Where's honor for fallen pros?

About a month ago, my parents and I took a trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. It was an awesome vacation; being able to see the game's history in front of your own eyes helped to remind me why I love football so much.

Once I left the Hall, however, something began to bug me, and I couldn't quite figure out what it was. It wasn't a case of me not being able to take a picture of a certain memento or not being able to buy something from the gift store —both intentions had been crossed off of my agenda for that day. Still, I couldn't think of what was troubling me.

Then, as the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on America drew nearer, it dawned on me: I didn't notice a single mention of Bob Kalsu or Pat Tillman at the Hall of Fame.

Granted, neither player will be enshrined for his on-the-field accomplishments, which is why I hadn't seen a bronze bust for either of them. Yet I was a little perturbed by the fact that there wasn't any type of memorabilia of theirs at the Hall of Fame.

Kalsu and Tillman, who suited up for the Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinals, both gave up their lives to serve our country. Kalsu was killed in action while serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, while Tillman was killed by friendly fire while also serving in the Army during the War in Afghanistan.

Both players have been honored by their respective teams for their heroics. Kalsu was elected to the Bills Wall of Fame in the fall of 2000, while Tillman's jersey number was retired by the Cardinals. Additionally, Tillman was inducted into the Cardinals' Ring of Honor in 2006 and had a statue erected outside of University of Phoenix Stadium.

Now, I'm not necessarily asking the voters for the Hall of Fame to enshrine these two heroes. The reasons for honoring former players, coaches and executives in Canton are limited to what these men have contributed to the game of football, not for what they have done away from the gridiron, and it should stay that way.

What I would like to see, though, is both players at least have their own wing in the Hall of Fame, with artifacts, pictures and memorabilia of theirs on display. The case could also explain that both Kalsu and Tillman gave up careers playing a game to protect the lives of millions of Americans.

After reading about Tillman for so many years, I feel that he wouldn't have wanted to be inducted into the Hall of Fame anyway. But I believe that he and Kalsu should still be recognized by the NFL for their contributions to society and our country as a whole.

And, ten years after the despicable attacks on America, it's the least the league could do to recognize not just two former football players, but two men who died protecting our way of life.

Tony Fiorello can be reached at fiorello.record@live.com