Remembering NFL Safety Pat Tillman

His Time In The NFL

In 1998, Tillman entered the NFL Draft. In the seventh round, the Arizona Cardinals selected Pat. Tillman’s playing career was very short. But, there is a reason why it was short.

In May of 2002, eight months after the September 11 attacks Pat turned down a contract extension of #3.6 million over the next three years so he could enlist in the U.S. Army. Below is his career stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Database.

https://widgets.sports-reference.com/wg.fcgi?css=1&site=pfr&url=%2Fplayers%2FT%2FTillPa20.htm&div=div_defense

Enlisting In The Army

On May 31, 2002 Pat and his brother Kevin both enlisted into the Military completing basic training in September of 2002.

The brothers completed the Ranger Indoctrination program late that same year and were assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion located in Fort Lewis, Washington.

Before being deployed to Iraq, Pat and his wife resisted in University Place. Tillman participated in the initial invasion of Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In September of 2003, the brothers entered Rangers school located at Fort Benning, Georgia and graduated two months later

On April 22, 2004, Pat Tillman died due to friendly fire that was aggravated by the intensity of the firefight.

His accomplishments on the field and during his time of service are stacked. he had his numbered retired by the Arizona Cardinals, placed in the Ring of Honor, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He has a Silver Heart, Purple Heart, and a Meritorious Service Medal.

From everyone here at Overtime Heroics, we thank everyone for fightinf for our country.

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