Pat Tillman, Hobey Baker Among Athletes Who Lost Their Lives At War (Photos)

Hitting the game-winning shot is incredible and takes a special skill and mindset to accomplish. But it’s not heroic.

Veteran. Bomb. Blitz. Trenches. No man’s land. These are just a few of the words and phrases we take from military life and apply to our athletes.

In today’s culture, we view athletes as synonymous with heroes of war — at least if we take the phrases used to describe them literally.

Yet while some athletes undoubtedly are brave, courageous, or heroic, winning a game is child’s play in comparison to what real soldiers and military personnel endure on a daily basis.

Memorial Day is a time to remember our veterans who have fallen in service to our country. The following athletes are just a handful of the notable people who gave up their fame and fortune to keep our homes and lives safe but ultimately gave their own lives in the process.

Click here for athlete heroes who lost their lives >>

Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@DanielDavidFI