Patrick Daniel Tillman (1976 - 2004)

Born 6 Nov 1976 in Fremont, Alameda, California, United States

Died 22 Apr 2004 at age 27 in Spera, Khost, Afghanistan

Biography

Pat Tillman is Notable.

Patrick Daniel Tillman Jr. was born on November 6, 1976, in Fremont, California. He grew up in San Jose, California, displaying a passion for sports from a young age. Tillman excelled in football, earning a scholarship to Arizona State University (ASU) where he played as a linebacker. His outstanding performance on the field led him to be named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1997.

In 1998, Tillman was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL, where he transitioned to play as a safety. Known for his fierce competitiveness and commitment, he quickly became a standout player. In 2000, Tillman set a franchise record with 224 tackles in a single season.

In the wake of the September 11 attacks in 2001, Tillman made a profound decision to leave his NFL career and enlist in the U.S. Army, inspired by a deep sense of patriotism and duty. He turned down a $3.6M contract offer from the Cardinals to enlist in the Army. He joined the Army Rangers in 2002 alongside his brother, Kevin, and served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tragically, Pat Tillman’s life was cut short on April 22, 2004, when he was killed in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan.

Pat Tillman’s legacy endures through the Pat Tillman Foundation, established by his family and friends. The foundation provides scholarships and resources to military veterans and their spouses, ensuring that Tillman’s spirit of service and leadership continues to inspire future generations.

Sources

• Wikipedia: Pat Tillman