Thousands Honor Pat Tillman's Legacy at Annual Arizona Run

The 4.2-mile Pat's Run event in Tempe celebrates the life of the former NFL player who gave up his career to serve in the Army

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:18pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style illustration depicting a running event or football game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in bright colors representing the energy and movement of the competition.The annual Pat's Run event in Tempe honors the life and service of former NFL player Pat Tillman, who gave up his professional sports career to serve in the U.S. Army.Tempe Today

Thousands of runners gathered in Tempe, Arizona, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, for Pat's Run, a 4.2-mile race held to honor the life and legacy of former NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman. The annual event concluded inside the football stadium at Arizona State University, where Tillman previously played, with 50 Tillman Scholars participating as corral leaders.

Why it matters

Pat Tillman's decision to leave the NFL and enlist in the Army after 9/11 made him a symbol of service and sacrifice. The annual Pat's Run event keeps his memory alive and supports the Tillman Scholars program, which honors individuals who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to public service.

The details

Pat Tillman attended Arizona State University from 1994 to 1998 on a football scholarship, playing as a linebacker for the Sun Devils. He was known for his intense effort, which helped lead the team to the 1997 Rose Bowl following an undefeated regular season. Tillman graduated Summa Cum Laude in three and a half years with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. After playing for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL from 1998 to 2001, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Special Operations in May 2002 and was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, where he was killed by friendly fire on April 22, 2004.

  • Pat Tillman attended Arizona State University from 1994 to 1998.
  • Tillman played for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL from 1998 to 2001.
  • Tillman enlisted in the U.S. Army Special Operations in May 2002.
  • Tillman was killed by friendly fire on April 22, 2004 in Spera, Afghanistan.
  • The annual Pat's Run event in Tempe, Arizona was held on April 11, 2026.

The players

Pat Tillman

A former NFL player who left his professional sports career to enlist in the U.S. Army Special Operations, where he was killed by friendly fire in 2004 while serving in Afghanistan.

Arizona State University

The university where Tillman attended on a football scholarship from 1994 to 1998, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.

Arizona Cardinals

The NFL team that Tillman played for from 1998 to 2001 as a safety.

U.S. Army Special Operations

The military unit that Tillman enlisted in after 9/11, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Pat Tillman Foundation

The organization that maintains Tillman's legacy by supporting scholars who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to service.

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What’s next

The annual Pat's Run event will continue to be held in Tempe, Arizona to honor Pat Tillman's legacy and support the Tillman Scholars program.

The takeaway

Pat Tillman's decision to leave the NFL and serve his country in the Army after 9/11 made him a symbol of service and sacrifice. The annual Pat's Run event and the Tillman Scholars program ensure that his legacy of leadership and commitment to public service lives on.