Vote: Which Current Boston Athlete Could You See on a Special Combat Team?

Professional athletes, especially in Boston, are regarded as role models and heroes — and rightfully so. But as we're reminded from time to time, America's true heroes aren't the competitors found in sold-out venues.

They're found in the battle fields and on the line of duty, as seen earlier this week when a group of special forces raided Osama bin Laden's Pakistani hideout and killed the most-wanted terrorist on the planet.

Which Boston athlete has what it takes to hack it on a special forces team? Let's go over a few options below.

Josh Beckett
If he can be this intense on the mound, just wonder how he would be in the line of fire. Also, his extensive hunting background would come in handy.

Jerod Mayo
If you can lead the NFL tackles and take and follow orders from Bill Belichick, you have to be something pretty special.

Shaquille O'Neal
Not only is the Big Shamrock an imposing figure, he has experience fighting crime as a police officer in Miami. A background in the art of Shaq Fu doesn't hurt, either.

Shawn Thornton
Not only is this brawler one of the NHL's toughest customers, he's also had experience working alongside members of the Coast Guard.

Wes Welker
Time and time again, Patriots fans have seen Welker shoot go across the middle, get hammered and hop back up only to do it over and over again. That certainly says a lot about a man.

Dustin Pedroia
Quick, name a tougher, scrappier and smarter Red Sox player than Dustin Pedroia. Exactly.

Which current Boston athlete could you see on a special combat team? Leave your thoughts below.

Which current Boston athlete could you see on a special combat team?customer surveys