Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Tyler Steen speaks to reporters. Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Tyler Steen speaks to reporters.

Philadelphia Eagles rookie offensive lineman Tyler Steen is like a lot of Americans in celebrating Memorial Day.

But unlike a lot of Americans, Steen holds a deep connection to the holiday, which he calls “a big day” for his family.

The former Alabama Crimson Tide product revealed that this grandfather, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Rodney M. Davis, died while serving in the Vietnam War after throwing himself on an enemy grenade to protect his fellow brothers-in-arms.

He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service in March 1969.

“It’s definitely a big day for us because of my grandfather,” Steen said during rookie minicamp. “But it’s not only a big day for us, it’s a big day for a lot of people across the country that are related or have had people in their family that have tragically passed (in military service).

“It’s obviously a big day. We don’t do anything special, but we acknowledge it and appreciate what he did.”

Steen called his grandfather an inspiration.

“My grandfather is a great inspiration to me,” Steen said. “He sacrificed his life. He was selfless. Knowing about that and learning about that as I grew up, that obviously had a huge impact on my life. And the fact that he died for his country, I take great honor in that.”

A somber message to carry this Memorial Day.

[Al.com]