PAT TILLMAN WAS THE ULTIMATE EXAMPLE OF WHAT IT MEANS TO SERVE OTHERS


By bblouin
Pat Tillman in the military.

Football isn’t considered America’s pastime, yet it’s an essential part of our nation’s culture. The NFL isn’t just the biggest league in our country but in the entire world generating around $19 billion in a year. For Pat Tillman, reaching the peak of America’s sports entertainment was a dream come true. However, his sense of pride for his country would be an altering factor for his career. Following the events of 9/11, patriotism took the forefront. It put into perspective that there are bigger things in life than the gridiron.

Pat Tillman: Building a Football Career

Pat Tillman grew up in San Jose, California. His maverick behavior, passionate curiosity, and determination in all walks of life made him unique. While attending Leland High School, people were telling Tillman he was too small to play football; however, his determination didn’t let this hurdle stop his ambitions. Pat Tillman’s football career was birthed regardless. He helped lead his team to a championship, setting up a career in which he would continue to prove his doubters wrong about his contributions on the football field. Especially in a contact sport like football, size matters. However, if you have the skillset, are willing to put in the work to develop the skills, and have the grit of Tillman, success can be found. This would lead scouts for Arizona State University to find Tillman’s potential both on the field as a player and in the classroom as a student. ASU provided Tillman with a scholarship and he repaid the Sun Devils with helping his team earn a Rose Bowl appearance after an undefeated regular season. The Sun Devils would lose in the Rose Bowl to Ohio State 20-17, but the following year, Tillman would earn the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year award along with being named ASU’s MVP. His place as a linebacker was secured by his three consecutive selections to the Pac-10 All-Academic Football Team. However, Tillman was also excelling in the classroom. This is noted by his 3.85 GPA, multiple awards, and his earning of a marketing degree all within under four years of education. At this point, Pat Tillman’s Arizona ties were stronger than anywhere else. This is with respect from his fellow teammates, coaches, professors, and fans throughout the Grand Canyon State. It’s fitting then that the team who gave him a shot at the next level would end up being the Arizona Cardinals. They selected Pat Tillman in the 7th round of the draft.

Breaking Records and Doing the Impossible

Just like before, people underestimated Tillman and as always, he proved them wrong. Skeptics didn’t believe he would impact the first team, only for Tillman to become the Cardinal’s starting safety and break the franchise record for tackles at 224 in 2000. Pat continued his education while playing in the NFL by working on his Master’s in history from ASU. He also volunteered with multiple organizations to give back to those in need. Serving others was a fitting trend throughout his life. It is one that would ultimately culminate in lending his efforts to the U.S. military. Despite receiving a multi-million dollar offer from the Arizona Cardinals, Tillman and his brother decided to enlist in the U.S. Army following the horrific attacks on 9/11. Pat and his brother Kevin were part of the 75th Ranger Regiment. They would end up serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan before tragedy struck.

How Did Pat Tillman Die?

Pat Tillman's cause of death was friendly fire by a fellow Ranger while operating around the village of Spera, Afghanistan. He was killed in action on April 22, 2004, at the age of 27. Birthing numerous conspiracies following a coverup by the U.S. military, the Pat Tillman friendly fire incident earned him national recognition as a hero to our nation. Additionally, it led to a posthumous promotion to Corporal, and both the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals. Following an investigation, Three-Star General Philip Kensinger received a censure for his leadership role in lying to investigators among other mistakes in handling Tillman’s death. This came at a time in which the Tillman family was critical of the Army for the handling of their son’s death, believing the Army intentionally was covering things up to avoid negative press involving the War on Terror at the time.

The Pat Tillman Foundation Continues His Legacy

Understanding the plight of the military community and the importance of education, the Pat Tillman Foundation has been continuing his legacy since its inception in 2004. Founded by his widow Marie Tillman and loved ones, the foundation helps Veterans and milspouses receive education. It also helps them develop leadership skills through its Tillman Scholars program. Each year, the organization also hosts the annual Pat's Run in Tempe, Arizona, to help raise funding for the program. Those who apply can receive academic scholarships and leadership development opportunities. The Leadership Through Action Program provides individuals with guidance and resources to make an impact in their community. This is by finding the social causes they are passionate about. Additionally, every year the Pat Tillman Award continues to honor his legacy during the East-West Shrine Bowl. This is especially for a college player exemplifying service, intelligence, character, and sportsmanship on and off the field. The ways we remember Pat Tillman today are reminders of not only what’s important in life and the sacrifice of our nation’s heroes, but also how we should treat others by elevating them and serving whenever we can. Suggested reads:


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