I know I'm doing a lot of copy and pasting here, but these articles on Pat Tillman really hit home with me. This blog is supposed to be my original thoughts, but in this case, I'll let it slide. America needs more citizens like Pat Tillman.

By EDDIE PELLS, AP Sports Writer
October 13, 2004

DENVER (AP) -- Pat Tillman always stood up for what he believed. His friend Jake Plummer wanted to as well, but officials from the NFL weren't so keen on letting him.

Plummer relented Wednesday, agreeing to adhere to the league's dress code and remove a sticker from his helmet that honored Tillman, who was killed in the war in Afghanistan after quitting football to join the Army.

"When it comes to honoring Pat, he's bigger than a sticker on my helmet," Plummer said. "I don't like the fact I can't, but I understand what the league wants to accomplish with its rules and regulations."

To soften the blow, the NFL said it would not fine Plummer for wearing the sticker last Sunday in violation of league rules. Also, the league agreed to let Plummer tape public-service announcements honoring Tillman and play them in stadiums nationwide on the weekend after Veteran's Day.

"We, too, want to continue to keep Pat Tillman's legacy alive, but ... we have rules regarding personal messages on uniforms that we needed to apply consistently," the NFL said in a statement.

Tillman, a former teammate of Plummer's at Arizona State and with the Arizona Cardinals, quit the league in 2002 to join the Army Rangers. He died in combat in April. read more>>