Pat Tillman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

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

July 9, 1918: Act of Congress

On July 9, 1918, an Act of Congress was authorized to award the Silver Star.

July 25, 1963: Act of Congress

On July 25, 1963, an act amended the Act of Congress of July 9, 1918.

1996: Clyde B. Smith Academic Award

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

1997: Academic Awards

In 1997, Pat Tillman earned academic awards: 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 Arizona State's MVP.

1998: Sun Angel Student Athlete of the Year

In 1998, Pat Tillman earned the Sun Angel Student Athlete of the Year award.

2000: Named to NFL All-Pro Team

In 2000, Sports Illustrated writer Paul Zimmerman named Pat Tillman to his NFL All-Pro team after Tillman's performance with 155 tackles.

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, Pat Tillman was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action during his service in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. He put himself in the line of fire to protect his team, leading to his death.

April 28, 2004: Approval of Silver Star Citation

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

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.

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.

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.

2010: Induction into College Football Hall of Fame

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

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.