Professional Football Player and United States Army Soldier. A standout defensive back with Arizona State University during his college playing days, he was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 7th round of the 1998 National Football League Draft. He won the starting safety position for the team, played the next four seasons with them, and was named an NFL All-Pro in 2000. In May 2002, he voluntarily left a 3.6-million-dollar professional football contract and joined the United States Army to become a Ranger in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment, he was killed in action in Afghanistan in what was ultimately proved to be friendly fire. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Corporal. He also received the Purple Heart and Silver Star after his death. His numbers for both Arizona State University and the Arizona Cardinals were retired. He was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
He was the oldest of three sons of Mary (Spalding) and Patrick Kevin Tillman. He was very close to his family and high school friends. He repeatedly mentioned in his personal journals during wartime service that he drew strength from and deeply valued his closest friendships, parents, wife, and family. He was very committed to his high school sweetheart, Marie Ugenti, whom he married shortly before his enlistment in the Army. He was also very close to his brother, Kevin, who enlisted with him and served alongside him.
Professional Football Player and United States Army Soldier. A standout defensive back with Arizona State University during his college playing days, he was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 7th round of the 1998 National Football League Draft. He won the starting safety position for the team, played the next four seasons with them, and was named an NFL All-Pro in 2000. In May 2002, he voluntarily left a 3.6-million-dollar professional football contract and joined the United States Army to become a Ranger in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment, he was killed in action in Afghanistan in what was ultimately proved to be friendly fire. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Corporal. He also received the Purple Heart and Silver Star after his death. His numbers for both Arizona State University and the Arizona Cardinals were retired. He was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
He was the oldest of three sons of Mary (Spalding) and Patrick Kevin Tillman. He was very close to his family and high school friends. He repeatedly mentioned in his personal journals during wartime service that he drew strength from and deeply valued his closest friendships, parents, wife, and family. He was very committed to his high school sweetheart, Marie Ugenti, whom he married shortly before his enlistment in the Army. He was also very close to his brother, Kevin, who enlisted with him and served alongside him.
Bio by: Christy from NE Arkansas
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