Early Life and Education of Pat Tillman: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Pat Tillman, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Pat Tillman was an American NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals who left his football career to enlist in the U.S. Army Special Operations after the September 11 attacks in May 2002. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan. His death garnered national attention, primarily because he was killed by friendly fire. Tillman's decision to forgo a lucrative sports career for military service made him a symbol of patriotism and sacrifice, although the circumstances surrounding his death and the initial misleading reports from the military sparked controversy and debate.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

November 6, 1976: Pat Tillman's Birth

Patrick Daniel Tillman Jr. was born on November 6, 1976.

1994: Joins Arizona State University

In 1994, Pat Tillman began his college career as a linebacker for Arizona State University, securing the last remaining scholarship for the team.

1996: Clyde B. Smith Academic Award

In 1996, Pat Tillman earned the Clyde B. Smith Academic Award.

1997: All-American Honors

In 1997, Pat Tillman earned first-team All-American honors while playing college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils.

1997: Academic and Athletic Awards

In 1997, Pat Tillman received the Clyde B. Smith Academic Award and the Sporting News Honda Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

1997: Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year

In 1997, Pat Tillman was voted the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and named Arizona State's MVP.

1998: Sun Angel Student Athlete of Year

In 1998, Pat Tillman was named the Sun Angel Student Athlete of the Year.

May 2002: Turns Down Contract to Enlist

In May 2002, Pat Tillman declined a $3.6 million contract offer from the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. Army.

May 2002: Tillman Enlists in the Army

In May 2002, Pat Tillman left his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the United States Army Special Operations after the September 11 attacks.

May 31, 2002: Enlistment in the Army

On May 31, 2002, Pat Tillman and his brother Kevin enlisted in the U.S. Army together.

September 2002: Completion of Basic Training

In September 2002, Pat Tillman and his brother Kevin completed basic training together.

September 2003: Ranger School

In September 2003, Pat Tillman entered Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

November 28, 2003: Graduation from Ranger School

On November 28, 2003, Pat Tillman graduated from Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

December 2003: Tillman discusses religion with Bob Ferguson

In December 2003, Tillman told Bob Ferguson that he was not religious. This revelation is consistent with other statements made about Tillman's atheism after his death.

April 22, 2004: Death in Afghanistan

On April 22, 2004, Pat Tillman was initially reported to have been killed by enemy combatants in Afghanistan. An Afghan Militia Force soldier was also killed, and others were wounded.

April 15, 2005: Inaugural Pat's Run held

On April 15, 2005, the inaugural Pat's Run took place in Tempe, drawing 5,000 participants. The 4.2-mile race around Tempe Town Lake finished on the 42-yard line of Sun Devil Stadium. A second race took place in San Jose.

September 25, 2005: Tillman's views on the Iraq War reported

On September 25, 2005, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Tillman held views critical of the Iraq War and planned to meet with Noam Chomsky after returning from Afghanistan.

October 19, 2006: Kevin Tillman breaks silence on brother's death

On October 19, 2006, Kevin Tillman published an essay on Truthdig criticizing the Iraq War and American foreign policy. The 660-word essay gained wide distribution and was cited in The New York Times and Associated Press.

April 2019: Pat's Run attendance

In April 2019, Pat's Run had over 28,000 attendees, with various "honor runs" taking place around the country. The run is an annual fundraising event for the Pat Tillman Foundation.