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Former Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman decided to walk away from football in 2002. It was just months after the tragic terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and Tillman wanted to do all he could for the United States. He enlisted in the United States Army and soon after was stationed in Afghanistan.
On April 22, 2004, Tillman was killed during a battle against enemy forces. It was later discovered that it was a member of his own team that fired the shot that killed Tillman. As the 20th anniversary approaches, the Arizona Cardinals have taken time to honor their former safety.
On Friday, the Cardinals remembered the day he was drafted on April 19, 1998, with the 226th pick. The team also announced that during the NFL Draft this week, the Cardinals' 226th pick will be announced by a Pat Tillman Foundation Scholar recipient.
Fans on social media were touched by the gestures made to honor Tillman 20 years after his tragic passing.
"Not all Heroes wear capes. RIP true American Hero Pat Tillman and Thank You for your service."
The Pat Tillman Foundation was created in 2004 by his friends and family as a way to honor his legacy. Helping to protect the United States is what drove the former Arizona Cardinals safety to quit the NFL and enlist. His foundation is now helping veterans and their spouses achieve their educational goals.
Fans continued to give their respects to Tillman and everything he sacrificed for the United States.
"An American Hero."-one fan proclaimed
"RIP"-another wrote
The Arizona Cardinals and Tillman's alma mater, Arizona State, continue to do their parts to keep his memory alive. In 2017, Arizona State unveiled a bronze statue of Tillman in his Sun Devils football uniform. The statue is there not only to honor everything he did but also to inspire other students and athletes always to achieve their dreams.
"ALWAYS AND FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS REST IN PEACE PAT TILLMAN."- one user on X stated.
"His death is an American tragedy."-one declared
Was Pat Tillman Married?
Pat Tillman married his high school sweetheart, Marie, after he enlisted in the United States Army in 2002. The couple met while both were students at Leland High School in San Jose, California. Marie was a cheerleader, and Pat played football and a short time on the baseball diamond.
After Pat's death, Marie Tillman and other family members started The Pat Tillman Foundation. The non-profit helped his family grieve their tragic loss while helping others, something they were sure he would have loved.
In 2012, she added author to her resume when she released her book, "The Letter: My Journey Through Love, Loss and Life." The book was her way of sharing her and Pat's love story as well as her journey to heal after his death.
Marie Tillman is a co-chair of the board of the organization. However, she has also started her own children's clothing business. In 2014, she launched "Mac and Mia," a clothing subscription and stylist service.
In 2020, she married Joseph Shenton, and the couple and their two children now call Chicago, Illinois, home.
