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Pat Tillman made the most selfless decision in 2002 when he stepped away from a lucrative NFL contract to serve in the U.S. Army after the Sept. 11 attacks. Now, 16 years after Tillman was tragically killed in Afghanistan, his name lives on and many around sports honored it on Wednesday.
Tillman emerged as a star in the secondary for the Arizona Cardinals, going from a seventh-round pick in 1998 into becoming one of the NFL’s most feared safeties. Instead of cashing in on a $3.6 million deal in the 2002 offseason, he enlisted in the Army.
At the time, the decision shocked many because Tillman was just entering the prime of his career and walking away from a sizable contract. As he explained, in words that live on nearly two decades later, Tillman wanted to do something and he followed his heart to serve.
Tragically, Tillman was killed by friendly fire on April 22, 2004 at the age of 27. Now 16 years after his death, the football world honored Tillman’s legacy on Wednesday and remembered him for his iconic actions, voice and sacrifice.
We lost a true hero 16 years ago today.
— NFL (@NFL) April 22, 2020
Rest in peace, Pat Tillman. pic.twitter.com/b4MlPP5qk2
On this day in 2004, former Cardinals’ safety Pat Tillman was killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire. pic.twitter.com/zKGBoOHzhd
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 22, 2020
“At times like this you stop and think about just how good we have it, what kind of system we live in & the freedoms we are allowed. A lot of my family has gone and fought in wars and I really haven’t done a damn thing.” – Pat Tillman after 9/11. Tillman passed away today in 2004
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) April 22, 2020
Pat Tillman, American hero, died on this date in 2004 for his country. pic.twitter.com/bbTZSLlrmL
— Mike Farrell (@rivalsmike) April 22, 2020
On this day 16 years ago Pat Tillman gave his life serving our country. He was a great football player, and an even greater man. A true American hero #RIPTillman pic.twitter.com/CsDi8VxkI5
— Bonfire Sports (@Bonfiresports1) April 22, 2020
Pat Tillman shared these thoughts in an interview days after 9/11. It wasn’t long after this interview took place that Tillman enlisted in United States Army. 11.06.1976 – 04.22.2004 | #GoneButNotForgotten pic.twitter.com/VQK57DMdk5
— Forged® (@forgedclothing) April 22, 2020
On this day in 2004, Pat Tillman was killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire. Not only was he an American hero; he was a phenomenal football player. pic.twitter.com/BInkzRYgVd
— DailySportsDosage (@SportsDsd) April 22, 2020
Rest in peace, Pat Tillman. Your courage and selfless service endure through others who follow your example. https://t.co/KTjwciLvAW
— Charlotte Clymer ️ (@cmclymer) April 22, 2020
"Somewhere inside, we hear a voice. It leads us in the direction of who we wish to become…but it is up to us whether or not to follow."
— Andrew Magee (@Amagee35) April 22, 2020
– Pat Tillman, KIA on 4/22/2004 pic.twitter.com/RBDtGt2RHv
We remember Pat Tillman today.
— Michael Detillier (@MikeDetillier) April 22, 2020
In 2004 he was killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire serving our country.
Pat gave up his NFL career to serve and protect. pic.twitter.com/20PvBY2OgN
Former Cardinals’ safety Pat Tillman was killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire, on this day sixteen years ago.
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) April 22, 2020
Pat was drafted in 1998 and was selected as the 226th pick. His memory lives forever on at the Pro Football Hal of Fame. pic.twitter.com/eUbLYDffgG
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