muddysmind.com

"This is a story I had no previously heard about, but it has renewed my faith in the American people. We are stilla people who realize that somethings are worth fighting for, regardless of whatever sacrifices we must make."

I don't think I could have said it better myself. I had never heard of him either. I don't even like American football BUT hearing about him off and on through out today I must say, I was not only utterly impressed but instantly had complete respect for this man.

As our prayers continue to go out to his and all families, may he and the rest of our fallen soldiers rest in peace. And may we continue to ever learn from their selfless and brave example.

I am Glad the NFL will be giving a tibute to him tonight on the NFL Network.
I would gladly salute a Hero like this. Makes you wonder how the money grubbing folks like Eli Manning and his dumb@ss father live with themselves when being offered millions to play in sunny San Diego.

"I was not only utterly impressed but instantly had complete respect for this man"

Not just him but EVERY man and women who VOLUNTEERED to serve our country. I realize that he gave up millions of dollors but there are many of other who gave up something worth just as much, time with their family.

I appreciate everything that he gave dont get me wrong. But if you asked him I bet he would say the exact same thing. He does not deserve any more respect and admoration than any of them over there. The only reason that he is getting this press is because the liberal media cant imagine someone would give up what they consider the most valuable thing in the world, money and fame. They cant imagine anything would be more important.

Well there are things more important and giving up time with your family and friends is EVERY bit as noble as giving up a 3.6 million dollar a year gig.

To be honest I find it bit hipocritical to hold this one man up on a higher pedistal than the rest because he had a high paying gig. That is taking away from the other men and women who gave the exact same but didnt make that much money in the civilian world.

Money isnt everything.

"Money isnt everything."

Yes, which was my point. And I've pointed out in other comments I've made under other article that have been posted that, yes, EVERY man and woman in uniform does indeed deserve the same respect.

"But if you asked him I bet he would say the exact same thing. He does not deserve any more respect and admoration than any of them over there."

I don't doubt you're right...I'd personally would bet money on that one and I'd never heard of the man until today.

"The only reason that he is getting this press is because the liberal media cant imagine someone would give up what they consider the most valuable thing in the world, money and fame."

Well, that and the fact that he was apart of the NFL at one time. I mean, come on. We're talking about *American football* here....which is probably the number 1 sport here in America (well, that and baseball maybe). So my guess is that alot of people knew who he was and probably considerd him a "celebrity".

Look, The reason why I was so impressed by this man is that being a "sports figure" you would think about him in the sterio type that sports figures carry with them all the time. You know, always demanding another 5million because the first 50 mill. a year was not enough (I know American football is an extremely rough sport with some major injuries involved but still), comercial deals upon comercial deals that allow them to earn even *more* money; partying hard and acting irresponsible and all the while you're *constantly* in the spot light (which may very well be very annoying and bothersome to some); not to mention being put undeservingly (in alot of cases) upon a pedestal by American's because, "...they are just *sooooo* cool.".

And then here's *this* guy. I don't know how he acted before in the past but knowing that he *was* apart of this sport and probably being around alot of guys I just described....he *still* chose to give it all up and literally walk away from it all. Yes, that does indeed impress me. BUT in NO way shape or form did I mean to sound like *I* was trying to put him on a pedestal (because no one but God belongs there) above all the other soldiers who indeed *have* given up ALOT of themselves just as well. So if I offended you, I appologize.

Mrs Muddy, You did not offend me. What offended me was the media and the coverage on this guy and not ANY the others. Imagine how the wife of one of the other guys in the football players unit, that also died, feels. One of the other guys who died and got ZERO press because he isnt a football star. Then add in the way that the media is reporting it. I heard this exact lead in to a story on 610 WTVN today:

"NFL star gives up millions to serve his country and now he's KIA"

That upset me because it was almost a 'see what you get' kind of thing. Then I think about the other families and togeather it offends me. Then add in the Andy Rooney story and I almost can't hold back my anger.

So if it seemed like I was offended by what you said then please know that I was not. Also you are totally right about typical sports figures. This guy was obviously cut from a different cloth.

I guess I am just angry by the entire thing. I am mostly angry because we dont hear enough about the everyday Marines, Solders, Sailers or Airmen who are giving up everything to do this. We dont hear enough stories like this one;

http://www.freedomalliance.org/view_article.php?a_id=363

This is the way it really is over there not what the news media is portraying.

Here is another one;

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20040424/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/army_re_enlistments