The Best Athletes in U.S. Military History

Hundreds of professional athletes have put their careers on hold to serve their country. In honor of Veteran’s Day on Nov. 12, STACK looks at three of the best:

Pat Tillman

Pat Tillman

After 9/11, Tillman chose to give up his $3.6 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals and enlist in the Army. In April 2004, he was killed by friendly fi re in Afghanistan and posthumously received the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Learn more about Tillman at pattillmanfoundation.org.

David Robinson

Robinson played his college ball at the U.S. Naval Academy (despite exceeding the school’s height limit), then served two years of active duty before moving on to the San Antonio Spurs, where “The Admiral” earned the ‘94-’95 MVP and won two NBA Championships (1999, 2003).

Jackie Robinson

Before breaking baseball’s color barrier, Robinson made the Army’s Officer Candidate School following protests by heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis. He served as a lieutenant during World War II.