Pat Tillman Sacrifice

Heroes are leaders who are caring, honorable, and brave. They are people who put other's needs before their own. These individuals will sacrifice themselves for anyone. Pat Tillman made the ultimate sacrifice, and will always be considered a hero.

The details to this hero’s life were not similar to most Americans. Pat Tillman was born November 6, 1976 in San Jose, California, and was the oldest of 3 boys. He played football at Leland High School and led them to a Central Coast Division 1 Championship. His play earned him a scholarship as a linebacker to Arizona State University from 1994 to 1997. While he was there, he led them to an undefeated 1997 regular season, earning MVP of the team and Pac-10 defensive player of the year. Not only did Tillman excel on the football

field, he also excelled in the classroom. Pat was awarded the Clyde B. Smith Academic Award in 1996 and 1997, the Honda Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 1997, and the Sun Angel Student Athlete Of the Year in 1998. After his time at Arizona State, Tillman was drafted in the 7th round with the 226th pick of the 1998 NFL draft to play safety for the Arizona Cardinals. Pat Tillman was doing extremely well on and off the football field as a starting safety for an NFL team and being recently married to his high school girlfriend.
This hero rose up during a hard time for our country.

September 11 was a hard time for everyone, but only a few had the courage to step up and fight for our country. Tillman left behind a $3.5 million dollar NFL contract to serve in the Army along with his little brother to fight back against those responsible for 9/11. He once said, "’Sports embodied many of the qualities I deem meaningful. However, these last few years, and especially after recent events, I've come to appreciate just how shallow and insignificant my role is . . . It's no longer important’" (Biography.com). Pat Trained and became an Army Ranger in the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Sacrificing an NFL career and millions of dollars is a big enough sacrifice on its own, but unfortunately Pat gave up more than that. Tillman was killed in Afghanistan on April 24, 2004. Pat Tillman was posthumously rewarded for his heroic acts with a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for military duty. His number 42 was retired by his college football team, Arizona State, and his number 40 was retired by the Arizona Cardinals. In May 2010, Tillman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame for his courageous work on and off the

field.
Pat Tillman sacrificed everything for others during a devastating time. He knew the dangers that came with going to war, but he never hesitated. For that reason, Pat Tillman will always be a hero.