CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
EXTENSION OF REMARKS
PAGE E695
April 28, 2004

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.