NFL Network to feature Pat Tillman on ‘A Football Life’

When it comes to the face of Arizona State football, the first name that comes to mind is likely the legendary Pat Tillman.

Tillman’s story is now coming to the NFL Network. The former Sun Devil and Arizona Cardinal will be featured on “A Football Life,” which will air at 6 p.m. on Oct. 28.

Tillman enlisted in the military during his tenure with the Cardinals in 2002. Two years later, he died from a friendly-fire incident in Afghanistan.

His legacy has lived on. Tillman had his No. 40 and No.42 jerseys retired by ASU and the Cardinals, respectively. The Cardinals have also featured him in their Ring of Honor.

Thousands of people gather annually in Tempe to participate in “Pat’s Run” and commemorate his sacrifice. The run supports the Pat Tillman Foundation, which invests in military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships.

Here are select quotes from Pat Tillman: A Football Life:

“My great-grandfather was at Pearl Harbor, and a lot of my family has gone and fought in wars, and I really haven’t done a damn thing as far as laying myself on the line like that. And so I have a great deal of respect for those that have, and what the flag stands for.” –Pat Tillman

“If none of this happened with Pat Tillman, if he just ended up being a football player who went to the NFL and retired, you’d still have to look at him as maybe one of the greatest student-athletes in Arizona State history. He was an All-American, and he did not take the easy way out.” –Doug Tammaro, Arizona State media relations

“Loyal. Hard-working. Tough. Big heart. You know, I mean, those are the characteristics that came through to me. A good guy to have on your side.” –Bill Belichick, New England Patriots head coach