04/26/2022
Honoring the memory of Pat Tillman. An American hero and warrior. (11/06/76 - 04/22/04)
Selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 226th pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, Tillman started 10 of 16 games in his rookie season and would later be named to the Sports Illustrated 2000 NFL All-Pro team.
His NFL career spanned 60 games with totals of 340 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 interceptions for 37 yards, 3 forced fumbles, 15 pass deflections, and 3 fumble recoveries.
In May 2002, Tillman enlisted in the army after turning down a contract offer of $3.6 million over three years from the Cardinals. He enlisted with his brother Kevin and they completed both basic training and the Ranger Selection Program together. After taking part in the initial months of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Pat entered Ranger School in September and graduated in November of 2003.
Tillman would be redeployed to Afghanistan, and on April 22, 2004, he was killed during a friendly-fire incident near the Pakistan border. He became the first professional football player to be killed in combat since Bob Kalsu, who died in Vietnam in 1970. Tillman was posthumously promoted to corporal and awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
We will never forget you, Pat. You were a true hero and an inspiration for all. 🇺🇸
