21 Years After Losing Athlete in Afghanistan War, ASU Issues Powerful Statement on Memorial Day

Serving America in the war against Afghanistan by leaving a job—now that is a life-changing choice, and to be honest, it is difficult to exaggerate what that did for thousands of Americans. Try to picture yourself sitting at your office desk, perhaps in a cubicle or working behind the counter, learning of the attacks, then seeing the nation mobilize for a cause halfway around the globe. So individuals from all over—teachers, mechanics, even athletes, name a trade—gave notice, packed up their existence, and went off to basic training. It wasn’t merely a career shift; it was a complete restart. And just talking about sportsmen, even NFL players—men who were living their dream on the field—made the ultimate sacrifice to leave fame and riches behind, swapping stadium lights for the gritty realities of combat boots and desert sand, all to serve their nation.

Pat Tillman — a guy who’s sort of a legend, not only because he was a bad dude football player, but because of what he did afterward. Pat played for the Arizona Cardinals as a star safety in the NFL, and for real, he had a pretty bright future ahead of him. But then, all of this changed after 9/11. Just like many people, Pat felt this strong feeling of obligation. Rather than pursuing his football career, he took this colossal, surprising step: he turned down a multi-million dollar deal and joined the U.S. Army. Yes, he walked away from riches and fame to serve his country. Sadly, in 2004, Pat Tillman died in Afghanistan.

Memorial Day always sees some of the most sincere tributes, but when the Arizona State Sun Devils send out a GIF tweet honoring the sacrifices, such as Tillman, which was done this day, it just feels different. “Today, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation,” the tweet read. What makes it even more impactful is the timing. Memorial Day honors those who sacrificed everything for the nation, and for many, especially at ASU, Pat Tillman embodies that sacrifice.

It’s been 21 years; this year, the salute felt particularly poignant. In addition to the GIF, there were posts about honoring all who served, but Tillman’s tale always takes center stage. Tillman was an ASU All-American, a defensive force to be reckoned with, and a scholar-athlete who led by example. But what everybody will always remember most is how he walked away from an NFL career, opted against taking a 3yr/$3.6M contract to serve his country, and ended up giving his life in Afghanistan.

And it’s not only the sports department weighing in. Players of the day, such as quarterback Sam Leavitt, have made gifts to the Pat Tillman Foundation from their positions, demonstrating that Tillman’s legacy is continuing to inspire new generations of Sun Devils. The campus itself is awash in tributes—photos, a bronze statue, and even a ritual in which players touch the statue before games as a gesture of invoking his spirit and determination.

Keeping Pat Tillman’s spirit alive on the field

You know how certain college football traditions just get you right in the feels? That’s what’s happening at Arizona State University with this incredible tribute to Pat Tillman. ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham has put together something truly special to pay tribute to one of the school’s all-time heroes, and quite frankly, it’s pretty darn cool.

Dillingham established the Pat Tillman Leadership Council, where a select group of players earns membership through a vote based on their leadership qualities. What’s cool is that these players receive a unique Pat Tillman patch to wear on the field. It’s not merely symbolic—it’s a conversation piece. When TV crews see this patch and they go up to ask them about it during the fourth quarter, it is a wonderful opportunity to teach younger generations about Tillman’s amazing legacy.

What is so special about Dillingham’s tribute is that he wasn’t even alive during Tillman’s time—he was born three years after Tillman graduated. But he believes that keeping this legacy going is important, and he describes it as ‘absolutely critical’ on a recent episode of The Jim Rome Podcast. His words were, “What better leader was there, not just in sport, but in our country than Pat Tillman?”