Lasting Legacy of Pat Tillman: A Look at the Influence on History

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Pat Tillman across different fields.

Pat Tillman was an NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals who left his professional football career to enlist in the U.S. Army Special Operations following the September 11 attacks. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tillman's death garnered significant media attention, particularly after it was revealed that he was killed by friendly fire. His decision to leave a lucrative sports career for military service and the circumstances surrounding his death made him a notable figure.

Sections (6)

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

September 19, 2004: NFL teams wore memorial decal for Tillman

On September 19, 2004, all NFL teams wore a memorial decal on their helmets in honor of Pat Tillman. The Arizona Cardinals continued wearing this decal throughout the 2004 season. Jake Plummer's request to wear the decal for the entire season was denied by the NFL.

2004: NFL donated to USO in memory of Tillman

In 2004, the NFL donated $250,000 to the United Service Organizations to build a USO center in memory of Tillman.

April 1, 2005: Opening of the Pat Tillman USO Center

On April 1, 2005, the Pat Tillman USO Center, the first USO center in Afghanistan, opened on Bagram Air Base.

April 15, 2005: Inaugural Pat's Run

On April 15, 2005, the inaugural Pat's Run took place in Tempe with 5,000 participants raising funds for the Pat Tillman Foundation.

October 19, 2006: Kevin Tillman's essay published on Truthdig

On October 19, 2006, Kevin Tillman's 660-word essay criticizing the Iraq War was published on Truthdig.

November 12, 2006: Bronze statue revealed in Tillman's honor

On November 12, 2006, a bronze statue was revealed in Pat Tillman's honor during a Cardinals game versus the Cowboys.

2006: "World Wide Suicide" song released

In 2006, Pearl Jam released the song "World Wide Suicide", which was largely about Tillman.

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August 13, 2007: Veterans Ask NFL for Document Release

On August 13, 2007, 20 U.S. military veterans, on behalf of VoteVets, asked NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to help secure the release of all documents relating to the death of Pat Tillman.

September 2007: Memorial dedicated during New Almaden Day celebration

In September 2007, a memorial was dedicated near the Almaden Quicksilver County Park during the annual New Almaden Day celebration.

April 2008: Release of "Boots on the Ground by Dusk"

In April 2008, Mary Tillman released the book "Boots on the Ground by Dusk" about her son, Pat Tillman.

Boots on the Ground by Dusk: My Tribute to Pat Tillman

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September 2008: "Walk for Pat" began

In September 2008, Rory Fanning began his "Walk for Pat", walking across the United States to raise money and awareness for the Pat Tillman Foundation.

2009: Two books about Tillman published

In 2009, two books about Tillman were published, including "Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman" by Jon Krakauer.

Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman

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January 23, 2010: The Tillman Story shown at Sundance Film Festival

On January 23, 2010, the documentary film "The Tillman Story" was shown at the Sundance Film Festival.

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August 2010: Release of The Tillman Story

In August 2010, the documentary film "The Tillman Story" was released.

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October 2010: Memorial Bridge Completed

In October 2010, the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, a highway bypass around the Hoover Dam, was completed, spanning the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona.

2010: Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame

In 2010, Pat Tillman was posthumously inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, honoring his achievements in college football.

2011: Pat Tillman Veteran's Center opened

In 2011, the Pat Tillman Veteran's Center opened on the Tempe campus.

2013: Renovation of the Tillman Tunnel

In 2013, the Tillman Tunnel was renovated with new graphics and signage, featuring a television displaying Pat Tillman's career highlights.

October 29, 2015: ASU Sun Devils wore special uniforms to honor Tillman

On October 29, 2015, the Arizona State University Sun Devils football team wore special uniforms made by Adidas to honor Tillman and his career during a game against the Oregon Ducks, with all proceeds going to the Pat Tillman Foundation.