Pat Tillman, who swapped a lucrative football career to enlist in the US Army, was killed in action on Thursday in southeastern Afghanistan, CNN reported on Friday.

The 27-year-old former National Football League player was a member of the Arizona Cardinals when he, along with brother Kevin, enrolled with the US Army Rangers a year after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Kevin, who is in the same platoon, was a minor league baseball player with the Cleveland Indians.

Tillman's popularity shot up after his decision to walk away from a promising professional sports career. Last year, the brothers were awarded an Arthur Ashe Courage Award meant for individuals whose contributions transcend sports. The award was accepted by their younger brother, Richard, while the brothers were away.

The news of his death came as a shock to fans and teammates.

In a statement, NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said Tillman 'personified all the best values of his country and the NFL'. While extending his sympathy to the Tillman family, Tagliabue said the former football player had made 'the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life in the service of our country'.

The White House said in a statement that Tillman was 'an inspiration both on and off the football field. As with all who made the ultimate sacrifice in the war on terror, his family is in the thoughts and prayers of President and Mrs. Bush'.