We often look at star athletes and dub them heroes. Whether hitting the game-winning shot, scoring a tying goal or leading a team to a championship, the "man of the moment" becomes a hero to his fans.

But when it comes to the real meaning behind the word "hero", it is supposed to be connected with a person known for achievements of unparalleled courage and strength, especially those who sacrifice their lives.

A true hero is someone who can (and does) give up everything for an honorable cause. Someone who puts others before himself or herself and values human life over human possessions. And heroes are people who display the type of honor, valor and selflessness most only can dream of embodying.

Former college and professional football star Pat Tillman was just that person.

If you don't know who he is, I recommend reading up on him. I don't know how much I can articulate, except that his story is one capable of inspiring and teaching us all.

Tillman, a San Jose, Calif., native, played college football at Arizona State. A walk-on special teams player as a freshman, Tillman worked his way up to be one of the best college defensive players in the country (1997 Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year).

That was his personality: never backing down, always taking a challenge, often doing what people didn't expect.

But his personality was unique in other ways. As a teen, he enjoyed bridge and cliff diving, in college, he jumped the stadium fence and climbed a light tower, and he completed a 70-mile triathlon before a training camp. At Arizona State, he had a 3.84 grade-point average and graduated in three and a half years.

Doubt came Tillman's way prior to the 1998 NFL draft, when many believed that at 5-foot-11 and about 200 pounds, he was too small and too slow to play pro ball.

Silencing his critics, Tillman was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, where he played as a safety for four seasons, accruing three sacks, three interceptions and 390 tackles.

But his accomplishments on the field would not compare to those he would make elsewhere.

When the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks rained on this country, many people found in themselves an urge to help or a sense of patriotism and unity.

Tillman found his calling and his fate.

The NFL and military realms, as well as fans everywhere, were stunned by Tillman's decision to decline a three-year, $3.6 million contract with the Cardinals in the prime of his career to enlist in the Army with his brother.

Sept. 11 meant more to Tillman than it did to most. Friends and family have said he was so profoundly affected by the tragedy that he felt the need to give something back.

It almost sounds like a movie.

Tillman gave up the life we all dream of. He gave up fame, fortune, money and security to prove the values that should matter most to our country. Values of respect, honor, duty and patriotism. He gave up all this along with his safety - voluntarily - to put himself in constant danger, to fight for our country.

As part of the 75th Ranger Regiment, Tillman gave his life on Thursday while hunting for al-Qaida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.

Tillman's life and death shouldn't be placed above the thousands who have died defending our country. But it should be observed.

Because of his notoriety, we can be reminded of these men and women who continue to fight for our freedom every day, who also have given up the safeguard and stability of a "normal" life.

Even if you're against the war, the government, the cause, we need to realize that there are people dying for all of us and others around the world. People who - for the sake of the country, for the sake of freedom, for the sake of human life - are willing to sacrifice their own lives.

Tillman's story is a showing of our country at its best. It's a story that should make us question our own lives and values and make us remember what's important.

People such as Tillman should be more abundant in today's society to serve as role models and remind us of what a hero truly is.

Janet Harp is the sports general assignment reporter. E-mail her at harpjan@msu.edu.