'A new uniform'

NewsMax is reporting one of Pat Tillman's former teammates has decided to follow his lead and join the Marine Corps.

Jeremy Staat, who also played professional football, left the game at age 29 to endure the rigors of boot camp and life in the military.

Staat was an offensive lineman at Arizona State University while Tillman played there, and the two were roommates.

After college, Staat moved on to the National Football League, playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams, plus one year of arena football with the Los Angeles Avengers.

Staat's stated reasons are because he hates the idea of entertainers (football players) getting paid so much more than those who are doing something of lasting significance.

"I wanted to be a part of something that is going to live forever instead of getting trophies. What are trophies good for – collecting dust?”

Inspiring to be sure. I just hope he doesn't get disappointed if he finds he's not appreciated as much as he thought. It's all fine and dandy to join to try to make a difference--but (speaking as a man who knows) that can be twisted into a hunt for personal glory...I guess I'm making something of a confession of weakness here...

...when I should be studying!

In other news--the quarter is done on Monday! It's scary what I need to finish in the next few hours. Moving on...