Pat Tillman wasn’t just known for his career in the NFL—he became a symbol of sacrifice and patriotism after giving up football to serve in the military. After four successful seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Tillman walked away from a lucrative contract in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, a moment that deeply impacted him. Unlike many, Tillman acted decisively, leaving behind fame and fortune to join the U.S. Army.
The Battle Within, on the legacy of Pat Tillman’s death by friendly fire, co-authored by my colleagues Tod Robberson and Willie Weinbaum, has been recognized with a Webby nomination for best writing. Congrats to Tod and Willie and all their fellow nominees. https://t.co/imDoXZfu96
— Jeremy Schaap (@JeremySchaap) April 7, 2025
His legacy continues to grow. ESPN’s digital documentary titled Pat Tillman: The Battle Within was recently nominated for Best Writing (Editorial) at the 2025 Webby Awards, which celebrate outstanding digital content and innovation. Written by Tod Robberson and William Weinbaum, the piece details Tillman’s journey—from the NFL to the battlefield, and ultimately to the tragic moment he lost his life in Afghanistan due to friendly fire. It also investigates the U.S. military’s initial cover-up, which wrongly claimed Tillman had died in an enemy ambush, and the truth that surfaced later.
Sports journalist Jeremy Schaap highlighted this nomination on social media, acknowledging the importance of recognizing Tillman’s story and ESPN’s storytelling efforts.
April 22, 2025, will mark 21 years since Tillman’s death. Despite the years, his memory remains powerful. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart, and his life continues to resonate with people around the world. His decision to give up an NFL career for military service has become symbolic of courage and moral conviction.
Arizona, where Tillman’s football career began, continues to honor him. He played for Arizona State University before being drafted by the Cardinals in 1998. At one point, he turned down a $9 million offer from another team—the St. Louis Rams—choosing instead to stay loyal to the Cardinals. His choices consistently reflected a deep sense of integrity and loyalty.
On April 5, hundreds of people in Tucson gathered for the annual Tillman Honor Run, a 4.2-mile race held in his memory. The distance reflects Tillman’s college jersey number—42—and the event, started in 2005, helps raise funds for the Pat Tillman Foundation. It is organized by the foundation in collaboration with the ASU Alumni Association.
The Honor Run is more than a race. It’s a celebration of the values Tillman stood for: selflessness, service, and strength of character. Participants honor his memory and support the foundation’s mission to continue his legacy. Despite his tragic passing, Tillman’s story remains deeply moving, and his impact continues to grow stronger With time.