Patrick Tillman

Patrick Tillman: A Legacy in Courage A Veterans Day Tribute
by Nkeshi Free

The 1980’s recruiting slogan for the United States Army “Be All You Can Be”personifies the life of Corporal Patrick Daniel Tillman of the 2nd Ranger Battalion, former Arizona Cardinals Safety. As a linebacker for Arizona State University, Tillman earned Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and graduated within three and half years with a 3.84 GPA.

Pat Tillman

He was drafted in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. In a sports world filled with a shallow, materialistic “Me, Me, Me” mentality, Tillman stood out from his colleagues for his loyalty. An example of this loyalty was evidenced when he turned down a three-year contract offer from the St. Louis Rams, worth $9 million to stay with the Cardinals, the team that drafted him. It was this loyalty that led Tillman to follow his heart and enlist in the Army, after the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Tillman and his younger brother Kevin enlisted together and joined the Army Rangers. After serving multiple tours of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, Tillman’s life was cut tragically short on April 22, 2004 at the age of 27. There has been much controversy surrounding the details of Tillman’s death, however, there is no controversy about his life. This Veterans’ Day, it’s the life of a young man who had the fortitude of strength to follow his heart, who challenged authority, and did what he thought was right that is being celebrated. In celebrating Tillman, it would be a disservice not to recognize Bob Kalsu of the Buffalo Bills, who was the first active professional football player to die in the line of duty. Kalsu died in 1970, while serving in the Vietnam War.

In order to honor Tillman, his life and legacy, the people who knew him best, his family and friends started the Pat Tillman Foundation. The Foundation was created after his death to celebrate Tillman and others like him, who live their lives through service of others. The Foundation seeks to “honor Pat and young people like Pat, the Pat Tillman Foundation inspires others to create positive social change through its Leadership Through Action™ programs and scholarships for veterans, active service members, their families, and college students across the country.”

This Veterans’ Day, all of us at Sideline Pass want to stop and say thank you to our men and women in the armed forces. Each of us at Sideline Pass have a family member(s), friend(s) and loved ones that have either served or are currently serving in the military.

Pat Tillman

To the family, friends and loved ones of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice we offer a humble thank you. Those sacrifices have not been in vain, and are deeply appreciated, more than words can express.
For more information on Pat Tillman, the Pat Tillman Foundation and how to support the foundation, click here: Pat Tillman Foundation.