Tillman brothers to receive Ashe Award

Brothers Pat and Kevin Tillman, who in the midst of professional sports careers chose to serve their country by enlisting in the Army, have been named recipients of the 11th annual Arthur Ashe Courage Award, to be given Wed., July 16 during the live ESPY Awards telecast on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET. The award, presented annually to individuals whose contributions transcend sports, will be accepted by Richard Tillman, Pat and Kevin’s younger brother, at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre, site of the ESPY Awards…

…Pat Tillman played four seasons for the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals as a safety after starring at Arizona State University. In May of 2002, Pat announced his intentions to join the Army, turning down a $3.6 million contract offer in the process. Both he and his brother Kevin, a former minor league baseball prospect in the Cleveland Indians organization, committed to three-year military terms, landing spots with the elite U.S. Army Rangers…

Admirable to be sure. The question is, how many of America’s Fortunate Sons and Daughters will follow in their footsteps? Not many is my guess.