Sir Charles was correct. In fact, very few sports figures perform roles with modeling. Today that number is one less:

Former U.S. professional football star Pat Tillman, who gave up a $3.6 million sports contract to join the military's elite special forces, has been killed in a firefight in Afghanistan, U.S. officials said on Friday.

Moved by the terror attacks of 9/11, Tillman felt that serving his country was more important than playing football. Neither an economics degree nor an understanding of the NFL salary cap is required to understand the personal sacrifice Pat made for you and for me.

The eulogies and praises for this young man have already started:

Pat Tillman exemplified the sacrifice, selflessness, and service of the U.S. military. Nowadays, genuine role models in professional sports are few and far between, but Tillman proved that there are still heroes in sports. - Rep. Jeff Flake - Ariz.

When Pat made his choice to leave the NFL and became an Army Ranger, he declined requests for interviews because he viewed his decision as no more patriotic than that of his less fortunate, less renowned countrymen who loved our country enough to volunteer to defend her in a time of peril. It is that first lesson of patriotism that we should reaffirm in our own lives as we celebrate the courageous life and mourn the heroic death of this most honorable American. - Sen. John McCain - Ariz.

More than a just a solid role model, Pat Tillman is a true hero.