Veterans Day: The Best Vets in Sports History

While most athletes are revered for their ability on the field, there are the few and far between who garner respect for their military heroism.

Some left during their prime to defend their beliefs, others amidst an average yet comfortable career in professional sports.

Whether they were in the upper echelon of athleticism or not, these athletes are still admired and appreciated for their commitment to their country.

Here we pay our respects to the best veterans in sports history.

Enjoy.

David Robinson

Given his status as a two-time All-American and winner of the Wooden and Naismith player of the year awards, it's no wonder why the San Antonio Spurs still drafted David Robinson with the first overall pick of the 1987 NBA draft despite having to wait for him to serve two tours with the Navy first.

After his duties were completed, he went on to become a two-time NBA champion, league MVP and two-time Olympic gold medal winner.

Joe Louis

As the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1937 to 1949, the Brown Bomber was clearly respected.

But it was his heroism outside of the ring that made Joe Louis immortal in the sports world.

He enlisted in the Army one day after participating in a charity fight for the Navy and had a crucial role in lightening segregation in the military before being released in 1945. He was then presented with the Legion of Merit Medal.

Jackie Robinson

While many know him as the first black player to break the baseball color line when he debuted in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, few likely remember his military influence.

After being accepted into the Officer Candidate School with the help of Joe Louis, his former unit (the 761st Tank Battalion) became the first black tank unit to see WWII combat.

However, Robinson was court-martialed following his refusal to go to the back of the bus. This prohibited him from being deployed overseas.

He may never have seen combat action, but his commitment and influence were more than evident.

Bob Feller

Following his third straight 20-win season and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, All-Star pitcher Bob Feller enlisted in the Navy.

He returned to baseball in 1945 and eventually won 159 more games.

The Hall of Fame was anxiously waiting until his induction in 1962.

Roger Staubach

Usually 27-year-old rookies don't have as productive a career as those who get their first taste of the pros at 21 or 22 years old.

However, that didn't stop 27-year-old rookie Roger Staubach from becoming a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL champion after fulfilling his four-year commitment to the armed forces.

This Hall of Famer is often mentioned among the best signal-callers of all time.

Al Blozis

After being drafted in the fifth round of the 1942 NFL draft and playing offensive tackle for the New York Giants in 1942 and 1943, Al Blozis entered the military.

Not only did he set the Army's hand grenade throwing record with a launch of 94 yards, 2'6.5", but he was seemingly fearless during battle.

During his tenure as second lieutenant, two of Blozis' men didn't come back from a patrol. He went on a solo search to find them and never returned.

His No. 32 was retired by Big Blue.

Ted Williams

Some see him as arguably the greatest hitter ever—others as a true American.

Not only did Ted Williams miss three years of his prime to serve in the Navy and Marines during World War II, but he was also called back as a 33-year-old to serve in the Korean War.

A 19-time All-Star and two-time AL MVP, this fighter pilot was seemingly just as prolific behind the wheel of his plane as he was on the diamond.

Bob Kalsu

Arguably one of the best offensive linemen ever to play at Oklahoma, Bob Kalsu never saw his NFL career come to fruition following his stellar rookie season with the Buffalo Bills.

After the end of the 1968 season, Kalsu joined the Army as a Second Lieutenant to fulfill a ROTC obligation.

He became the only recently active professional football player to be killed in the Vietnam War, resulting in a riveting Sports Illustrated piece written about him in 2001.

Rocky Bleier

Following his 1968 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, feisty halfback Rocky Bleier was drafted into the U.S. Army and volunteered for duty in the Vietnam War. 

He was not only wounded by a rifle bullet in his left thigh after an ambush but eventually caught the leftovers of a nearby grenade as well.

While he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Bleier was told he would never play football again.

After two years of fighting in training camp for a spot, the inspirational running back gained his weight back and eventually became Franco Harris' efficient backup.

He finished his career as the Steelers' fourth all-time leading rusher.

Pat Tillman

There was no greater display of altruism than Pat Tillman's decision following the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks.

After serving several tours in combat as an Army Ranger, the linebacker-turned-safety died in the mountains of Afghanistan.

It was later confirmed that friendly fire was the cause of death.

A once-promising career with the Arizona Cardinals was heroically thrown aside so he could defend his country.