Brother Of Late NFL Star Pat Tillman Pleads Guilty To Setting Fire At California Post Office

Richard Tillman, 44, admitted to intentionally setting the fire to 'make a point to the United States government'.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Richard Tillman, the youngest brother of late NFL star-turned-soldier Pat Tillman, has pleaded guilty to setting fire to a San Jose, California, post office last summer. Tillman rammed a car into the post office and then set the vehicle ablaze, causing the lobby of the building to go up in flames. No one was hurt in the incident.

Why it matters

The Tillman family has a long history of military service, with both Pat and Kevin Tillman leaving their sports careers to serve after 9/11. This incident involving Richard Tillman highlights the ongoing mental health challenges that can impact military families even years later.

The details

Richard Tillman, 44, was arrested on July 20 after he rammed a car into the post office in a San Jose strip mall and then set the vehicle ablaze. In pleading guilty, Tillman admitted that he intentionally set the fire in order to 'make a point to the United States government', though prosecutors did not specify what point he was trying to make.

  • On July 20, Tillman rammed a car into the post office and set it on fire.
  • On April 27, Tillman will be sentenced for the crime.

The players

Richard Tillman

The 44-year-old youngest brother of late NFL star-turned-soldier Pat Tillman, who pleaded guilty to setting fire to a San Jose post office.

Pat Tillman

The late NFL star who left the Arizona Cardinals to join the military after 9/11 and was killed in Afghanistan in 2004 at age 27.

Kevin Tillman

The brother of Pat Tillman who also left his Major League Baseball career with the Anaheim Angels to serve in the military.

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What they’re saying

“After the crash, his brother Kevin Tillman said in a statement that Richard Tillman had been suffering from 'severe mental health issues' for many years, and the family was relieved no one was hurt.”

— Kevin Tillman (AP)

What’s next

Tillman faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he's sentenced on April 27.

The takeaway

This incident involving Richard Tillman, the brother of NFL star-turned-soldier Pat Tillman, highlights the ongoing mental health challenges that can impact military families even years later. The Tillman family has a long history of service, and this case raises concerns about how to best support those struggling with severe mental health issues.