When NFL superstars pay tribute, you know it’s a big deal. And that’s exactly what went down when Aaron Rodgers, the Jets‘ gunslinging QB, shared a heartbroken emoji reacting to a post about Pat Tillman.

The post in question? A somber reminder from the author Jon Krakauer on Instagram, marking the 20th anniversary of Tillman’s tragic death while serving as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan. “He was killed on April 22, 2004 while deployed in Afghanistan,” the caption read.

An intense­ player graced football’s battlefield – Pat Tillman. With 374 tackle­s, 3 interceptions, and 2.5 sacks, this hard-hitting safety le­ft a deep mark during his time with the­ Cardinals. However, his path took an unexpe­cted turn after 9/11. In a move that stunne­d fans, Tillman walked away from a $3.6 million contract to enlist in the military, in an act of courage and conviction.

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Rodgers’ emotional reaction runs deeper than just a passing tribute. The QB has a personal connection to military service through his grandfather Edward Rodgers, a WWII veteran who was a prisoner of war for over 9 months. “I’ve always had an appreciation for the men and women who serve in our military,” Rodgers said, recalling his grandfather’s harrowing experience.

You see, the MVP once had his sights set on joining the military himself before his rocket arm launched him to stardom on the gridiron. “I thought about joining the military,” Rodgers admitted in an interview, offering a rare glimpse into his early career crossroads and how he sees the heroes.

Aaron Rodgers’s heartbreak mirrors the legacy of Pat Tillman

Two decades later, Pat Tillman’s name still carries serious weight. From the sun-baked streets of Tempe to the rugged Afghan terrain, his story continues to inspire awe and admiration in equal measure.

Rewind to those fateful days after 9/11, when Tillman boldly walked away from a multi-million dollar NFL contract with the Cardinals to enlist in the Army Rangers’ elite fighting force alongside his brother Kevin. “His sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the Cardinals honored on social media this Monday.

Fast forward to today, and Tillman’s legacy burns brighter than ever. The annual “Pat’s Run” in Tempe draws thousands year after year, while the Pat Tillman Foundation has bankrolled nearly 900 scholars to the tune of $34 million – a fitting tribute to a man who valued education and service above material wealth.