There’s a decent chance that at this very moment you are counting down the hours -– minutes? –- until you’re off to enjoy an extended holiday weekend. And as long as you’re safe and responsible, go for the gusto. But one quick thought as we head toward Independence Day 2011: Don’t forget the men and women who have fought so bravely to keep America safe.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a salute to America’s finest here at the NFL if we didn’t take a moment to remember someone who put the NFL a distant second behind his love of country: Pat Tillman. So watch the video above and get your July 4th weekend off to a good start.

Here’s what else is on tap Friday:

• When it comes to fireworks, of course the big bang comes Sunday night –- when NFL Network reveals the final 10 players in its “Top 100 Players of 2011.” Who will be no. 1? We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, there’s no question who NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks thinks it should be.

• Any chance a defensive player will be No. 1 on the list? There are a few defensive players in the Top 10. Jamie Dukes and Willie McGinest declare their picks for best defensive player in this clip from “NFL Total Access.”

• The “Player 2K” series continues with a debate as to which tight end has been the best of the millennium: Tony Gonzalez or Antonio Gates?

• Before we dive headfirst into the month of July, let’s take one last look at the best guest appearances of June on “NFL Total Access.”

• Hey, wait a minute… You can’t start a holiday weekend before checking out this week’s Dave Dameshek Football Program. Listen here.

• Happy birthday to Hall of Famer Mike Haynes, who turns 58 today. Haynes and Lester Hayes formed one of the best CB tandems in NFL history with the Raiders. If you don’t believe us, check out this video clip.

• Unfortunately, “Top 10 CB Tandems” is not one of the “Top 10” shows that might air next Saturday on NFL Network… but you can help decide which episode will run. Here are the choices.

• Can’t get enough of the Twitter feud between Eagles RB LeSean McCoy and the entire Giants team? Here’s the latest.

• Wrap up your week with some tough questions for NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks. He’ll be chatting live today at noon ET. Submit a question now.

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