Passion is what makes life interesting, what ignites our soul, fuels our love and carries our friendships, stimulates our intellect, and pushes our limits... A passion for life is contagious and uplifting. Passion cuts both ways... Those that make you feel on top of the world are equally able to turn it upside down... In my life I want to create passion in my own life and with those I care for. I want to feel, experience and live every emotion. I will suffer through the bad for the heights of the good.
― Pat Tillman
Patrick "Pat" Daniel Tillman Jr. (November 6, 1976-April 22, 2004) was an American football player turned United States Army soldier.
Early Life[]
Pat Tillman was born to Mary and Patrick Kevin Tillman on November 6, 1976 in Fremont, California. He was the oldest of three including Kevin Tillman.
College career[]
Tillman became a linebacker for Arizona State University in 1994. He won many awards including two Clyde B. Smith Academic Awards in 1996 and 1997.
Football career[]
In 1998, Tillman became a football player for the Arizona Cardinals with the number 40 on his jersey. In 2000, Sports Illustrated named Tillman as the player of the year.
Military career[]
In May 2002, Tillman turned down a multi-million dollar contract from the NFL to serve in the United States Army following the September 11th attacks. He enlisted as a specialist under the Second Ranger Battalion and 75th Ranger Regiment and served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Death[]
On April 22, 2004, Tillman was killed in a friendly fire in Spera, Khost Province, Afghanistan. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.