Ep 6. Pat Tillman

Pat Tillman was not your ordinary NFL player. In fact, he was far from it. Tillman gave up a lucrative NFL career to serve his country in the aftermath of 9/11, becoming an Army Ranger and ultimately losing his life in Afghanistan in 2004. A Football Life season 7 episode 6 delves into Pat Tillman's decision to leave the NFL and become a military man, as well as exploring his life on and off the field.

Through interviews with those who knew him best, including his wife, brother, and former coaches and teammates, viewers will gain an in-depth understanding of the type of person Tillman was. He was intelligent, selfless, and fiercely independent, which is what led him to make his brave decision to serve his country in the first place.

The episode examines Tillman's rise in football, from a relatively unknown player in high school to one of the best defenders in college at Arizona State. The NFL draft brought Tillman to the Arizona Cardinals, and he quickly proved his worth on the field as a top-notch safety. Though he was undersized for his position, Tillman more than compensated with his tenacity and skill.

Despite his success in football, Tillman felt a calling to do something more with his life. The terrorist attacks of 9/11 stirred something deep within him and led him to make the monumental decision to leave the NFL and enlist in the Army. Even when his decision ignited controversy, with some NFL players believing that he was unpatriotic for leaving the league, Tillman stuck to his guns, insisting that he was doing the right thing.

The episode sheds light on the challenges that Tillman faced in the military, from the grueling training to the pressure he felt to prove himself as a former NFL player. It also explores the impact that Tillman had on his fellow soldiers, many of whom admired him greatly for his selflessness and courage.

Ultimately, the episode is a tribute to Tillman's life, exploring how he lived his life with a fierce determination and altruistic spirit. Whether on the football field or in the war zone, Tillman exemplified what it meant to be a true hero, someone who put the needs of others before his own and lived his life with integrity and honor.

Overall, A Football Life season 7 episode 6 is a moving testament to Pat Tillman's life and legacy. It reminds us that heroism can come in many forms, and that sometimes the most courageous thing a person can do is to put themselves in harm's way to serve others. Tillman may have left us too soon, but his impact on the world and his shining example of selflessness will live on for generations to come.