Patrick Daniel Tillman was born on November 6, 1976, in California. The oldest of three sons, with Kevin and Richard as the other two, Tillman played competitive football. In high school he was a star who led his high school team to a Central Coast Division I Football Championship – after he was told he was too small to ever play football. He earned a scholarship to Arizona State University, where he became a standout linebacker.
As a college junior, Tillman started every game as ASU went unbeaten through the regular season, won the Pacific-10 Conference championship and made its second appearance in the Rose Bowl in 1996. The following year, Tillman was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and was a Second-Team All-American while also receiving numerous academic honors as he helped lead the Sun Devils to a 9-3 season and a Sun Bowl victory over Iowa. He was named Sun Bowl MVP in his senior season and has since been inducted into the Sun Bowl Hall of Fame. Tillman was also named the 1997 Sporting News/Honda Scholar Athlete of the Year.
His talent and dedication led him to the NFL, where he played four successful seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Pat Tillman’s NFL success didn’t change his humble nature or core values. He continued to drive his old college truck to games and eschewed modern conveniences like cell phones. Instead, he devoted his time to intellectual pursuits, voraciously reading and engaging in passionate discussions with friends and family.
Tillman’s commitment to personal growth extended beyond the football field. In the off-season, he pushed his physical limits by participating in marathons and half-Ironman triathlons. Simultaneously, he pursued a Master’s degree in History from his alma mater, demonstrating his dedication to lifelong learning. His passion for service manifested in various volunteer activities. Tillman worked with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs and the March of Dimes. He also made time to visit schools across the Phoenix Valley, reading to and inspiring students with his experiences and insights.
Pat Tillman: From the Gridiron to the Battlefield
Tillman’s life took a dramatic turn after the events of 9/11. In a move that shocked many, he walked away from a $3.6 million contract offer from the Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. Army in May 2002. On September 11, 2001, the TV tuned to the horrors in New York and Washington D.C., Pat Tillman sat staring at the screen. According to his teammates at the Arizona Cardinals, “after he absorbed what had happened when the planes hit, feeling like he could do more — changed everything.”
Pat told a reporter, “At times like this you stop and think about just how good we have it, what kind of system we live in, and the freedoms we are allowed. A lot of my family has gone and fought in wars and I really haven’t done a damn thing.”
In the spring of 2002, Pat married his high school love, Marie, and upon his return from their honeymoon, announced to the Cardinals he had decided to place his NFL career on hold to enlist in the U.S. Army. The decision shocked many and garnered national media attention despite his refusal to speak publicly about the choice.
Tillman’s military journey began alongside his brother Kevin, who also left a promising career in professional sports to serve. The brothers enlisted on May 31, 2002, embarking on a path that would lead them to become Army Rangers – members of the military’s elite light infantry unit.
After completing basic training in September 2002, the Tillman brothers went through the rigorous Ranger Assessment & Selection Program. Their dedication and skill earned them assignments to the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis, Washington.
Pat’s commitment to excellence continued in the military. After participating in the initial invasion of Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he completed the challenging U.S. Army Ranger School in November 2003, further honing his skills as an elite soldier.
Pat Tillman’s Deployments and Combat Operations
Tillman’s service included multiple deployments in support of the Global War on Terror. He participated in the initial invasion of Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, demonstrating his readiness to serve wherever his country needed him. Following his time in Iraq, Tillman was deployed to Afghanistan. He was stationed at FOB Salerno, serving with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. This deployment would tragically be his last.
Pat Tillman’s Death By Friendly Fire: The Final Mission
On April 22, 2004, Pat Tillman’s Army Rangers platoon was deployed in eastern Afghanistan’s Khost Province and split into two convoys against the objections of ground leaders. The second convoy, following an unexpected route change, was ambushed, leading Tillman and others to take a position on a ridge overlooking the canyon. In the confusion of the firefight, Tillman and an Afghan ally were tragically killed by friendly fire from the second convoy, despite Tillman’s attempts to signal his presence.
Initially reported as killed by enemy combatants, it was later revealed that Tillman had fallen victim to friendly fire – a tragic consequence of the fog of war. This revelation led to controversy and multiple investigations. Four investigations by the military laid out much of what happened. The first cited those involved for “gross negligence” for what was termed a likely friendly fire incident. Subsequent probes escalated the seriousness of failures higher up the chain of command. The final investigation, completed in 2007, recommended disciplinary action against nine officers, including four generals.
Friendly fire incidents, where military personnel unintentionally harm their own forces, have been a tragic reality in modern warfare, particularly during the War on Terror. The complexities of combat environments in Iraq and Afghanistan, characterized by rapid changes in tactical situations and the presence of guerrilla forces, have contributed to these tragic occurrences.
Patrick Tillman was survived by his wife, Marie Tillman, and his two brothers, Kevin and Richard Tillman. He was also deeply connected to his parents, Mary and Patrick Tillman, who have been vocal advocates for transparency regarding the circumstances of his death.
Pat Tillman’s Legacy of Service
Pat Tillman’s military service, though cut short, left an indelible mark on all who knew him and millions who were inspired by his story. His awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal, among others. These honors reflect not just his ultimate sacrifice but also his exemplary service throughout his military career. Tillman’s legacy extends far beyond the football field or the battlefield. The Pat Tillman Foundation, established in his memory, carries forward his spirit by providing academic scholarships and professional development opportunities to veterans and military spouses. Since its first class in 2009, the Tillman Scholar Program has evolved into a world-class community of military service members, veterans, and spouses, selecting applicants exclusively on merit and potential for impact. As the next generation of private and public sector leaders, the Tillman Scholars are tackling challenges across national security, healthcare, technology, civil rights, education and more. Pat Tillman’s legacy continues to be carried forward by the nearly 1,000 Tillman Scholars that carry his torch of Scholarship, Humble Leadership, Service, and Impact. They believe their best years of service to our country are still ahead of them, and they are committed to strengthening communities at home and around the world.
At TogetherWeServed.com, we honor the memory of Corporal Patrick Tillman and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Tillman’s life, though tragically cut short, continues to inspire and remind us of the true cost of freedom. To Corporal Pat Tillman and all who have served: We remember. We honor. We are grateful.
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