What makes a leader? Is it accomplishments, influence, attitude or even more? I believe it is all this and more. Pat Tillman rearranged his priorities. He based his decisions on passion. He is a leader on and off the field.
Pat Tillman’s football career…
Pat Tillman has been an inspiration. He was known for his academic accomplishments while attending Arizona State University. He was a leader on the field. He led Arizona State in an undefeated season in 1997. This led to the team to the Rose Bowl. He won the Pac-10 defensive player of the year. He was well known for his hard hits. He was able to knock people right off their feet.
This continued when he moved to the Arizona Cardinals. While there he recorded a record number of tackles in 2000. He also showed his loyalty in 2001 when he chose to stay at Arizona rather than accepting the offer from the Saint Louis Rams. The story doesn’t end here. Pat Tillman did more than play the game. I love the game of football and the leadership that comes into place. Players fight to be the best. Pat Tillman is no different. He gave me a whole new perspective on leadership. I know that if I played football for the NFL I would not give it up for anything. Tillman rearranged his priorities and saw what was truly important to him. I can only hope to be this admirable.
Off the field…
Pat Tillman lived a normal life. The September 11th attacks would cause him to change his life. He gave up a 3.6 million dollar contract with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the army for a three-year commitment. His grandfather fought in Pearl Harbor and he questioned what he had done. He said that he realized how insignificant his role was.
I would consider his role in the NFL important. He was not only a leader during the game, but he was always giving back. He gave back to many charities including the March or Dimes and the Boys and Girls Club in Arizona. By enlisting he set an example that reached people everywhere. Beyond that he showed his dedication to his country. This is the least selfless thing that Tillman could have done.
How many people would give up their dream? He had a career in football and no doubt about it had plenty of talent. His potential will remain in question.
The Legacy…
He said that he would come back to the game after he returned home. That never happened. He was killed on April 22, 2004 in Afghanistan.
His death is hard for me. He had so much life to live. Nothing says influence and leadership like Pat Tillman. He has shown America talent and dedication. I aspire to have the influence that Pat Tillman has had on this country. Pat Tillman has left a legacy through his story on and off the field.
Pat Tillman’s family set up the Pat Tillman Foundation. This foundation was set up to honor Pat Tillman and his legacy. The mission of the Pat Tillman Foundation is to invest in veterans and their families through education and community. They want to instill Pat Tillman’s values in others. They are essentially creating more leaders.
Pat Tillman has influenced people through his passion. He has shown America talent and dedication. He is a noble person with a huge heart. I know that he will always be a role model and an influence on my life. His legacy will live on.
No comments:
Post a Comment