LATEST UPDATE: Bronze Statue of Arizona State Sun Devil Legend Pat Tillman Revealed, Commemorating His Historic Contributions to Football and Country………….
Tempe, AZ – May 29, 2025 – In a deeply emotional and patriotic ceremony held at Arizona State University, a bronze statue of Pat Tillman, the legendary Arizona State Sun Devil and former NFL player who gave up his professional football career to serve in the U.S. Army, was officially unveiled today outside Sun Devil Stadium. The tribute marks a powerful reminder of Tillman’s extraordinary life, legacy, and sacrifice.
The 8-foot bronze sculpture, designed by renowned artist and ASU alumnus Jeff Carol Davenport, captures Tillman in his No. 42 Sun Devils jersey, in a powerful pose that symbolizes his passion, grit, and commitment both on and off the field. The statue stands prominently at the stadium’s north entrance, ensuring all who visit the venue remember the values Pat Tillman stood for — courage, selflessness, and integrity.
“This is more than a statue,” said ASU President Michael Crow during the unveiling ceremony. “This is a monument to honor a man who made the ultimate sacrifice, who exemplified everything we strive to teach our students — to be leaders, thinkers, and patriots.”
Tillman starred as a linebacker for Arizona State University from 1994 to 1997, earning Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1997. He was then drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 1998 and quickly became a fan favorite for his tenacity and intelligence on the field.
In 2002, following the September 11 attacks, Tillman turned down a multimillion-dollar NFL contract to enlist in the U.S. Army, along with his brother Kevin. Serving as an Army Ranger, Tillman completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan before being tragically killed in a friendly fire incident in 2004. He was just 27 years old.
Family members, teammates, military personnel, and students gathered at the site for a solemn tribute. Marie Tillman, Pat’s widow and the founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation, gave a heartfelt speech.
“Pat never sought recognition,” she said. “But he believed in doing what was right, regardless of personal cost. This statue is not just for Pat, but for everyone who’s willing to make sacrifices for something bigger than themselves.”
The statue’s base includes an inscription with one of Tillman’s most famous quotes: “Somewhere inside, we hear a voice. It leads us in the direction of the person we wish to become.”
The unveiling coincides with Memorial Day week, adding deeper significance to the tribute. Arizona State officials also announced that the university will introduce a new annual “Tillman Leadership Award” for student-athletes who embody leadership, service, and academic excellence.
The Pat Tillman statue now joins a growing list of national tributes, including the Pat Tillman Veterans Center on ASU’s campus and the annual “Pat’s Run,” which draws tens of thousands of participants in his memory.
As the sun set behind the stadium, the bronze figure glowed in its place of honor, a lasting testament to a hero who left an indelible mark on both the football field and the nation.
