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 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

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.

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

On September 19, 2004, the NFL honored Pat Tillman by having all teams wear a memorial decal on their helmets. The Arizona Cardinals continued using the decal for the entire 2004 season. Jake Plummer's request to wear the decal was denied, but he honored Tillman by growing a beard and his hair long.

2004: NFL donates to USO in memory of Tillman

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

April 1, 2005: Pat Tillman USO Center opened

On April 1, 2005, the Pat Tillman USO Center, the first USO center in Afghanistan, opened on Bagram Air Base. The NFL's donation in 2004 facilitated its construction.

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.

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.

November 12, 2006: Bronze statue of Tillman revealed

On November 12, 2006, during a Cardinals game versus the Cowboys, a bronze statue was revealed in Pat Tillman's honor. The Arizona Cardinals had previously retired his number 40, and Arizona State retired his number 42.

2006: Pearl Jam releases "World Wide Suicide"

In 2006, Pearl Jam released the song "World Wide Suicide" on March 14th, which was written largely about Pat Tillman.

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September 2007: Memorial dedicated in New Almaden

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

April 2008: Book by Mary Tillman released

In April 2008, Tillman's mother, Mary Tillman, released a book about her son titled, Boots on the Ground by Dusk.

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

Check it on Amazon

September 2008: "Walk for Pat" begins

In September 2008, Rory Fanning began his "Walk for Pat", a walk across the United States to raise money and awareness for the Pat Tillman Foundation. The goal was to raise $3.6 million.

2009: Two books about Tillman published

In 2009, two books about Tillman were published. Jon Krakauer's "Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman" was published on September 15.

Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman

Check it on Amazon

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: "The Tillman Story" released

In August 2010, the documentary film "The Tillman Story" was released after being shown at the Sundance Film Festival in January.

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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.

2011: Pat Tillman Veteran's Center opened

In 2011, the Pat Tillman Veteran's Center opened on the Tempe campus, located in the lower level of the Memorial Union. The center was named in honor of Pat Tillman.

2013: Tillman Tunnel renovated

In 2013, the Tillman Tunnel was renovated with new graphics and signage. The tunnel features a television that displays Tillman's career highlights. The gate to the field showcases an image of Pat Tillman.

October 29, 2015: ASU football team wears special uniforms to honor Tillman

On October 29, 2015, the Arizona State University Sun Devils football team wore special Adidas uniforms to honor Tillman when they faced the Oregon Ducks. All proceeds went to the Pat Tillman Foundation.

2018: Inducted into Arizona Sports Hall of Fame

In 2018, Pat Tillman was posthumously inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.

2018: Middle school named after Tillman

In 2018, the Balsz School District in Phoenix named a middle school after Pat Tillman, honoring his legacy.

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.

2019: NFL continues to support Pat Tillman Foundation

As of 2019, the NFL continues to support the Pat Tillman Foundation through its Salute to Service campaign, honoring United States military service members.