I write this post from France, where I just visited Normandy and the D-Day invasion sites, in addition to the American cemetery located above Omaha Beach.

The experience was humbling, informative and emotional to say the least. The enormity of the invasion operation, the bravery of the soldiers and, most of all, the number of lives that were lost that day is somewhat hard to comprehend, even when you’re staring it in the face. 

When I think about what I do for a living, I feel very lucky that I’m “living the dream.” Because I love football, and also because it has put some great role models in my life, helped me build my character and even given me a scholarship and a career. I am lucky. I am also lucky that I haven’t had to face the challenges of the brave men and woman who have given their lives and those who are still fighting in the Middle East so we can live free and explore our passions without limitation.

For that, I would like to thank all those who serve, their families and those who sacrificed their lives to make the rest of ours safer. I’d like to thank all the NFL players who regularly visit our troops yearly throughout the world.

Two months ago, I played in a charity golf tournament at the Miramar Naval Air Station (formerly known as TOPGUN) near San Diego. The tournament was put on by the Officers Wives Club to benefit families of those in the military.  One of the members of our foursome was a helicopter pilot named Aaron. Aaron wasn’t much of a golfer, but he kept us laughing for 18 holes. I made a new buddy that day. About one week after the tournament, I got news that Aaron’s chopper went down and he was killed in the crash. He was about 27, I believe.

It hit me then how dangerous training for war can be and that the men and women who volunteer to join the American armed forces are in harm’s way every day. While at the American cemetery, I thought of Aaron; he is the same as every courageous soldier buried above Omaha Beach.  

God bless you, Aaron. God bless our troops. And God bless the USA. I'm including some photos with this post.