I just noticed that my post for the week 10 picks was the 50th site entry this year. Its makes me feel good that this milestone was hit on an entry that featured an image of Roger Staubach --- because I used that image to honor Veteran's Day. I think that a little more recognition is in order, though. So, in honor of my late Uncle Charlie who passed earlier this year (and served our country in Vietnam), here's a look at some of our sports heroes who were also members of our armed services.For those who are interested, clicking on each name will bring you to some suggested reading.
Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1964 out of Navy, he began his career in 1969 as a 27 year-old rookie (due to his military commitment). Rather than requesting a state-side assignment, he volunteered for a tour of duty in Vietnam. Staubach was a two-time Super Bowl champion (winning the MVP for Super Bowl VI), and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
The San Antonio Spurs drafted Robinson in the 1987 draft with the first overall pick, but had to wait until he served two years in the Navy before they could see him in uniform. Even though the Navy excused him from the final three years of his service, he continued to serve as reserve. Robinson retired in 2003 with two NBA championships and a league MVP to his credit.
After being drafted in 1998, Tillman spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals. Following the 2001 season, he turned down a $3.6 million dollar contract to enlust in the Army (becoming a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment). While deployed in Afghanistan, he was killed in a friendly-fire incident --- the details of which are currently being investigated by Congress.
A 17-time All-Star, and 2-time MVP, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1966 after spending his entire career with the Boston Red Sox. His military accomplishments include tours of duty in WWII and the Korean War, serving in both as a pilot. Both tours took a substantial chunk out of the prime of his career, and provide the substance for one of the more intriguing "what if" scenarios in sports history. Who knows what records he might have owned?
An eventual 4-time Super Bowl champ, Bleier was drafted in 1968 after his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He suffered wounds in Vietnam from grenade shrapnel, and received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
The only active NFL player to lose his life in Vietnam. Kalsu was the Buffalo Bills Rookie of the Year in 1968, and shipped out to Vietnam after that season. He was killed in action on July 21, 1970. He was survived by his daughter Jill, and his pregnant wife Jan who gave birth to their son James on July 23rd.
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