Pat Tillman

At 5'11", 200 pounds, Pat Tillman was considered small at his position as a linebacker. Did this stop him? Not a chance. Pat Tillman was not just a football player. He was also known for his unending kindness and selfless actions. Pat Tillman was a phenomenal individual because of the lives he impacted, the things he accomplished, and what he has given up for his fellow Americans.

Pat Tillman has influenced an enormous amount of lives because of the simple, noble actions he has performed. While he was in the NFL, he visited kindergartners every week to read them stories. Those same kindergartners participated in “Pat’s Run”, along with fifty-four hundred others, as fourth graders. A pizza box was turned into a paper-mache memorial by one of his fans. “You said you didn’t want to be a hero. Too bad. You’re mine,” one kid declared. The Arizona Cardinals have retired his no. 40 jersey. His number 42 is retired at Arizona State University, and his name is placed on the Sun Devil Stadium honor ring. The evidence of the impact he had on others is astonishing. Numerous people have been touched by him: from people who know all about him to people who hardly even know his story.

When most think of Pat Tillman, they automatically think of what he has accomplished athletically. He shouldn’t just be known for that though. He was also exceptionally bright. Now don’t get me wrong, he was extremely athletic. In 1997, he was the Pac 10's defensive player of the year, and named ASU’s Most Valuable Player of the year. He also set a Cardinal’s record of 224 tackles in 2000. Pat competed in a 70.2 mile triathalon. On the other hand, his academic status is extraordinary. Pat was the “Sun Angel Student-Athlete of the year” in ‘98. He won the Clyde B. Smith Academic award in both 1996 and 1997. He graduated in three and a half academic years while earning a degree in marketing. Now when you think of Pat Tillman, remind yourself that he wasn’t just some stupid, self-centered jock, but both a talented and intelligent man.

Pat not only gave up millions of dollars and loads of his time for strangers, he gave his life. He enlisted in the military -alongside his brother Kevin- in 2002 following the tragic events of 9/11. When he enlisted he gave up a three-year 3.6 million dollar contract with the Cardinals. Prior to that, he gave up a five-year 9 million dollar contract with the Rams, out of loyalty to the Cardinals. He was also one of those people you could say “Hi” to on the streets. He was always more interested in your life than interested in telling about his. He always wanted to give more to people, to his country. Pat did this by sacrificing more than most would even consider: millions upon millions of dollars, his own time, but most notably-his life.

The lives he has impacted, the things he has accomplished, and what he has given up are what make up Pat Tillman, my hero. Even though he is not alive today, he will always be remembered. For what he has done has made an impression on the hearts of many: his family, his friends, his fans, and especially me. Athlete, student, pro football player, soldier, champion, hero. Pat Tillman.