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. 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

July 9, 1918: Act of Congress

On July 9, 1918, the Act of Congress was authorized.

July 25, 1963: Act of Congress Amended

On July 25, 1963, the Act of Congress was amended.

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: 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 Year.

2000: Named to NFL All-Pro Team

In 2000, Sports Illustrated football writer 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 as part of that year's 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.

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.

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.

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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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.