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Today is Memorial Day, the day that the United States of America takes a second to remember and appreciate all of our fallen soldiers. These brave men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of lives, and today is the official holiday where we remember and recognize what these Americans gave for us.
The NFL is no different, they have people who felt the calling as much as your father, mother, brother, sister, cousin or friend. There are people who had their NFL dreams come true and decided to serve in the military instead because of their love of America. The New York Daily News put out an article where they honor those individuals, including probably the most famous instance where Pat Tillman hung his cleats up from the Cardinals to join the Army Rangers where he ended up being killed in 2004.
The news outlet Titansonline.com also has a touching article up today, one where current Tennessee Titan WR Rishard Matthews remembers his brother who was killed serving our country last year. Anybody who has lost a loved one at a young age knows the daily reminders that come with it, the shock of a part of you being torn away. Matthews puts that pain on display to remind us all not to take our days for granted.
The final article I have decided to highlight today comes from former Navy QB Keenan Reynolds' who embodies the very spirit of Memorial Day in a special tribute video.
"Like my two million brothers and sisters of the United States armed forces, I am there for you - every hour, every day - helping to protect our most extraordinary right as American citizens, our freedom." Reynolds states in the video. "Memorial Day is the one day we briefly contemplate how lucky we are. The fleeting occasion we honor those who lost their lives while serving in the United States military."
Personally, I would just like to say thank you to all the veterans out there who served our country and especially those that this day is meant to honor. We live in a country that gives opportunities and freedoms that others do not, and that is because of all of the brave people who serve our country and keep us safe.
To all of you I say thank you, you do something that I could not and I want you to know that I appreciate all that you have given. Even more so, I want to say a special thank you to all those that gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life and to each and every one of you who lost a loved one who felt the calling to protect us.
Memorial Day: NFL players who lost their lives in service to U.S. - NY Daily News
While football is just a game, some NFL players have used their physical abilities to help serve their country.
Titans WR Rishard Matthews Remembers His Fallen Brother on Memorial Day
Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews remembers his fallen brother on Memorial Day
Watch former Navy QB Keenan Reynolds' moving Memorial Day tribute | FOX Sports
"Memorial Day is the one day we briefly contemplate how lucky we are."
Other stories from around the AFC West
Denver Broncos
What is the Broncos' biggest strength this year? - Mile High Report
In 2015, the Denver Broncos defense reigned supreme. Will they continue to be the key cog in their Super Bowl aspirations for 2016? The Mile High Report staff sounds off on that question.
What is the Broncos' biggest weakness this year? - Mile High Report
The Mile High Report staff give their biggest weaknesses on the team. The offense gets all of the votes, because the losses on defense isn't going to be a huge enough impact on how well that unit plays.
San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers weekly poll results: Chargers will finish in last place in AFC West - Bolts From The Blue
We briefly look at last week's poll results.
Are San Diego Chargers bullish on the future of Manti Te'o'? - San Diego Chargers Blog- ESPN
Manti Te'o proved himself last season as an every-down linebacker. If he can show he can keep healthy, he could be in line for a long-term deal.
Kansas City Chiefs
Predicting the Kansas City Chiefs biggest surprise cut - Arrowhead Pride
Let's talk Chiefs and other stuff.
Confident Chiefs corner Marcus Peters isn’t resting on his rookie laurels | The Kansas City Star
Marcus Peters’ recent inclusion on the NFL Network’s top 100 list — he checked in at No. 65 on the latest episode, which appeared Wednesday — was yet another indication of how strong his rookie season was.
Other stories from around the NFL
Third-round negotiations become the NFL’s "wild, wild West" | ProFootballTalk
There's a popular belief that rookie contracts under the 2011 CBA should take only five minutes. In one specific round, those talks are slightly more complicated. As explained by Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union, the third round has become what one agent calls the "wild, wild West.
NFL rookies are using draft fall as motivation early in their careers - SBNation.com
Here's how a few players who slid in the draft are doing in the first month of their NFL careers.
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