Who was the NFL soldier that died?

Asked by: Geovany Mosciski  |  Last update: June 8, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (40 votes)

The NFL player who died as a soldier was Pat Tillman, a former Arizona Cardinals safety who left a lucrative career to join the U.S. Army after the 9/11 attacks, serving as an Army Ranger before being killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004. His story became famous as he became a symbol of patriotism, though his death by friendly fire was initially concealed by the military.

Who was the NFL player who died in the military?

Pat Tillman was an outstanding football player and scholar who left the National Football League as a young star to enlist in the military following the September 11 attacks. He lost his life during a combat mission in Afghanistan.

Why was Pat Tillman's death covered up?

The family and other critics allege that the Department of Defense delayed the disclosure until weeks after Tillman's memorial service out of a desire to protect the image of the U.S. military. In 2007, the Pentagon released a report ruling Tillman's death as accidental.

What were Pat Tillman's last words?

Pat Tillman's exact last words remain debated, but accounts suggest they were spoken during the friendly fire incident, with one version being his defiant "Hey, praying is not really going to help you right now," urging his comrade to stay alert, while another hints at a plea for his comrades to see him for who he was: "I'm just who I am, don't make me something I'm not". 

How did Jacoby Jones pass away?

Former NFL player Jacoby Jones died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with the death ruled natural by the medical examiner in August 2024, according to reports. The condition relates to high blood pressure and heart problems, which can often be managed with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. 

The Truth about Pat Tillman - CNN - April 24, 2007

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Who was responsible for Pat Tillman's death?

Investigations by the Army determined that Tillman died from three shots to his head. Elliott, whose weapon was an M240 Bravo machine gun, and platoon mate and Spc. Trevor Alders have been most widely suspected of having fired the fatal caliber of rounds, based on autopsies and Army investigations.

Are all Pink Floyd members atheists?

Waters, Gilmour and Mason are atheists; I can't find any information about Richard Wright or Syd Barrett's religious beliefs. Given the era they were born, I imagine they were all raised in the Anglican faith.

Did Pat Tillman's wife remarry?

She got married again. She wrote a book about living through grief. Though she guarded her family's privacy, as a new mom she was happy to go public two years ago with the news that she and her husband had had a baby — a boy they named Mac Patrick.

Who was the NFL player killed in Afghanistan?

Pat Tillman killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan. Pat Tillman, who gave up his pro football career to enlist in the U.S. Army after the terrorist attacks of September 11, is killed by friendly fire while serving in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004.

Is number 69 allowed in football?

Yes, you can have the number 69 in football, as it's a valid number for offensive and defensive linemen (60-79 range) in the NFL and NCAA, often worn by big players in those positions, though it's sometimes associated with specific players or used for humor, according to Quora users and NFL Operations rules. 

Why did Pat Tillman quit football?

Tillman had an exceptional college football career and was a starter for the Arizona Cardinals. But he was largely unkown outside Arizona until he walked away from a $1.2 million-a-year contract to join the Army after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

What is Donald Trump's religion?

Donald Trump identifies as a Christian, previously as Presbyterian, and now as a non-denominational Christian, influenced by his upbringing in the Presbyterian faith and mentors like Norman Vincent Peale who emphasized positive thinking in his early church attendance. He aligns strongly with the Christian conservative base, promoting religious freedom policies, faith in public life, and supporting faith-based education, while also engaging with various evangelical groups and issuing faith-centric public messages, though his personal church attendance varies. 

What song does David Gilmour refuse to play?

David Gilmour famously refuses to play Pink Floyd's epic "Echoes" live without keyboardist Richard Wright due to their strong musical bond and the song's unique dynamic, considering it a duet between them that can't be replicated. He also avoids "Run Like Hell," "Another Brick in the Wall," and "Money" in recent solo shows, finding some lyrics too violent and feeling disconnected from them. 

Did Elon Musk say he believes in God?

Yes, Elon Musk has recently stated he believes a "Creator" exists, moving away from past atheism, but he doesn't subscribe to organized religion, viewing God as the force behind the universe's existence and laws, rather than a personal, judgmental figure. He's called himself a "cultural Christian," respects Jesus's teachings, but his belief stems from a physics-based perspective of a cosmos needing an origin, not traditional faith. 

Who was the football star killed in Iraq?

Pat Tillman – The NFL Star Who Became a Soldier Pat Tillman gave up his NFL career after 9/11 to join the Army Rangers. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he was tragically killed by friendly fire.

How much money did Pat Tillman give up?

Pat Tillman gave up a $3.6 million NFL contract to serve in the U.S. Army after the September 11th attacks. He was a safety for the Arizona Cardinals, and his decision to join the army came after 9/11. He was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2004.

Where is Pat Tillman buried?

CPL Tillman was killed in action by friendly fire while on a combat mission near Sperah, Afghanistan, on April 22, 2004. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea. Pat Tillman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

What NFL star died in police custody?

Doug Martin, a former All-Pro running back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, died in police custody early Saturday morning after an incident at a residence in Oakland, California, police confirmed Monday.

What was Hernandez's net worth at the time of his death?

Hernandez only had about $50,000 of assets when he died and most of this was taken up covering court costs, loans, and his large debt to the IRS.

What caused Sean Taylor's death?

Sean Taylor, the Washington Redskins safety, died on November 27, 2007, after being shot in the upper thigh by intruders during a burglary at his Miami home, causing massive blood loss from his femoral artery, and he never regained consciousness. The shooting occurred as he confronted the burglars, and he was declared dead the following morning at a Miami hospital.