Pat Tillman

Jake Plummer, former football teammate of Pat Tillman, said shortly after Pat Tillman’s death, ‘’He lived life to the fullest and will be remembered forever in my heart.’’ My hero Pat Tillman believed in the importance of life. He was born in San Jose, California on November 6, 1976 and died April 22, 2004. He was only 27.

Pat Tillman moved to Arizona for college. He got Pack Ten All State during college. After that he stayed in Arizona to play for the Arizona Cardinals, an NFL team. In his NFL career, he broke the Cardinal’s franchise record for tackles. Then the Cardinals tried to resign him to a 3.6 million dollar contract. The Cardinals couldn’t because he decided he was going into the Army Rangers.

Pat Tillman joined the Army Rangers because he wanted to keep a tradition in his family. He also felt that he wanted to lay himself on the line. That showed how he cared that we were all free to live our life to the fullest. When he was an Army Ranger, he was a specialist and got promoted to corporal.

Pat Tillman died by friendly fire during an ambush by Afghan soldiers 25 miles from a US base. When he died on April 22, 2004, Jake Plummer said, ‘’We lost a unique individual that touched the lives of many with his love for life, his toughness, his intellect.’’ When he died, the NFL had every player put a number forty on their helmets. After that the Cardinals retired his number. The Cardinals and Sun Devils put up a memorabilia at their stadiums.

Pat Tillman was known for inspiring people on and off the field. He also supported everyone’s decisions in life. His toughness, effort, and courage helped him drive through life. But his bravery and patriotism helped him when he was in the army. Pat Tillman has made a difference in my life by showing me never to give up no matter how tough or big the situation is, and give it my best effort. Also he made me think about how many people care about us and not only themselves. He also shows me you can never achieve anything without drive.