Some veterans who served were more than just your rank and file athletes

With Veterans Day taking place this Sunday, Nov. 11, I thought it appropriate to stop and remember some of the athletes who have served, given their lives, in defense of their country in times of war and peace.

We know the recent story of Pat Tillman, the Arizona Cardinals’ safety who volunteered after the attacks of Sept. 11, serving in Afghanistan where he was killed by friendly fire in 2004. There are eight others whose services are told in a 2010 story on TotalSports.com.

Some of you who have been around a bit longer than me will likely remember not only the names, but also the nature of t...