards and returned 3 kickoffs for 33 yards[/b]
Not HOF numbers but he was shaping up a great career now if the Cardinals have a team HOF or something like that yeah he should be honored there he was loyal to the Cardinals and turned down big money else where.
It's a shame what happened to the man and I thank him and all you guys who protect this country.
Now I'm not sure but does the Hall have a memorial section then yes he should be placed there

[Sub-Zero]

yeah im on board with the special military section, otherwise there would be so many other NFL players you could put on who have served and put up better numbers.

[LilyRaven]

I can agree with a section in the HOF for military members as long as there is also something for police/fire fighters/EMTs.

This is in no way to denigrade Tillman's sacrifice, but that he was also a football player means nothing to me within that context. Thousands of men and women have paid the ultimate price. Why a statue to Tillman? Why not any of the others? What I'm trying to say is the two things should be seperate.

[BrownsFan]

I agree with Lily on this one. You can't dispute what he did for our country one single bit but unless there is something separate within the HoF he really does not belong there. They are two separate subjects.

[Reddawn36]

With all this being said I am pretty sure they have a statue of him at the arizona cardinals stadium... if not he should have one there, with the military value of Loyalty engraved on it

[J-man]

Maybe not inducted as a player, but an exhibit displaying his jersey, pictures, ect. with his story would be nice.

[ravens1977]

Nope, if you allow Tillman in, you have to allow all other players turned soldiers and who died in action during WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf I, Persian Gulf II. Don't minus me now, I'm just stating my opinion. Tillman had a family to take care off and turned down a lucrative multi-million dollar contract. Just saying ...

[Reddawn36]

[quote name='J-man' date='30 November 2009 - 07:51 PM' timestamp='1259628687' post='299035']
Maybe not inducted as a player, but an exhibit displaying his jersey, pictures, ect. with his story would be nice.
[/quote]

they would have to put an exhibit for (like the guy who posted above me stated) all of the players turned soldiers

[MagicianCamille]

I think it's pretty simple.

He made a valiant sacrifice and that's been acknowledged and celebrated, as it should be.

However, the Football Hall of Fame is based on remarkable achievements within the NFL, not outside of it. His status should only be looked at as far as his on-the-field accomplishments as a player, not his military service.

I don't think Pat Tillman was thinking about getting into the Football Hall of Fame when he decided to enlist in the military.