Pat Tillman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Pat Tillman.

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

July 9, 1918: Act of Congress

An Act of Congress authorized by the President of the United States of America on July 9, 1918.

July 25, 1963: Act of Congress

An Act of Congress authorized by the President of the United States of America on July 25, 1963.

1996: Clyde B. Smith Academic Award

In 1996, Pat Tillman earned the Clyde B. Smith Academic Award.

1997: All-American Honors

In 1997, Pat Tillman earned first-team All-American honors while playing college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils.

1997: Academic and Athletic Awards

In 1997, Pat Tillman received the Clyde B. Smith Academic Award and the Sporting News Honda Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

1997: Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year

In 1997, Pat Tillman was voted the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and named Arizona State's MVP.

1998: Sun Angel Student Athlete of Year

In 1998, Pat Tillman was named the Sun Angel Student Athlete of the Year.

2000: Named to NFL All-Pro Team

In 2000, Paul Zimmerman named Pat Tillman to his NFL All-Pro team after Tillman recorded 155 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 interception.

2003: Arthur Ashe Courage Award

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

April 2004: Posthumous Silver Star

In April 2004, Corporal Patrick D. Tillman was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004.

April 28, 2004: Silver Star Citation Approved

On April 28, 2004, Lieutenant General Stanley McChrystal approved the Silver Star citation for Pat Tillman, which described his death as occurring "in the line of devastating enemy fire."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.