ES Explains: NFL DB Pat Tillman’s Death in Afghanistan Remains a Mystery. Why?

Former NFL defensive back and safety Pat Tillman took a very different life route than most players in the league. In 2002, Tillman gave up football to join the US Army. And the circumstances around his mysterious death in Afghanistan still puzzle many in the community.

Fans saw the bronze sculpture statue outside the State Farm Arena at Super Bowl LVII before the Chiefs-Eagles matchup. And many knew it was former Arizona Cardinals DB and American hero, Pat Tillman. However, his death on an international tour involves accusations of a shocking military cover-up.

What happened to Pat Tillman?

Tillman could have had a Hall of Fame career in the NFL with his impressive on-field performance in the little time he played. The former Arizona State athlete and Pac-10 Defensive Player Of The Year had 340 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 15 defensive deflections, and 3 recoveries in the 60 games he played for the Cardinals after they drafted him in 1998.

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However, after the 9/11 attacks, Tillman was hellbent on serving his country. And he joined the US Army with his brother Kevin, declining a contract extension with the Cardinals in 2002. The brothers served in Iraq before Tillman finally got what he wanted. The brothers camped at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Salerno. Until April 22, 2004. The day Tillman met his end.

The US Army’s initial reports claimed that Pat died from enemy fire. However, on further investigation, friendly fire came out to be the true cause of death.

Friendly fire or murder?

During their time in Iraq, Tillman expressed his discontent at being stationed there, calling the US holding “illegal.” It’s hard to connect the dots from that to his mysterious death. However, his reputation among his peers wasn’t one of absolute solidarity. According to War History Online, when the Associated Press requested the official case documents via the Freedom of Information Act, there was no evidence of any friendly fire or enemy fire.

Tillman was, in fact, shot three times in the head with an M249 light machine gun from within 10 yards. And the army doctor’s autopsy reports also claimed murder after medical evidence didn’t match the corroborated events. However, the US Army stuck to its friendly fire narrative, claiming that Tillman tried to identify as a ranger, but the regiment mistakenly assumed him to be an enemy combatant.

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The Cardinals and ASU honored Pat Tillman after his death and retired his NFL and college jersey numbers (40 & 42). After his death, his family runs the Pat Tillman Foundation for positive change. In 2004, the NFL commemorated him by donating $250,000 to build the Pat Tillman USO Center at Bagram Airfield. The Super Bowl LVII also saw a mention of Pat. However, with way fewer details.