Sports and Sacrifice

Somewhere inside, we hear a voice. It leads us in the direction of the person we wish to become. But it is up to us whether or not to follow.

– Pat Tillman

My mom and stepdad lived in the Phoenix area for a couple decades after health problems for him necessitated a move away from Colorado’s altitude. They stayed Colorado fans throughout their lives, but eventually came to love all of the teams around the Phoenix area as well. It’s rare to be lucky enough to live in two different four-sport towns, and their enthusiasm infected me enough to monitor the Phoenix sports scene closely over the years, and these days to keep a close eye on our pals over at PHNX.

My mom worked for a pretty big company in the Phoenix area, and so often ended up with seats for games, or at events where there were meet-and-greets with players and former players. But after chances to say hi to and chat with Randy Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Jr., Wayne Gretzky, Steve Nash, and others over the years, no one made a bigger impression on her than Pat Tillman.

She spoke of how kind and thoughtful he was, not only to her, but to everyone at the event, from bigwigs to service staff. How soft spoken but firm he was about his hopes for the team and for his future. If there was any doubt about the household’s Colorado/Arizona NFL allegiances after that meeting, I was always told, “I hope they just never play each other. When they finally did, I can provide a reliable firsthand account that they were wearing read and not predominantly orange.

It was also why they were so heartbroken when Tillman met his untimely death while serving his country in Afghanistan. Even more tragic, he was killed by fratricide while helping his comrades escape a difficult engagement. His sacrifices moved us all, and provided an example of honor and giving that are a part of the backbone of this great place we live in.

Tillman’s ultimate sacrifice is not the only sacrifice a lot of professional players over the years have made in spending time in service to their country. While David Robinson’s moniker “The Admiral” was absolutely fitting simply in terms of how much he was the man in charge when he was on the floor, it was more borne out of his years of study and service at the Naval Academy and with the Navy. After Robinson outgrew all expectations in both height and talent with the Academy, he still honored his two years’ service commitment before taking his skills to San Antonio. While he’d spend the rest of his career as the Admiral, his final rank with the Navy was actually Lieutenant.

Military service has been a staple of sports figures over the years, especially in moments the country found itself in conflict. Jackie Robinson was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army, and served honorably. Yogi Berra was a Navy Gunner who served in the D-Day invasion before his Yankees career. Roberto Clemente served in the Marine Corps Reserves, and Nolan Ryan in the Army Reserves.

Boston Red Sox great Ted Williams wasn’t just one of the best to ever lace them up, he was also a decorated Marine pilot. Williams served so admirably in World War II, the Marine Corps called him back to fly another 39 mission in Korea. (even more amazingly, often as John Glenn’s wingman. Yes, that John Glenn) After his service in Korea, Williams would return to play another eight seasons for the Sox.

An incredible rookie season didn’t keep Willie Mays from being drafted by the Army during the Korean War. Even hanging up a Rookie of the Year campaign didn’t excuse Willie from missing two seasons before returning to say hey to the league again.

Roger Staubach was such a commodity coming out of Navy that he had every opportunity to stay home and serve out his requirements while setting himself up nicely for his future. Instead, Staubach’s sense of right and wrong led him to serve a part of his commitment in Vietnam before returning hime to his eventually illustrious career.

Former Pro Wrestler and Governor Jesse Ventura was also incredibly a Navy SEAL. Joe DiMaggio, Joe Louis, and Rocky Marciano were all in the Army. Not together. Just all in the Army. Even boxer Jack Dempsey and golfer Arnold Palmer did their tours, with the Coast Guard. Chad Hennings was in Colorado at Air Force before serving in the Gulf War and then going on to win three Super Bowls. Whitey Herzog. Bill Bradley. Rocky Blier. And on, and on, and on.

The history of it all is not old, and carries on well to this day. Colorado was recently touched again by it all when Air Force Falcons DT Jordan Jackson became the ninth player in the history of the program to be drafted into the NFL. All these talented and gifted humans, all also called to give of themselves to protect and defend this country.

They are amongst the millions of men and women who have admirably served our country over all these years, and the nearly 1.5 million of them who still do so in a moment we couldn’t be much more divided. But as we go into this weekend, and no matter your politics, give a moment to salute and honor these brave souls who have given of themselves, sometimes ultimately, to make sure we were all free enough to watch these glorious sports. To enjoy these vigorous debates.

Thank you veterans, near and far. Hoping you and yours are safe and happy during this moment we stop to give our gratitude. Have a great weekend, DNVR Nation.