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. Following the September 11 attacks, he left his professional football career to enlist in the U.S. Army Special Operations in 2002. Tillman served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. His story garnered significant media attention, particularly after his death was revealed to be a result of friendly fire. He is remembered for his patriotism and the sacrifice he made by leaving a lucrative sports career to serve his country.

Sections (6)

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

September 19, 2004: NFL Wears Memorial Decal for Tillman

On September 19, 2004, all NFL teams wore a memorial decal on their helmets to honor Pat Tillman. The Arizona Cardinals continued to wear the decal for the remainder of the 2004 season. Jake Plummer's request to wear the decal was denied to maintain uniform appearance with the Denver Broncos. Plummer honored Tillman by growing a beard and his hair long.

2004: NFL Donation 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 Pat Tillman.

April 1, 2005: Opening of Pat Tillman USO Center

On April 1, 2005, the Pat Tillman USO Center, the first USO center in Afghanistan, opened at 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 running a 4.2-mile course to commemorate Tillman. A second race was held in San Jose.

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

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

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November 12, 2006: Bronze Statue Revealed

On November 12, 2006, a bronze statue of Pat Tillman was revealed during a Cardinals game versus the Cowboys.

September 2007: Memorial Dedication 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, where Tillman grew up.

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

In April 2008, Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman's mother, released a book about her son titled, "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 began his "Walk for Pat", walking across the United States to raise money and awareness for the Pat Tillman Foundation.

2009: Publication of "Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman"

In 2009, Jon Krakauer's book, "Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman", was published.

Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman

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January 23, 2010: Showing of "The Tillman Story" 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 Completion

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

2010: Induction into College Football Hall of Fame

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

2011: Opening of Pat Tillman Veteran's Center

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

2013: Renovation of the Tillman Tunnel

In 2013, the Tillman Tunnel was renovated with new graphics and signage, featuring a television and sound system 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 Pat Tillman, with all proceeds going to the Pat Tillman Foundation.