Pac-10 renames defensive player of year award to honor Tillman

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Pat Tillman received another tribute when the Pac-10 renamed its defensive player of the year award after him.

Tillman, the first NFL player to die in combat since the Vietnam War, won the award himself in 1997 as a safety at Arizona State. He left the Arizona Cardinals to serve in Afghanistan, where he was killed April 22.

Commissioner Tom Hansen said the league's football coaches suggested the renaming -- and the athletic directors approved the change last week.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2004, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved