We talk a lot about heroes. Whether it’s in a movie, TV show, or novel, heroes abound. We like heroes; nay, we want to be heroes, and that’s why we watch those movies. We then take our love of heroes and ascribe heroic properties to athletes, politicians, and a host of other people who generally don’t deserve it.

You know what, though? Some people do deserve it. While many people end up in the military for the college cash or job training despite the sacrifice and occupational hazards, Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman turned his back on a lucrative NFL career for the chance to serve his country; nothing more, nothing less. And now on April 21, 2009, as COLLEGE FOOTBALL TALK points out, it has been five years since Tillman was killed by friendly fire and the circumstances of his death covered up by the United States Army. Read more…