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Athletics News
In Memory: Pat Tillman

PAT GEE, CTC
THE LORD HAS TAKEN AWAY A VERY SPECIAL PERSON WHO WILL WATCH OVER US FROM HEAVER- WE ARE VERY BLESSED TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY OF HAVING PAT IN THIS WORLD AND AS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN- TO ALL OF THOSE WHO THINK THAT WE NEED TO BE A FOOTBALL STAR, GOLF STAR OR ANY OTHER STAR MIGHT AS WELL JUST LOOK UP IN HEAVEN AND KNOW THAT WE HAVE A REAL HERO, A REAL AMERICAN THAT I CAN LOOK UP TO AND THANK GOD THAT HE CREATES MEN LIKE PAT, BUT LET US NOT FORGET THE PARENTS AND WIFE THAT PAT LEAVES BEHIND- THANK YOU FOR LETTING HIM GIVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR FREEDOM AND THE UNITED STATES. GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE AND IN PEACE SHARE OUR PRAYERS THAT YOU KNOW PAT IS WATCHING YOU FROM ABOVE, BLESSINGS TO YOU, PATTY GEE, DIAMOND BAR CALIF.


Mark Domin,Tempe,AZ
Every time I think or here anyone mention Pat Tillman's name I become very emotional. I watched Pat play at ASU and in the pros. He was an inspiration to me for "putting his country" before money and fame. My prayers and thoughts are with his family. GOD BLESS AMERICA & PAT TILLMAN


Vicki, Peoria ,AZ
Pat Tillman is a true hero. I am sure he would never call himself a hero, but what he did was the most unselfish act a person can do. I pray that his memory will live on for all to be inspired. I pray that my children grow up to half the person that Pat Tillman was. God Bless him and his family. May the God be with his family and friends. Thank you Pat. You are our hero.


AJ Carbajal (Morenci AZ)
I watched Mr.Tillman play at ASU and thought this young man is the real deal. I told my oldest boy(8)yrs old at the time,that they told Pat Tillman he was to small to play Division 1 football but that didn't stop him from making the team. There is one thing that I tell my kids, that you can do anything you set your mind on. Pat Tillman is my hero on and off the field. Our family wishes to send out thoughts and prayers to Pat Tillman's family.


Gary Cauthron, Phoenix, Arizona
Pat Tillman is the consummate example of what a "True American Hero" is. His selfless nature led him to suffer the ultimate sacrifice - His life. We honor him, thank him and will dearly miss him. It was truly enjoyable watching him play at the collegiate and professional levels. We thank him for that, but more importantly thank him for volunteering to protect all that is near and dear to the American public. He will be greatly missed. God bless you - Pat Tillman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

The Cauthron family


Greg in Chandler
A great loss for our Country, Arizona, ASU and his family. My three sons will definitely have a Pat Tillman poster hanging in their rooms for years to come... Bill, Tempe, Arizona Pat Tillman exemplifies what "the service" is all about. Every Soldier in every sector of the Armed Forces is willing to give their life so all Americans can choose to do whatever they want in a free society. This sacrifice has been ongoing for 229 years. We need to thank all of the Americans that have said "yes I am willing to give whatever it takes to keep America free," including the ultimate sacrifice! Pat Tillman' death brings light to all that have served to help make this great Country what it is today. Our great freedom has come on the backs of many that unselfishly served and continue to serve. I Thank You all of you who are serving now for taking your turn in the Service as so many before have.


Dan Hardesty (Scottsdale, AZ)
Pat Tillman was a man who led by example and showed the highest integrity by not wanting any recognition for what he was doing. He is an inspiration for today's youth and today's adults.


Glen (Scottsdale, AZ)
My two boys (9 and 6) have "Forever Boxes" where we keep eventful things from their lives (baby photos, first tooth lost, newspapers from their birthdays, 9/11 info, etc.). I have printed items about Pat Tillman that will go into each of these boxes. I have also told them about him and said quite candidly that Mr. Tillman represents everything I want my boys to represent in life.


Judy Taylor, Phoenix, AZ
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Tillman family during this time of grief. They raised an outstanding young man who truly cared about our country. I pray that our youth will look up to Pat Tillman and see him as a role model and realize you can be outstanding in a very physical game but still be a sensitive, caring person in the rest of your life. I pray that Pat is enjoying glory in the hereafter and that he will see peace come out of his efforts.


Willy Lira, Phoenix
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Tillman family. Pat demonstrated everything that was good in this world and his courage and commitment to defending our freedom should never be forgotten. His actions and character have given myself a lot to think about on what I can do to make this world a better place. Pat will bring out the best in all Americans and he will make this world a better place. He will always be in the hearts of all Sun Devil fans.


Bruce D. Dunning, Carmel IN
Not just a football player by any stretch of our imagination, but a wonderful person who represents all the right things in a quality human being! His sacrifices in this life will touch many people young and old for years to come. A football hero, yes! A true American hero that every person in this day and age should thank, that we had someone like Pat Tillman that wasn't afraid to give up something he loved, to do something he believed in. Defend his country! He may not be in a class all by himself, but it doesn't take long to call roll! May the Lord welcome you into the Kingdom of Heaven.


Jay Mayer, Tempe az
Pat, you were one of the first people I met as a freshman in 1994. The fact that I was able to get to know you over the next several years in Arizona is something that I will treasure with me for the rest of my days. I was on the sidelines of almost every home game as a part of the athletic dept and I will always remember the night we clinched the rose bowl against Cal @ Sun Devil Stadium. The game was over and everyone was being mobbed. You were trying to get into the tunnel to get to the locker room and someone had jumped on your back and wouldn't let go. I was right by your side when that happened and grabbed the guy and tossed him about 15 feet off of you. You grabbed me and told me that was the coolest thing you had ever seen, then asked someone to take our picture together. I still have that memory, and I still have that pic. They are both something that I will carry with me forever. I am very honored that I was able to become one of your friends at ASU, and!

Then watch you succeed in the NFL. But what will never be forgotten is what you did for your country. That accomplishment means more to all of us than any tackle or interception that you had ever made...Pat thank you so much for helping all of us live safe and free...You will be missed.


Erik Gamborg (Hermosa Beach, CA)
I can't think of many things more admirable than to join a cause and be willing to give your life for that cause. Pat did just that by giving his life for this country and its citizens.

Pat, obviously, was not a selfish man. He seemed to have a set of priorities that he was not willing to compromise, no matter the cost.

When I heard of Pat's death, tears of sadness filled my eyes. But as I thought of what he accomplished, my eyes were also filled with tears of reverence. While his death is indeed a great loss, I will always be filled with a sense of pride when thinking of the sacrifice he made for this country.

If I am ever fortunate to have children, I would be proud to have them grow up to be like Pat Tillman.


Gayle Munter, Glendale, Arizona
I believe this is the most difficult e-mail I have ever sent. What can be said about someone like Pat. He is what this country is all about. He is a wonderful person and most of all he wanted to defend our country and give the very best he could.

I would like to extend to the family and most of all to Pat's wife my sincere sorry for your great loss. Pat represented the type of person I would like my grandchildren to be. I am unable to express to you my great sorrow and hope you will find comfort with these messages.

All my love to the Pat Tillman family.


Paul (Tempe, AZ)
I would like to send my prayers to the Tillman family. Your son was a good man who lived a righteous life and set a great example for the rest of us. He was so unselfish and showed show much virtue in all that he did. He gives a new meaning to the word HERO


Surprise, Arizona
Pat Tillman exemplified the best of Arizona State University. His goals went beyond wealth, to what was really important to him, the freedom that too many take for granted. His death is a great loss to not only ASU, but to the United States of America that still represents true freedom to chose what you want to do. Pat Tillman chose to protect that right, and gave his life so that we would all have the right to make the same choice, as free American citizens. My sympathy goes out to the Tillman family. No parent should have to deal with the death of their child. God Bless America, and the Tillman's of the world that make it possible.

Cragar - ASU Class of '76


Tempe, AZ
I had just begun my job in the ASU History Department as Admin. Assistant for the Graduate Program when I first met Pat Tillman. Even though he was an NFL player for the Cardinals, he still wanted to further his education. On October 3, 2001 his was admitted into the MA program in History. I was very impressed by this nice young man who, even though he was a star athlete for the NFL, and even though I didn't know him for long, you could tell he was a man of honor and his parents did a good job of raising him to be the man that he was. As I retire his file from our program with sadness, my heart goes out his family. Pat may be gone, but never forgotten. Camille Irwin


Bob Cook, Pocatello, Idaho
I can not express the sadness that I feel. I golfed with a complete stranger yesterday ,and he told me that he sat his 11 year old son down yesterday morning and said " Son, this is a role model and someone you should look up to." This pretty much sums it up.I really think that he sent a terrific message.. A man is not measured on his material being, but what he believes and lives his life by. I never met the man, but feel like I lost a close friend.


Charlene Vasquez-Inzunza of Chandler, Arizona
I enjoyed watching him play football all of his years at ASU and for the Cardinals. He played with his heart. He was unselfish and did what was best for team rather than for himself. That was exemplified when he made his decision to fight for his country. I honor him for his decision. It so very saddens my heart to hear the news. I can't imagine the hurt his family is enduring. I've been praying for them and I'd like to thank his parents for raising such an outstanding, unselfish, unique individual such as Pat. He was truly a role model and will always be remembered in my heart.


Kristine Sand, Oslo Norway
I was lucky enough to get to know Pat as a fellow student-athlete. Even though he was a senior my freshman year, he always took the time to show he cared. A truly unique individual in all areas he pursued, he will be missed by people not just in Phoenix and Arizona. I can only imagine having to deal with the loss of such a son, brother, husband and friend.


Tempe, AZ
My wife and I, both ASU alumni, are expecting our first child later this year. I hope we can do as good of a job raising our kids as the Tillmans did raising theirs.

Thank you for setting the bar so high.


The Lagerblade Family, Phoenix, AZ
To the family and friends of Pat we send prayers of comfort, strength and understanding. For a man who never wanted to be a hero Pat Tillman showed us the way to greatness in his humility, his humanity and his dedication to what America stands for. To his parents we say, "Thanks for giving us such a great gift in your son. It was your guidance that gave Pat the standards for which he lived and the pride for which he died. A soldier among soldiers and a man among men of quiet determination, who showed us what love of God, family and America really is all about. God bless each and every one of you and may he rest in eternal peace.


Paul Chavez (Chandler, Arizona)
It has taken me a few days to truly digest what has happened. I have smiled and I have cried. At many times it seems unreal. How can a man this great be gone? Yet, he has not gone anywhere. Pat has given me many things to remember him by. He reminded me of a viking on the field with that long hair. That magical Rose Bowl year I'll never forget. Then watching you play with passion on Sundays.I like many have admired your heart and determenation. We have passed each other a time or two in the Chandler area. I never said, "Hello or Thank you". This is something I now regret. I just smiled to observe your privacy as we crossed paths. I truly believe everyone has lived through you at one point or another. Not just as a player but as a human being. What you have given us here, along with the rest of the country can never be replaced. My prayers and wishes are for your family, along with all our other fallen soliders families.So now I raise my hand and give you a Sundevi! l pitchfork salute. Thank you Pat for making me a better man and this world a better place. Till the next time we meet so I can thank you for all the memories you have given me.


Jeremy and Amy Thomas (Higley, AZ)
As a young family with two small children, it is a blessing to know there are those still among us, the Pat Tillmans of the world, who strive and stand for morals and values. Pat will always be a role model for young and old alike. His sense of duty and honor represent a solid foundation. His memory stands for compassion, spirit, and true generosity. Thank you Pat Tillman! May God bring peace to the Tillman family that only He can provide.


Fulton Brock, Chandler AZ
When I learned of Pat's death, I felt as though our family had lost a member. I had the same feeling as I felt on 9-11-01 after the attack on NYC.

In one sense, Pat was already a member of our family. While unrelated by lineage, after we read in the paper two years ago of his decision to forego his professional career and pass on a multi-million dollar contract for our country, we began to collect everything we could find about him for our scrapbook of heroes.

While his family can never replace his loss-he will live on in all our hearts and memories. Please remember that our family will place his sacrifices and discipline on the same pages in our family book of heroes with the likes of Dr. Albert Schweitzer and Rosa Parks.


Steve Updike, New Brighton Mn
I coach a 14 yr old baseball team who chose the Sun Devils as their nickname two years ago. So I have sort of followed ASU sports somewhat since then.To say the least I was incredibly moved by the Pat Tillman story and was moved to share it and how his choices in life were much more important than sports. I asked my son who plays on the team if he thought we should do something to honor Pat and his commitment to our country. He suggested that we wear his number 42 from his Sun Devils days on our sleeve as a tribute to a man who hopefully showed an entire generation that has obviously distorted the importance of sports and showed us what truly is important. Our team prayers will go out to the Tillman family before each of our games. Thanks to Pat's parents for raising children who are true heroes to the kids of today.I as the father of 3 myself can only hope that I have come close to teaching my own children these values. God bless you from the New Brighton Sun Devils 14 yr old baseball team, you are in our thoughts and our prayers. Coach Steve Updike


Juanita Lamas, LoBianco
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your loved one. I just had to send my condolences because my father Joseph Lamas was a young player with the Pittsburgh Steelers and gave up his dreams to join the Army during the second world war. He did come back to become a teacher and coach, but that is not what made me write to you. It was the fact the my dad also died on April 22 (1996). Again I send my condolences and you can know what a true patriot and hero your loved one was. God Bless your family.


Jan - Scottsdale Arizona
My prayers go out to the Tillman family. Thank you for sharing your wonderful son and brother and husband with all of us. Pat inspired me to be a better person. He is greatly missed. Rest in peace. God bless you.


Don Lineburg, Phoenix, AZ
I used to isolate and watch Tilly on the field knowing that by doing so I had the best chance to see the most important plays.

I have two particular football memories. The first was watching him intimidate and dominate Frost during the Nebraska game in 1996. He was keyed on him all game and just flat shut them down. The next was the only time I spoke with him and it was very brief-and it was more the moment than the words. I was at the ticket office picking up my tickets to the Sun Bowl back in 97' and Pat came walking across the plaza with two other player fresh from the practice field. Classic football photo...late fall after noon toward twi-light-three men full of dirt and sweat; Tilly just had a glow about him. I said "Hey good luck in the Sun Bowl, see you there", and he said "thanks man I really appreciate that".

He and Jake were the only reasons I'd watch the Cardinals. From the time he was a freshman, everything he did, every story you read, I'd think how can he top this? Always positive; a virtues warrior in the purest sense in that he lived life on his terms, while respecting other people. When I feel like crying about his death I think of the good things and I smile; when I smile thinking of the good things, I cry at our loss.

Forever 27 and at home with God. He has gained the inevitable eternity we all face, and like everything else he did, he did it on his terms-with and dignity and honor.

God's peace fellow Sun Devil I will miss you


Bob Doyle, Tucson AZ
to a true american hero, I do truely appreciate your sacrafice for the freedom of America,


Casa Grande, Az.
Never has a voice mail been so gut wrenching to listen to. Somehow my thoughts immediately carried me to my military days and the service to my country in Viet Nam. All those proud moments soon became so meaningless. I feel as though I have lost a brother. We should all be motivated to become better football players, soldiers, but most importantly, better human beings like Pat Tillman was. My deepest and most sincere sympathies to Mr. and Mrs. Tillman and his brother Kevin. I will always be proud of having been a team mate of Pat Tillman, a team mate in this great Armed Forces of the United States of America. It is with much pain and sadness and a sense of loss that I must say goodbye to you Pat. Thank you for your legacy, bravery and the example that you have set for us all. Pat Tillman: A true Sun Devil, a true Cardinal and a true Soldier to the end that gave the ultimate sacrifice for us all. Pat Tillman has been taken from us but will never been forgotten.!


Chandler, Arizona
He took a full measure of everything he engaged in. He gave a full measure to everything he engaged in.


isaac, Fair Haven NJ
I am a big ASU fan and Cards fan. I was sad when you left the NFL. I WAS HOPING YOU WOULD COME BACK AND PLAY FOR THE CARDS AGAIN. THEIR WAS NOT A DAY THAT WENT BY I DIDN'T THINK ABOUT YOU. I WAS VERY SAD WHEN I HEARD THE BAD NEWS. YOU ARE A REAL HERO AND I NEVER WILL FORGET YOU. IF I EVER HAVE A A KID AND I HAVE A SON I WILL NAME HIM AFTER YOU. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO . I WISH THAT THEIR WERE MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU IN THIS WORLD.My prayers go out to and your family and to ASU.


Stella Anderson, Moscow, ID
Our deepest condolences to the Tillman Family. I actually got to meet Mr. Tillman at preseason camp in Flagstaff. I asked him if I could shake his hand and told him that I loved watching him play for the Devils and the Cards. He thanked me and walked away. My son and husband always kid me about the meeting because I sounded like school girl, but acutally I was in awe. When I heard the news of his untimely passing I thought back to that summer day and wished I had gotten his autograph, but then realized that the hand shake was all I needed. God Bless to the Tillman family. You are in my heart and prayers.


Richard Romm (Queen Creek, AZ)
I just wanted to say thank you to Pat Tillman for helping to defend our free way of life. Also to offer my condolences to his family.


Charlie and Virginia Roberts, Tempe AZ
While we did not know Pat personally, we watched him at every home game he played while at ASU. We were impressed with the tenacity and skill at which he played as well as his academic achievements which were very impressive. We loved to watch him on the field and looked for him. We were thrilled when he was chosen by the Cardinals to play in the NFL and watched him closely because we he was "our ASU boy". We, again were impressed with his all-out play. Our hearts were touched when he joined the Army and the manner in which he did it. While we didn't hear a lot about him after that, we know, because he worked very hard at whatever he did, this was carried over into the Army Rangers. We know that there are many other fine young men who have given their lives in pursuit of freedom and for the fight against terrorism. We are so grateful for their willingness to fight and their sacrifices and grieve for their loss. But Pat is "our boy" and we are so proud of ! him and for what he stood. Truly he is an example and a role model for young men today. Our thoughts and prayers are his with family during this difficult time. He will be missed by us!


Robert Martin III
Dear Tillman Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times. I did not know Pat personally but always respected his work ethic and rooted for him on the field. A good friend of mine was fortunate to have met Pat during his ASU days. The impression that Pat left on him was a man of high ideals and principles. May your family be supported by love and the tears cleanse the wounds of your loss.


Amie Austin (SJC, CA)
I didn't know Pat personally but he was one of those people who always smiled and said hello as you passed along Palm Walk. You could tell in his smile he was a genuine, caring guy.


Chuck Plake; Tempe, AZ
Of all the many football players from ASU, Pat Tillman was on the top of my list of favorites. His loyalty to our country is admirable. I pray for his family and friends.


Mike Judkins, Tempe, AZ
We will never forget your sacrifice and duty to this country. When I close my eyes, I can still see you walking around campus. May God be with you and your family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.


Ray Scarla, phoenix, arizona
I had the pleasure of speaking to Pat at the appreciation event held at the UAC,on campus, after the great Rose Bowl season. He impressed me with his attitude, spirit, and demeanor. I was happy to follow his career and bask in some reflected glory of his outstanding accomplishments. I was dumbfounded when he decided to pursue the heroic course of action he and his brother chose to take after the events of 9/11. As so many have said Pat was living the life we all wished we could, but for our own self centered reasons, would not. Pat was a man who loved his country and gave his all for it and us. It is all the more awe inspiring an action because he did not have to do so, but chose to. His rejection of any thought or desire of publicity for his noble act, spoke volumes for his character. I wish to offer my thought and prayers to his friends and his family for thier great loss. We all grieve for them and share their sorrow. We will be a poorer Nation without him.


Les Velez, San Jose, CA
My deepest condolences to the family of a very special man. Not many people in our lifetime will have the impact on so many as he had. Pat was well know in our household as my daughters Sarah and Becky attended Leland High School with him and Marie. They both also attended ASU so we continued to enjoy Pat's great energy both on and off the field. I remember one time during a high school football game how he almost single handedly turned a game around for Leland with his spirit, energy, and drive. When he was about to come up for the NFL draft I felt compelled to write him a note that in effect said that despite his size (which seemed to be an issue for the NFL) I was sure that he would have an outstanding career because of his tenacity, work ethic, and overall winning spirit. We will miss him, a great man and a great spirit, that will continue to make a difference for a long long time. Again, my deepest condolences to the Tillman family and Marie and know that!


Stuart, Phoenix Arizona
I have been a sun devil fan for most of my life and i have seen players come and go throughout the program. I never got the chance to meet Pat, but he seemed like he was the best a person could be. Watching him on the field was amazing. The energy level he brought was outstanding. He cared about others before him more importantly. Pat Tillman lived life to the fullest and will be remembered in our hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers our with Kevin Tillman, and the rest of the Tillman family. Mr. and Mrs. Tillman raised a great child. A HERO to us all. You will be in our hearts forever.


Bryan J (Mesa, AZ)
I met him once during a rehab session on campus. Sometimes you expect football players to be full of themselves, especially recognizable players like he was, coming off of being named defensive POY in the Pac 10. To my surprise, he was the opposite - just plain cool.

RIP, Pat - and thanks for setting a standard I won't forget.


paula celmer Chandler, AZ
Being the mother of 3 sons, we feel deep sorrow for Pat's parents at this, their biggest loss.


Paul C. - Phx., Az.
Pat is a true hero. He lived an honorable life. He's not just someone ASU, Arizona or the United States can look up to. He's a world class hero.

Men like him are few and far between. I'm honored that he attended my Alma Mater.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends. We are all very proud of Pat. God bless you.


Stephen Oviedo, Tucson Az
I have had a tear in my eye every day since the news. A true HERO.


Joe McAllister, Phoenix,Arizona
There are no words to describe the empty feeling I had last week. It's a shame but when a person follows his convictions and pays the price it puts more things in perspective. I know God is with him and his family. God Bless!


Paul (Mesa, AZ)
I was very sad on Friday when I heard the horrible news. I am so proud of Pat and his brother, as well as all the other Men & Women of the Armed Forces.

I am proud to be a Sun Devil & Cardinal Fan, and I feel fortunate to have seen such a great person play the game of football.

He will be greatly missed. I want everyone to be at the Ceremony Nov 13th! When we honor a true hero.


Nik Chawla, Tempe, AZ
To Pat Tillman's family:

Your son is an example to us all. I am indeed saddened that such a dedicated and unselfish human being had to pass, and that too, at such a young age. You should be mighty proud.


Gabe Gerbic (Mesa, AZ)
I was lucky enough to meet Pat while he was here at ASU. I was extrememly sad to hear of his death, but I know he lived his life to the fullest. Thanks for everything and rest in peace!


GREG GALLESE, MESA, AZ
THIS NATION WILL NEVER SEE ANOTHER HERO LIKE PAT TILLMAN AGAIN. A TRUE HERO, A TRUE WARRIOR, AND A TRUE ROLE MODEL FOR ALL HUMAN BEINGS EVERYWHERE. THE WORLD IS A MUCH BETTER PLACE BECAUSE OF PAT TILLMAN. GOD SPEED AND WE MISS YOU.

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