Pittsburgh Steeler Jeremy Staat Marine Choice Spiritual Decision

Former Steeler Jeremy Staat: ‘I Hold My Head Higher Being A Marine Than Being A Steeler’ 
CBS Pittsburgh
January 29, 2015

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) – Drafted in 1998 to be one of the next great Steelers defensive linemen, California native Jeremy Staat lasted only a couple of years. Eventually, he joined the Marine Corps. following the death of his friend Pat Tillman. Staat told The Cook and Poni Show on 93.7 the Fan Thursday about his journey.

“At the end of the day, I hold my head higher up being a Marine than being a Steeler,” Staat said.

“No offense to anyone out there listening, but there are bigger things out there, believe it or not, than the Pittsburgh Steelers.” Staat said he had always thought about joining the Marines and after Tillman’s death he felt it was now or never.

“The decision was literally a spiritual-based decision,” said Staat who was a college teammate of Tillman.

“If there is a God up there, if you’re up there sitting on high, I’m going to put faith to the test. I’m going to join the United State Marine Corps. I’m going to go in as an infantry machine gunner. I’m going to go to Iraq and if you’re up there, bring me home safe.” 
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