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Pat Tillman
NFL Player Turned Army Ranger
Killed by Friendly Fire, Military Cover-Up
Overview
NFL player who left a $3.6 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist as an Army Ranger after 9/11. Killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. The military initially fabricated a heroic combat death story, and the cover-up extended to the highest levels of the Pentagon.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Killed by friendly fire, not enemy combat
Military fabricated heroic death narrative
Pentagon cover-up reached highest levels
Family lied to about circumstances of death
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
Donald Rumsfeld
Defense Secretary during friendly fire cover-up
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- November 6, 1976
Education
- •Arizona State University
Key Timeline
2002
Left NFL to enlist in Army Rangers
2004 Apr 22
Killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan
2007
Congressional hearing exposed military cover-up