The term hero is thrown around quite often these days, but there are a select few who truly embody what it means to be heroic.

One of them was former Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman.

Tillman played football for the Arizona State Sun Devils from 1994 to 1997 before the Cardinals drafted him in the seventh round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons in the NFL before realizing a higher calling.

He retired in 2001 to join the Army Rangers in an emotionally draining time for the United States. Tragically, though, Tillman’s life was taken in 2004 by what would later be classified as friendly fire.

It takes a lot of courage to leave the glamorous life of an NFL player behind, but leaving that life behind to defend your country in Afghanistan is a quality possessed by very few.

And rightfully so, Tillman’s alma mater will pay homage to him.

All of the Sun Devils’ jerseys will be a replica of the ones worn while Tillman played and will have his name on the back in their game against the Oregon Ducks.