[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 28, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF PAT TILLMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2004

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and 
service of Pat Tillman who was killed in action in Afghanistan last 
week. Originally from San Jose, Pat Tillman lived a life that exuded 
courage, loyalty and hard work.
  On the football field, Pat was a shining star. Though undersized at 
his position, Pat always excelled. After starring in football at Leland 
High School, Pat went on to play football at Arizona State University. 
As a 5-foot-10, 180-pound linebacker at Arizona State University, Pat 
was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year, a tremendous honor for 
an athlete who succeeded on brains and heart. Though proud of his 
award, he was even prouder of his educational accomplishments. Pat 
earned a degree in marketing in just 3\1/2\ years and maintained a 3.84 
GPA.
  The Arizona Cardinals selected Pat in the final round of the 1998 NFL 
draft. Pat responded by engaging in a rigorous exercise program and 
adding 20 pounds of muscle to his already solid frame. Pat spurned his 
critics and became a starter during his first NFL season. In 2000, the 
St. Louis Rams tried to sign him to a $9 million offer sheet and out of 
loyalty, Pat turned it down to stay in Phoenix for less money.
  It was Pat's deep loyalty that drove him to do the unthinkable. 
Following the horrific attacks of 9/11, Pat, returning from a honeymoon 
announced that he was leaving the NFL to join the Army Rangers. To 
enlist, Pat left behind his new bride Marie and a $3.6 million contract 
from the Arizona Cardinals.
  Mr. Speaker, Pat Tillman was never about the money or the bright 
light of fame. He was a man who cared more about others more than he 
cared about himself. Pat's physical strength and talents were only 
overshadowed by his love for country and personal integrity. I have no 
doubts that when Pat Tillman died, he did so trying to protect his 
fellow soldiers.
  Mr. Speaker, Pat Tillman was a giant. He was given a golden egg in 
the NFL and he sacrificed it for a uniform and a flag. It is most 
appropriate at this time that we honor him. Pat was and will forever 
remain a true hero. He upheld a standard of patriotism and courage that 
we should all strive to achieve. On behalf of the citizens of San Jose, 
I wish to express my deepest sympathies to Pat's wife Marie, his father 
Patrick Sr., his mother Mary and his two brothers Kevin and Richard and 
the entire Tillman family.

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