In 2002, NFL linebacker Pat Tillman left his climactic career with the Arizona Cardinals to join the U.S. Army. What began as an inspirational show of patriotism ended in tragedy when Tillman was fatally shot in 2004. Today, Tillman’s legacy continues to live on due to his show of loyalty, dedication, and compassion to his country.

Finding His Footing In Arizona

Throughout his life, football always came naturally for Tillman—but it wasn’t until his college years that he reached new heights of talent. While at Arizona State University, Tillman dominated both on the field and in the classroom. In 1997, the linebacker helped his team reach an undefeated season and earn a trip to the 1997 Rose Bowl.

Later that year, he was selected as the Pac-10 Defensive Player of The Year and also as the ASU Most Valuable Player. On the academic side, Tillman earned honors such as the Clyde B. Smith Academic Award in 1996 and 1997, the Sporting News Honda Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 1997 and the Sun Angel Student of the Year in 1998.

The secret behind Tillman’s success? “Passion is kind of important to me,” he said, “whether it’s playing sports or whether it’s just living.” If you aren’t going to be passionate about something, then why do it?

The Arizona Cardinals saw this passion in the young Tillman, which led to them picking him in the 1998 NFL Draft.

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Leaving Success For A Better Cause

Following the tragic events surrounding 9/11, Tillman made a bold decision to put his burgeoning NFL career on hold and join the military. Tillman surprised the sports world with the announcement, turning down a $3.6 million contract with the Cardinals in the process.

In 2002, Tillman explained that “sports embodies many of the qualities I deem meaningful. However, these last few years, and especially after recent events, I’ve come to appreciate just how shallow and insignificant my role is… It’s no longer important.”

Joined by his brother Kevin, Pat enlisted after the 2001 NFL season. The two went through rigorous training to become U.S. Army Rangers and were assigned to the second battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Tillman served in several tours of duty, both in Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

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Mournful Events Led To An Inspirational Legacy

On April 22, 2004, Pat Tillman was killed in action while on a mission in eastern Afghanistan. Initially, reports stated that Tillman’s death was the result of an enemy ambush in a canyon. In following weeks, though, many unanswered questions piqued government interest.

The Pentagon opened an investigation and continued to find more inaccuracies and contradictions surrounding the event. Eventually, it was ruled that Tillman’s death was the result of friendly fire after he was mistaken for an enemy soldier.

Tillman’s family wasn’t going to let that be his legacy, though.

In addition to receiving Purple Heart and Silver Star Medals from the military, Tillman’s number was retired by Arizona State University and the Arizona Cardinals. In May of 2010, Tillman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

That same year, the NFL joined forces with the Pat Tillman Foundation to create the NFL-Tillman Scholarship. This honors an individual who “exemplifies Pat Tillman’s enduring legacy of service.”

Today, Tillman’s legacy stands as a motivational reminder—it’s best said in his own words: “Somewhere inside, we hear a voice. It leads us in the direction of the person we wish to become. But it is up to us whether or not to follow.”

Pat Tillman followed that voice and America is eternally grateful for it.

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