WASHINGTON -- He gave up his pro football career and a lucrative contract to join the Army. Then -- serving in southeastern Afghanistan -- Pat Tillman gave up his life.

Tillman, driven to join the elite Army Rangers after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, was killed this week in Afghanistan, U.S. officials confirmed Friday.

Tillman, 27, turned down a three-year, $3.6 million contract with the NFL's Arizona Cardinals to enlist in early 2002 and serve with his brother Kevin.

Tillman was first deployed to Iraq in March 2003 with the 75th Regiment Ranger Battalion, a light infantry unit based in Fort Benning, Ga.

The White House praised Tillman as "an inspiration both on and off the football field."

In a news conference, Cardinals Vice President Michael Bidwell said Tillman reminds everyone what overused terms such as "bravery and courage" really mean.

"This has been a terrible day," Bidwill said. "Pat was a courageous person, and he was strong, determined, and was proud of what he was doing and believed in what he was doing. And that was inspirational."

Cardinals offensive lineman Pete Kendall, who played with Tillman, said the more that people knew about his former teammate, the less surprised they were by his decision.

Tillman played four years as a Cardinals defensive back, setting a franchise record for tackles in 2000.

"Today is a very sad day," said quarterback Jake Plummer, a teammate of Tillman's at Arizona State and with the Arizona Cardinals from 1998-2001. "My condolences go out to Pat's family and wife. We lost a unique individual that touched the lives of many with his love for life, his toughness, his intellect, and the many unique qualities he possessed. Pat Tillman lived life to the fullest and will be remembered forever in my heart and mind."

According to broadcast reports, Tillman died during combat in southeastern Afghanistan, near the ill-defined border with Pakistan. The region is the focus of U.S. forces searching for al-Qaida leaders.

Football Star, Ace Student, Patriot

Ask a little kid what he wants to be when he grows up, and among the answers you might get are pro football player and soldier.

Pat Tillman lived both dreams -- and died for the second one.

He stood just 5-foot-11 -- not the ideal size for a linebacker. But that didn't stop him from being the Pac-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year at Arizona State University in 1997. Add to that a degree in marketing, which he earned in just three and a-half academic years, with high honors.

Tillman then spent four years as a safety with the Arizona Cardinals, setting a franchise record for tackles in 2000.

The following year, Tillman turned down a five-year, $9 million offer sheet from the then-world champion St. Louis Rams -- out of loyalty to the Cardinals. Arizona tried to reward him the year after that with a three-year deal worth $3.6 million.

He refused that, shortly after returning from his honeymoon -- and instead enlisted in the Army.