Patriots' Hill Gone but Not Forgotten

The first Patriots' player in the history of the organization to die while on the team was Marquise Hill.

He didn't die naturally, and he didn't die of a gunshot wound or a car crash.

He died saving a girl's life.

Marquise attended De La Salle High School in New Orleans where he was named as an All-American and the best defensive lineman in the nation by a wide variety of people. He played college football at LSU, and he was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2004 draft.

Despite only playing in 13 games, he was a popular member in the locker room and all around, a likable guy.

Football was his second passion, while helping people was his first.

After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, he set out to help in relief efforts by building homes and helping distribute supplies. He did this without wanting recognition, and he did it to help people.

He was not seeking endorsements, nor was he trying to show that he was a good person.

He was a good person.

On May 27th, 2007, Marquise and his friend Ashley Blazio were out jet-skiing on Lake Pontchartrain when they fell off of the jet-ski. Hill saved Ashley Blazio's life by getting her to a buoy to hang onto. But in the process, he lost his life.

He should not be forgotten. The Patriots' organization wore a "91" insignia on the back of their helmets for the season. Jarvis Green, who was a close friend of Hill's, wore his shoulder pads for the remainder of the season.

To this day, Hill should be remembered as a hero and someone who wanted to help others. Putting other before himself was what Hill always did.

May he be remembered for a hero.