Pat Tillman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Pat Tillman was an NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals who left his professional football career to enlist in the U.S. Army Special Operations following the September 11 attacks. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tillman's death garnered significant media attention, particularly after it was revealed that he was killed by friendly fire. His decision to leave a lucrative sports career for military service and the circumstances surrounding his death made him a notable figure.

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, which would be amended in 1963, and cited in the authorization of Pat Tillman's Silver Star posthumously.

July 25, 1963: Amendment to Act of Congress

On July 25, 1963, an act was made amending the Act of Congress authorized on July 9, 1918, and was cited in the authorization of Pat Tillman's Silver Star posthumously.

1996: Clyde B. Smith Academic Award

In 1996, Pat Tillman received the Clyde B. Smith Academic Award for his academic achievements.

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: Clyde B. Smith Academic Award & Sporting News Honda Scholar-Athlete of the Year

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

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 the Year

In 1998, Pat Tillman was named Sun Angel Student Athlete of the Year, recognizing his achievements both academically and athletically.

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 recorded 155 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 9 pass deflections, and 1 interception.

November 28, 2003: Tillman Graduates Ranger School

On November 28, 2003, Pat Tillman graduated from Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

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. He put himself in the line of fire, contributing to his platoon's success and survival.

April 28, 2004: Silver Star Citation Approved

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

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

On September 19, 2004, all NFL teams wore a memorial decal on their helmets in honor of Pat Tillman. The Arizona Cardinals continued wearing this decal throughout the 2004 season. Jake Plummer's request to wear the decal for the entire season was denied by the NFL.

November 12, 2006: Bronze statue revealed in Tillman's honor

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

September 2007: Memorial dedicated during New Almaden Day celebration

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

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, honoring his achievements in college football.

2011: Pat Tillman Veteran's Center opened

In 2011, the Pat Tillman Veteran's Center opened on the Tempe campus.

2013: Renovation of the Tillman Tunnel

In 2013, the Tillman Tunnel was renovated with new graphics and signage, featuring a television displaying Pat Tillman's career highlights.

October 29, 2015: ASU Sun Devils wore special uniforms to honor Tillman

On October 29, 2015, the Arizona State University Sun Devils football team wore special uniforms made by Adidas to honor Tillman and his career during a game against the Oregon Ducks, with all proceeds going to the Pat Tillman Foundation.