In a moving story posted on the Bills’ website, former Cardinals wide receiver Rob Moore spoke of his friendship with the late Pat Tillman, and it’s a story worth taking a moment to read on Memorial Day.
Moore, now the Bills’ wide receivers coach, told writer Anna Stolzenburg of Tillman’s wish to live a life of deeper meaning.
“I remember distinctly, one of the conversations we had was how disappointed he was in himself because his exact words were, ‘I haven’t done a damn thing. My grandfather fought in a war and his dad fought in a war and I’m just a football player. I haven’t done anything and that doesn’t sit well with me,’” Moore told BuffaloBills.com of Tillman, who perished as a result of friendly fire in Afghanistan as an Army Ranger in 2004.
Moore told the club’s website that Tillman’s passing was a reflection of what he stood for.
“They say that certain people will leave this earth a certain way,” Moore said, according to BuffaloBills.com. “I think that the way he left was who Pat Tillman was. He’s a guy who was going to fight for the cause. He was fighting for something he truly believed in.”
Moore’s remembrance of what made Tillman unique on and off the field is a wonderful tale of teammates who became friends. It’s a tale that has deeper meaning because of Tillman’s legacy, but it would be special no matter the circumstances. So it is with friendship.