TEMPE, Ariz. — This April marks 20 years since Pat Tillman was killed in Afghanistan. On April 13, tens of thousands of people in Tempe honored his mission of doing good during the 20th annual Pat’s Run.
Tillman died on April 22, 2004, at the age of 27, after he gave up his professional football career to join the Army after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
He was a friend, a family man, a Sun Devil, Arizona Cardinal and he still is a hero to many.
“When we got to spend time with Pat the world was just better, laughter was louder, beer was colder, coffee tasted better,” shared Pat’s brother-in-law Alex Garwood.
Garwood is also a founding board member of the Pat Tillman Foundation. Tillman’s absence is felt each day, but his family and friends find comfort and drive in supporting the things he cared about.
Tillman lives on today through the nearly 900 Tillman Scholars, and counting, the foundation in his name supports. These are men and women who are veterans, military spouses, and service members furthering their education.
“To see them honor him by what they do and the humans that they are, it’s back to it’s bittersweet. It’s inspiring and I really wish he could see it,” shared Garwood.
April 13 is the 20th annual Pat’s Run in Tempe. It helps to support the foundation’s mission and supports Tillman Scholars. To date, the Tillman Foundation said it has invested more than $34 million in scholarships and leadership development.
Thinking back two decades ago, Tillman’s friends and family just wanted to find a way to honor him after he died.
“When we first started putting this together we didn't know what to call it,” shared Doug Tammaro with Sun Devil Athletics Communications.
Tammaro shared they weren’t sure it should be a golf tournament, a walk, or a run, but it's turned into something magical and inspiring.
Pat Tillman gave an interview he’s become famous for on Sept. 12, 2001, the day after 9/11.
At the time, Tillman was playing for the Arizona Cardinals and he said, “…I really haven’t done a damn thing…” Decades later, many feel now more than ever that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
“I go back to that now and think ‘wow’, look what you’ve done. You’ve motivated, you’ve inspired, you’ve provided, so much, to so many and hopefully, that continues,” said Tammaro.
The work the Tillman Foundation can do is thanks to people continuously coming out to support Pat’s Run which is happening April 13.
The run ends on the 42-yard line inside ASU’s Mountain America Stadium to honor the number Tillman wore in Tempe. No amount of time takes away the pain of losing Tillman, but this weekend is about honoring him.
“Pat’s Run is for everyone,” said Garwood. “It’s a great place for fast people and slow people, come, it is an amazing celebration of life, of Pat and his friends and family. It’s honoring and committing to doing good for the scholars who are trying to make the world a better place. 4. 2 miles is no joke, but come out and do it.”
And do it, for Pat.
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