Arizona Cardinals, ASU honor Pat Tillman’s legacy on Memorial Day

The Arizona Cardinals and Arizona State Sun Devils honored the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice Monday, which includes one of their own.

Pat Tillman was drafted by the Cardinals in the seventh-round of the 1998 NFL Draft, but put his professional football career behind him in 2002 when he enlisted in the United States Army.

While in Afghanistan in 2004, Tillman was killed in action, leaving behind a legacy that is now honored by fans in Arizona and across the country.

The Cardinals shared a moving video as a tribute to Tillman, which included an interview with the former safety from 2001.

Remembering @NFL Safety and @USArmy Corporal Pat Tillman.

Pat's legacy lives on through the @pattillmanfnd.#MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/lLKkVOlIV7

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 28, 2018

“The National Anthem is about a 10 actually, I get fired up for that,” Tillman said when asked about his level of intensity before a game. “For whatever reason I have a patriotic bone to me. Emotionally, I actually let myself go for that but then I come right back down.”

Arizona State’s tribute to Tillman included pictures of his time as a Sun Devil, a Cardinal and when he was deployed.

On this #MemorialDay, Sun Devil Football honors those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country.

We would like to thank ALL of the men and women who have served, continue to serve, or will serve this great nation. #PT42 #Remember pic.twitter.com/AwFhtjvxPc

— Sun Devil Football (@FootballASU) May 28, 2018

The honor for the men and women who served didn’t stop there, as other teams, schools and players in Arizona took to social media to show their appreciation.

It’s an honor to be able to play this game and we owe that to the men and women who serve this country. Thank y’all for the freedom we enjoy everyday. #MemorialDay2018 #salutethetroops pic.twitter.com/AI8gICDtbe

— Zack Godley (@godleyzt) May 28, 2018

Often it’s the flashy & loud that get headlines – TODAY (if not everyday) let us remember those quiet, committed servicemen/women who have served (@WarnerBrenda ), fought & died giving us gift of living in greatest country in the world… I’m in awe of ur sacrifice 4 me & mine!

— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) May 28, 2018

A flag on the field for each Arizonan soldier lost in combat since September 11. #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/U9z4ktxYhC

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 28, 2018

Take today and everyday to remember the brave men and women who sacrificed all for our freedom. Thank you to all military members and their families for the ultimate sacrifice. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

— AQ Shipley (@aqshipley) May 28, 2018

Remembering those that made the ultimate sacrifice. #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/LJ7pz5xvqo

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 28, 2018

On this #MemorialDay, we remember and celebrate the honorable men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us and our country. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/cYCVazIDtp

— Arizona Rattlers (@ArizonaRattlers) May 28, 2018

Today and every day, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 🇺🇸#MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/NWbAVWrxsQ

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) May 28, 2018

Wishing a blessed Memorial Day to all of #LopesNation! pic.twitter.com/AwTLWuL124

— GCU Lopes (@GCU_Lopes) May 28, 2018

Today, we honor and remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you to all service members for our freedom. #MemorialDay 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/CNm0oKv9rL

— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) May 28, 2018