Late NFL Star Pat Tillman's Brother Pleads Guilty to Post Office Arson

Richard Tillman admitted to intentionally setting fire to a San Jose post office to "make a point to the United States government."

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The youngest brother of late NFL player-turned-soldier Pat Tillman pleaded guilty this week to setting fire to a San Jose, California post office last summer. Richard Tillman, 44, rammed a car into the post office building and then set the vehicle ablaze, causing the lobby to go up in flames. No one was injured in the incident.

Why it matters

The Tillman family has been the subject of national attention since Pat Tillman's death in Afghanistan in 2004. This latest incident involving his brother Richard raises further questions about the mental health challenges faced by the Tillman family members in the years since Pat's passing.

The details

Richard Tillman admitted in his guilty plea that he intentionally set the fire in order to "make a point to the United States government." Prosecutors did not specify what point Tillman was trying to make. Tillman told officers at the scene that he had livestreamed the incident on YouTube.

  • On July 20, Tillman rammed a car into the post office and set it on fire.
  • On Monday, Tillman pleaded guilty in federal court.
  • Tillman is scheduled to be sentenced on April 27.

The players

Richard Tillman

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

Pat Tillman

The former NFL player 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

“Richard Tillman had been suffering from 'severe mental health issues' for many years, and the family was relieved no one was hurt.”

— Kevin Tillman (Statement)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tillman's sentence on April 27.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing mental health challenges faced by the Tillman family in the years since the tragic death of their brother Pat, a beloved NFL player who gave up his career to serve his country.