Monday was the 15th anniversary of the death of Pat Tillman, who left a lucrative career with the NFL to serve in the Army after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Tragically, Tillman was killed by friendly fire at the age of 27 while serving in Afghanistan in 2004.
To mark the anniversary of his death, tributes have been pouring in for Tillman on social media.
“15 years ago today Pat Tillman lost his life serving in Afghanistan,” read a tweet from the Pat Tillman Foundation, a charity whose goal is to unite and empower military veterans and spouses. “Here’s to the man who followed his true calling, and the Tillman Scholars now carrying on his legacy.”
“We will always honor and preserve Pat Tillman’s legacy, who lost his life 15 years ago,” tweeted the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with the NFL adding, “We lost a true hero 15 years ago today. Rest in peace, Pat Tillman.”
Today we remember the life and legacy of Pat Tillman, who lost his life 15 years ago. ?? pic.twitter.com/3XliavoOeO
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 22, 2019
Tillman played defense for the Cardinals for three years, but he found national fame in 2002, when he enlisted in the Army with his brother Kevin in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Both of them were accepted into the elite Army Ranger program, and they were deployed to Afghanistan in 2003 after they graduated.
After being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Tillman returned to Afghanistan in 2004, and it was initially reported that he was killed by enemy combatants there on April 22 of that year. However, later investigations revealed that Tillman was actually killed by friendly fire.
“[Tillman’s portion of the platoon] dismounted their vehicles and moved on foot, to a more advantageous position to provide overwatch and fire support for [the other portion’s] movement out of the ambush,” the report read. “Upon exiting the gorge, and despite attempts by [Tillman’s portion of the platoon] to signal a ‘friendly position,’ occupants of the lead vehicle of [the other portion] opened fire on Tillman’s position, where he was fatally shot.”
On this day in 2004, we lost the great Pat Tillman
This is his story https://t.co/QNklcYFQ6p pic.twitter.com/6DL84YViSD
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 22, 2018
Rest in peace, Pat Tillmann, and thank you for your service.
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