RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF PAT TILLMAN
HON. ZOE LOFGREN
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and service of Pat Tillman who was killed in action in Afghanistan last week. Originally from San Jose, Pat Tillman lived a life that exuded courage, loyalty and hard work.
On the football field, Pat was a shining star. Though undersized at his position, Pat always excelled. After starring in football at Leland High School, Pat went on to play football at Arizona State University. As a 5-foot-10, 180-pound linebacker at Arizona State University, Pat was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year, a tremendous honor for an athlete who succeeded on brains and heart. Though proud of his award, he was even prouder of his educational accomplishments. Pat earned a degree in marketing in just 3 1/2 years and maintained a 3.84 GPA.
The Arizona Cardinals selected Pat in the final round of the 1998 NFL draft. Pat responded by engaging in a rigorous exercise program and adding 20 pounds of muscle to his already solid frame. Pat spurned his critics and became a starter during his first NFL season. In 2000, the St. Louis Rams tried to sign him to a $9 million offer sheet and out of loyalty, Pat turned it down to stay in Phoenix for less money.
It was Pat´s deep loyalty that drove him to do the unthinkable. Following the horrific attacks of 9/11, Pat, returning from a honeymoon announced that he was leaving the NFL to join the Army Rangers. To enlist, Pat left behind his new bride Marie and a $3.6 million contract from the Arizona Cardinals.
Mr. Speaker, Pat Tillman was never about the money or the bright light of fame. He was a man who cared more about others more than he cared about himself. Pat´s physical strength and talents were only overshadowed by his love for country and personal integrity. I have no doubts that when Pat Tillman died, he did so trying to protect his fellow soldiers.
Mr. Speaker, Pat Tillman was a giant. He was given a golden egg in the NFL and he sacrificed it for a uniform and a flag. It is most appropriate at this time that we honor him. Pat was and will forever remain a true hero. He upheld a standard of patriotism and courage that we should all strive to achieve. On behalf of the citizens of San Jose, I wish to express my deepest sympathies to Pat´s wife Marie, his father Patrick Sr., his mother Mary and his two brothers Kevin and Richard and the entire Tillman family.