Deep waters. (The Goodness of America).

As a linebacker at Arizona State University, Pat Tillman developed a reputation for fierce play, characterized by bonecrunching tackles. In 1998, the National Football League's Arizona Cardinals drafted him in the seventh round. In 2000, as a starting safety, he set a team record of 224 tackles.

Last year, out of loyalty to the Cardinals, the 25-year-old star athlete turned down a $9 million contract offered by the St. Louis Rams. And this year, after four season with the Cardinals, he opted to forego a three-year, $3.6 million contract to seek new employment that pays about $18,000 annually. On July 8th, basic training for enlistees in the Army Ranger program began at Fort Benning, Georgia, with Tillman and a younger brother among those hoping to qualify for the elite light infantry unit.

There is no assurance that they will do so, however, since only 35 percent of candidates, on average, pass muster after nearly a year of push-ups, parachuting, and mortar fire. But physical fitness and mental toughness are crucial, and Pat Tillman seems superbly qualified in both areas. Prior to the 2000 NFL season, for instance, he ran a marathon, and while preparing for last year's training camp he competed in 70.2-mile triathlon. At Arizona State, he used to meditate atop a 200-foot stadium light tower. The Associated Press for July 8th quoted Phil Snow, who tutored Tillman as ASU defensive coordinator, as saying "If you don't know Pat, then you would think he's crazy. The planes flew so close to him that he could damn near reach out and touch them. He's just fearless." According to Snow, "You don't find guys that have that combination of being as bright and as tough as him. This guy could go live in a foxhole for a year by himself with no food."

Since Tillman has opted to remain tightlipped about why he decided to forego football fame and fortune to serve his country in the military, coaches and friends can only speculate. Some believe age might be a factor, since the Rangers' upper limit is 28. Others believe that the September 11th terrorist attacks had something to do with it. Cardinal coach Dave McGinnis told AP: "He said there were personal reasons he didn't want to divulge to me, and I didn't press him on it. I respect his decision. I think it's honorable. It's not just a snap decision. You're dealing with a guy whose waters run pretty deep."

With greed and moral turpitude permeating so much of contemporary professional sports, such waters are both welcome and refreshing.