While it may still officially be the NFLs offseason, April offers football fans a little extra excitement as the start of the new season nears.
Were mere days away from the 2018 NFL Draft, and speculation about prospective draft picks is heating up. 20 years ago, Id imagine people felt pretty similarly. Except 20 years ago, a man who would change our history forever was drafted into the NFL.
Way back in 1998, Arizona State football player Pat Tillman was drafted 226th out of 241 overall to the Arizona Cardinals. (RELATED: ARIZONA STATE UNVEILS A STATUE WE MAY ALL BE ABLE TO AGREE ON)
Arizona Cardinals media relations spokesman Mark Dalton pointed out the special anniversary on Twitter today.
“It was 20 years ago today,” Dalton tweeted. “The @AZCardinals turned in this card to select Pat Tillman with a compensatory 7th round draft pick (226th out of 241 overall).”
It was 20 years ago today …
The @AZCardinals turned in this card to select Pat Tillman with a compensatory 7th round draft pick (226th out of 241 overall) pic.twitter.com/hHFDKTcpjR
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) April 19, 2018
Its pretty remarkable that one man fit so many impressive accomplishments in such a short span of time. In 1998, Tillman was playing safety in the NFL. By 2002 after 9/11 happened, Tillman turned down a $3.6 million contract to enlist in the Army with his brother. Tillman completed basic training, as well as Army Ranger Indoctrination Program, and deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He was KIA by friendly fire during a harrowing battle near the Pakistan border.
Tillman left an indelible mark on both the football and military community. As one of the most selfless people in the NFL, remembering him on days like today ensure that his legacy will never be forgotten.
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