Pat Tillman Birthday and Early Life
Pat Tillman was born on November 6, 1976, in San Jose, California. He grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and attended Leland High School before going to Arizona State University. His birthday is widely referenced in biographies and sports profiles as a key date in his timeline Forbes profile on Pat Tillman.
Tillman played college football at Arizona State University, where he earned first-team All-American honors in 1997. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 1998 NFL Draft and played safety for the team from 1998 to 2001. His early career combined academic achievement with athletic performance, setting the stage for later decisions that shaped his public legacy.
Pat Tillman Career Earnings and Financial Impact
Pat Tillman signed a contract with the Arizona Cardinals in 1998 that included a signing bonus and salary figures typical of late-1990s NFL defensive backs. His career earnings from football were modest compared to later generations of NFL players, but his financial decisions after retirement drew public attention. He turned down a multi-year contract extension to enlist in the U.S. Army, a move that reshaped how analysts discuss athlete wealth and sacrifice ESPN analysis of Tillman's NFL earnings.
After his death in 2004, the Pat Tillman Foundation was established to manage scholarships and educational programs funded by donations and royalties. The foundation's financial reports show grant distributions to students and investments in leadership programs. Financial coverage of the foundation highlights how athlete legacies can create long-term revenue streams for charitable purposes SEC filings for related nonprofit entities.
Pat Tillman Legacy and Public Recognition
Pat Tillman's legacy includes multiple awards, memorials, and named programs at universities and military institutions. The NFL created the Pat Tillman Award of Courage, presented annually at the NFL Honors ceremony. His story is cited in discussions about athlete activism, military service, and the financial planning challenges faced by professional athletes after retirement Forbes coverage of Tillman's legacy.
Tillman's posthumous recognition includes induction into the Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor and references in books about sports and military service. His birthday is used by media outlets and foundations to highlight scholarship programs and fundraising campaigns. Public data on his career earnings, foundation grants, and memorial activities remains a focus for researchers and fans tracking the financial and social impact of his life Pat Tillman Foundation official site.