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 a professional football player for the Arizona Cardinals who left the NFL to enlist in the U.S. Army after the September 11th attacks. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Army Special Operations. Tillman's story gained widespread attention after his death, particularly when it was revealed that he was killed by friendly fire. He is remembered for his patriotism and sacrifice, leaving behind a promising sports career to serve his country.

Sections (6)

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

2003: Arthur Ashe Courage Award

In 2003, Pat Tillman received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award from ESPN during the ESPY Awards ceremony.

September 19, 2004: NFL Memorial Decal for Tillman

On September 19, 2004, the NFL honored Tillman by having all teams wear a memorial decal on their helmets. The Arizona Cardinals continued to wear the decal throughout the 2004 season. Jake Plummer's request to wear the decal for the entire season was denied by the NFL.

2004: NFL Donates to USO in Tillman's Memory

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

April 1, 2005: Pat Tillman USO Center Opens

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, 5,000 participants turned out for the inaugural Pat's Run in Tempe, a 4.2-mile course around Tempe Town Lake finishing on the 42-yard line of Sun Devil Stadium, commemorating Tillman's retired number.

2005: Induction into East–West Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame

In 2005, Pat Tillman was the sole inductee of the East–West Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame and was also selected to the East–West Shrine Bowl All-Century Team.

March 14, 2006: "World Wide Suicide" by Pearl Jam Released

The song "World Wide Suicide" by Pearl Jam, released on March 14, 2006, was written largely about Tillman.

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October 19, 2006: Kevin Tillman Breaks Silence About Brother's Death

On October 19, 2006, Kevin Tillman broke his silence about his brother's death, lashing out at the Iraq War in an essay published on Truthdig.

November 12, 2006: Bronze Statue Revealed

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

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.

April 2008: Boots on the Ground by Dusk Released

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

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

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September 2008: "Walk for Pat" Begins

In September 2008, Rory Fanning, a fellow Army Ranger, began his "Walk for Pat", a walk 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, a 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.

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October 2010: Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge Completed

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

2010: Induction into College Football Hall of Fame

In 2010, Pat Tillman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

2011: Pat Tillman Veteran's Center Opens

In 2011, the Pat Tillman Veteran's Center opened on the Tempe campus in the lower level of the Memorial Union.

2013: Tillman Tunnel Renovated

Before the 2013 season, the Tillman Tunnel was renovated with new graphics and signage, including a television displaying Tillman's career highlights.

October 29, 2015: ASU Sun Devils Wear Special Uniforms

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