“In the evening of April 22nd, 2004, Pat’s unit was ambushed as it traveled through the rugged, canyon terrain of Eastern Afghanistan. His heroic efforts to provide cover for his fellow soldiers as they escaped from the canyon led to his tragic death via fratricide [friendly fire]. “
In the 1998 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals selected Tillman in the seventh round. Even though many people questioned his ability to make the opening-day roster, he soon became the team’s starting safety and broke the franchise record for tackles in 2000 with 224. Already a hometown favorite, Pat’s rugged play earned him accolades across the country.
Meanwhile, Pat refused to allow the fame and fortune of being a professional football player affect him. He drove the same old truck he had in college (without air conditioning) and refused to be tethered by a cell-phone. Pat also found new ways to challenge himself off the field. Physically, he competed in a marathon prior to the 2000 season and a half Ironman triathlon the following summer. Mentally, he pursued a master’s degree in history from his alma mater and read voraciously in an attempt to better understand many different topics, including the roots of current political and social systems, the conflicts among them, all the while developing, debating, and discussing his ideas with his eager listeners, family and friends. Pat made ‘your passion his passion’ and listened intently as his friends, family, and strangers shared their thoughts and opinions.
During his years as a Cardinal, Pat volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club of Arizona, Boys Hope Girls Hope and March of Dimes, and went to elementary, middle and high schools around the Phoenix valley to read to kids and give talks.
The contents of this article came from the Pat Tillman Foundation, be sure to check it out.
Welcome to MD Bird Lover 
A true american hero
Good one. Best to his family