History of Pat Tillman in Timeline
Pat Tillman was an NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals who gave up his career to join the US Army after the 9/11 attacks. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he tragically died from friendly fire. His story and sacrifice resonated deeply with the nation.
July 9, 1918: Silver Star Authorization Act
The U.S. Congress authorized the Silver Star medal on July 9, 1918, to recognize gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.
July 25, 1963: Silver Star Authorization Act Amended
An amendment to the Silver Star authorization act was passed on July 25, 1963.
November 6, 1976: Birth of Pat Tillman
Pat Tillman was born in Fremont, California on November 6, 1976.
1983: Establishment of the Pat Tillman Scholarship
Lincoln Law School of San Jose established the Pat Tillman Scholarship in honor of Pat Tillman, whose father graduated from the institution with a Juris Doctor degree in 1983. The scholarship serves as a testament to Tillman's legacy and supports aspiring legal professionals.
1994: Tillman Joins Arizona State University Football Team
Pat Tillman began his college football career as a linebacker for Arizona State University in 1994.
1996: Tillman Receives Clyde B. Smith Academic Award
Pat Tillman was awarded the Clyde B. Smith Academic Award in 1996, recognizing his academic achievements alongside his football career.
1997: Tillman Earns All-American Honors
Pat Tillman was recognized for his exceptional performance in college football and was named a first-team All-American in 1997.
1998: Tillman Drafted by Arizona Cardinals
Pat Tillman was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 1998 NFL draft, marking the beginning of his professional football career.
1998: Tillman Receives Sun Angel Student Athlete of the Year
Pat Tillman was honored with the Sun Angel Student Athlete of the Year award in 1998, acknowledging his exceptional performance in both academics and athletics.
2000: Tillman Named to NFL All-Pro Team
Pat Tillman was recognized for his outstanding performance in the NFL and was named to Paul Zimmerman's 2000 NFL All-Pro team.
2001: Tillman Completes 2001 NFL Season
Pat Tillman continued to play for the Arizona Cardinals, completing the remaining games of the 2001 season following the September 11 attacks.
May 2002: Pat Tillman Enlists in the US Army
After the September 11 attacks, Pat Tillman turned down a lucrative contract offer from the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the US Army in May 2002.
May 31, 2002: Tillman Brothers Enlist in the Army
Pat Tillman, alongside his brother Kevin, officially enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 31, 2002, marking the start of their military service.
September 2002: Tillman Brothers Complete Basic Training
Pat Tillman and his brother Kevin successfully completed their basic training together in September 2002, a significant step in their military journey.
September 2003: Tillman Enters Ranger School
Pat Tillman began his training at the prestigious Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia, in September 2003.
November 28, 2003: Tillman Graduates from Ranger School
Pat Tillman successfully completed the rigorous Ranger School training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and graduated on November 28, 2003.
December 2003: Tillman Expresses Atheist Beliefs
In December 2003, Pat Tillman told Bob Ferguson, then-general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, "You know I'm not religious." This conversation revealed Tillman's atheist beliefs, which contradicted some narratives surrounding his life after his death.
2003: Tillman Receives Arthur Ashe Courage Award
Pat Tillman received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards ceremony in 2003, recognizing his courage and decision to leave his NFL career for military service.
April 2004: Tillman Awarded Silver Star Posthumously
Pat Tillman was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry in action during his service in Afghanistan in April 2004.
April 22, 2004: Death of Pat Tillman
Pat Tillman was killed in action in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. It was initially reported that he was killed by enemy combatants, but it was later revealed to be a friendly fire incident.
April 28, 2004: Silver Star Citation Approval
On April 28, 2004, Lieutenant General Stanley McChrystal approved the Silver Star citation for Pat Tillman's actions in combat. While the initial citation attributed his death to "devastating enemy fire," a confidential memo the following day revealed concerns that Tillman may have been killed by friendly fire.
May 28, 2004: Pentagon Notifies Tillman Family of Friendly Fire
The Pentagon notified the Tillman family that Pat Tillman's death on May 28, 2004, was a result of friendly fire, contradicting earlier reports.
September 19, 2004: NFL Pays Tribute to Pat Tillman
On September 19, 2004, all NFL teams wore a memorial decal on their helmets to honor Pat Tillman's memory. The Arizona Cardinals continued to wear the decal throughout the season, while former Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer, despite league regulations, honored Tillman by growing his hair and beard in the style Tillman sported before joining the military.
2004: Second Investigation into Tillman's Death and Controversy
A second investigation, led by Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) agent Philip Kensinger, was conducted into the circumstances surrounding Tillman's death in 2004. This investigation, spanning from May 8th to 15th, 2004, uncovered discrepancies and alleged attempts to conceal the truth about Tillman's death from his family. Brigadier General Rodney Johnson, the Commanding General of the United States Army Criminal Investigations Command, expressed disapproval over statements made during the investigation, calling them "totally unacceptable." Acting Department of Defense Inspector General Thomas Gimble also expressed shock over the handling of the investigation. Tillman's mother rejected the Pentagon's attempt to characterize the offenses as "errors," alleging a deliberate effort to mislead the family about the nature of his death.
2004: Pat Tillman's Death in Afghanistan
In 2004, Pat Tillman was killed in Afghanistan. The incident, initially attributed to enemy fire, later became the subject of intense scrutiny and controversy when it was revealed that Tillman might have been killed by friendly fire.
2004: NFL's Donation to USO in Tillman's Memory
In 2004, the NFL donated $250,000 to the United Service Organizations (USO) to build a center in Afghanistan in honor of Pat Tillman. The donation exemplified the league's commitment to honoring Tillman's memory and supporting service members.
April 1, 2005: Opening of the Pat Tillman USO Center
The Pat Tillman USO Center, the first of its kind in Afghanistan, opened on Bagram Air Base on April 1, 2005. The center, funded in part by a $250,000 donation from the NFL in 2004, provides a space for service members to connect and relax.
April 15, 2005: Inaugural Pat's Run
The first Pat's Run took place on April 15, 2005, in Tempe, Arizona, attracting 5,000 participants. The 4.2-mile race, ending on the 42-yard line of Sun Devil Stadium to commemorate Tillman's jersey number, has become an annual event raising funds for the Pat Tillman Foundation.
May 4, 2005: Report Reveals Army's Knowledge of Friendly Fire
A report published in The Washington Post on May 4, 2005, revealed that the Army was aware of Pat Tillman's death by friendly fire shortly after the incident, despite awarding him honors based on initial reports.
September 25, 2005: Tillman's Critical Views on the Iraq War Revealed
The San Francisco Chronicle reported on September 25, 2005, that Pat Tillman held critical views of the Iraq War. According to Tillman's mother, he had planned to meet with Noam Chomsky, a prominent critic of American foreign and military policy, after returning from Afghanistan.
March 4, 2006: Criminal Investigation Ordered
On March 4, 2006, the U.S. Defense Department Inspector General directed the Army to launch a criminal investigation into the death of Pat Tillman. The investigation aimed to determine whether negligence played a role in the incident.
October 19, 2006: Kevin Tillman Speaks Out
On October 19, 2006, Kevin Tillman, Pat's brother, publicly addressed his brother's death for the first time. In a 660-word essay published in the online journal Truthdig, he criticized the Iraq War and American foreign policy, garnering significant attention and coverage from media outlets such as The New York Times and the Associated Press.
November 12, 2006: Unveiling of Pat Tillman Bronze Statue
On November 12, 2006, the Arizona Cardinals unveiled a bronze statue of Pat Tillman at their stadium in Glendale, further solidifying his legacy within the organization and community.
November 2006: Forensic Analysis of Tillman's Death
In November 2006, two forensic pathologists conducted an independent analysis of Pat Tillman's autopsy report and photographs. Their findings suggested that Tillman was likely killed by fire from an M249 light machine gun, raising further questions about the official account of his death.
March 19, 2007: CID Report on Tillman's Death Released
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) released its report on March 19, 2007, concluding that Pat Tillman's death was a result of friendly fire during an engagement with enemy combatants.
March 26, 2007: Pentagon Report Release
The Pentagon released its report on March 26, 2007, detailing the events surrounding Pat Tillman's death and the subsequent cover-up. The report provided insights into the circumstances of the incident and the actions taken afterward.
April 24, 2007: Testimony of Bryan O'Neal and Kevin Tillman
During a House Committee hearing on April 24, 2007, Specialist Bryan O'Neal, the last person to see Pat Tillman alive, revealed that he had been instructed by superiors not to disclose information about Tillman's death being caused by friendly fire. Pat's brother, Kevin Tillman, also testified, accusing the military of attempting to manipulate the narrative surrounding Pat's death to divert attention from issues in the Afghan war.
July 13, 2007: Withholding of Documents by Bush Administration
On July 13, 2007, leading members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Henry Waxman and Tom Davis, disclosed that the Bush administration and the Pentagon had withheld crucial documents related to Pat Tillman's death. The administration's refusal to release the documents, citing executive privilege, further fueled suspicions of a cover-up.
July 26, 2007: Speculation of Deliberate Murder
On July 26, 2007, Chris Matthews on his show "Hardball" raised the possibility of Pat Tillman's death being a case of deliberate murder by fellow soldiers. Matthews cited a report from doctors who examined Tillman's body, noting the close-range bullet wounds. However, investigations and testimonies from fellow soldiers maintained that the shooting was accidental.
August 13, 2007: Veterans Demand Release of Documents
On August 13, 2007, a group of 20 U.S. military veterans, representing VoteVets, appealed to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to advocate for the release of all documents pertaining to Pat Tillman's death. The veterans' request highlighted the growing demand for transparency and accountability in the investigation.
September 2007: Memorial for Pat Tillman in New Almaden
In September 2007, a memorial dedicated to Pat Tillman was constructed near the Almaden Quicksilver County Park in New Almaden, the unincorporated community adjacent to San Jose where he grew up. The memorial was dedicated during the annual New Almaden Day celebration.
2007: Pentagon Report on Tillman's Death
The Pentagon released a report in 2007 officially ruling Pat Tillman's death as accidental, following investigations into the friendly fire incident.
April 2008: "Boots on the Ground by Dusk" Book Release
In April 2008, Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman's mother, published a book about her son titled "Boots on the Ground by Dusk".
July 14, 2008: House Committee Report on Misleading Information
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released a report on July 14, 2008, titled "Misleading Information from the Battlefield: The Tillman and Lynch Episodes." The report concluded that the investigation faced significant obstacles due to a "near universal lack of recall" among senior officials in the White House and the military, suggesting a deliberate attempt to obstruct the investigation.
September 2008: "Walk for Pat" Begins
In September 2008, Rory Fanning, a fellow Army Ranger stationed with Tillman at Fort Lewis, Washington, embarked on a cross-country walk dubbed the "Walk for Pat". The walk aimed to raise money and awareness for the Pat Tillman Foundation, with a fundraising goal of $3.6 million, the value of the contract Tillman declined to enlist.
2009: "Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman" Book Release
Jon Krakauer, author of "Into Thin Air" and "Into the Wild", published a book about Pat Tillman's life titled "Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman" in 2009.
January 23, 2010: "The Tillman Story" Premieres at Sundance Film Festival
A documentary film about Pat Tillman's life and death, titled "The Tillman Story," premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2010.
August 2010: "The Tillman Story" Public Release
"The Tillman Story," a documentary film about Pat Tillman, was released to the public in August 2010.
October 2010: Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge Completion
October 2010 marked the completion of the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, a highway bypass around the Hoover Dam. The bridge, spanning the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona, stands as a tribute to Pat Tillman's service and sacrifice.
2010: Tillman Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame
Pat Tillman was posthumously inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010, cementing his legacy as a remarkable college athlete.
2011: Pat Tillman Veteran's Center Opens
In 2011, the Pat Tillman Veteran's Center opened on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University, providing support and resources to veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
2013: Renovation of the Pat Tillman Memorial Tunnel
Prior to the 2013 football season, Arizona State University renovated the Pat Tillman Memorial Tunnel at Sun Devil Stadium. The renovation included new graphics, signage, and a display showcasing Tillman's career highlights, enhancing the tunnel's tribute to his legacy.
October 29, 2015: Arizona State University Honors Tillman with Special Uniforms
On October 29, 2015, the Arizona State University Sun Devils football team honored Pat Tillman's legacy by wearing special Adidas uniforms during their game against the Oregon Ducks. Proceeds from the sale of these uniforms were donated to the Pat Tillman Foundation.
2018: Tillman Inducted into Arizona Sports Hall of Fame
In 2018, Pat Tillman was posthumously inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, further solidifying his impact on the state's athletic history.
2018: Balsz School District names middle school after Pat Tillman
The Balsz School District in Phoenix, Arizona, named a middle school after Pat Tillman in 2018.
April 2019: Growth of Pat's Run
By April 2019, Pat's Run had grown significantly, drawing over 28,000 attendees. The event's expansion reflects its enduring impact and the continued support for the Pat Tillman Foundation's mission.
2019: NFL's Continued Support for the Pat Tillman Foundation
As of 2019, the NFL continues to support the Pat Tillman Foundation through its "Salute to Service" campaign, which honors U.S. military service members and supports various military and veteran nonprofits.