While Morgan Wallen is popular in the world of country music, the 30-year-old singer and songwriter has been an often controversial figure, with his use of racial slurs being caught on video in recent years. Despite that, Wallen has become more popular than ever and is one of the central faces of modern-day country music.
Performing in front of a sold-out crowd at Chase Field—home of the Arizona Diamondbacks—in Phoenix, Arizona, earlier this week, Wallen paid tribute to the legendary Pat Tillman by wearing his famous No. 40 jersey as he performed on stage.
Morgan Wallen representing Pat Tillman tonight! pic.twitter.com/FGxGLFcoiy
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 21, 2023
Since his untimely death, Tillman, a former Arizona Cardinals football player, has emerged as an icon for many, including Wallen. Tillman left his professional sports career to enlist in the United States Army in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. And because of that, many revere his image, as he turned down a contract offer of $3.6 million over three years, to serve his country.
Tillman’s service to his country and the nature surrounding his death in the mountains of Afghanistan have received national attention. Tillman tragically lost his life after serving several combat tours. At first, the Army reported that Tillman had been killed by enemy fire. A month later, the Pentagon notified the Tillman family that his death came after he was the victim of friendly fire in Afghanistan and he ultimately became the subject of a subsequent government coverup as a result.
He has since been hailed as an American hero by many in the NFL community as a result of his decision to leave the NFL for the military. And with that, many of those on social media had plenty to say about the country music superstar’s decision to honor Tillman.
I love when people who have no clue what Pat Tillman actually stood for invoke his name https://t.co/AHtVJurEJv
— Jack McDonnell (@Jack23McD) July 22, 2023
Why do they always misinterpret Pat Tillman to this day? Absolutely wild https://t.co/syUcdag2J1
— Juan RC 🇵🇷 (@elclass_king) July 22, 2023
Very few people’s identities and image have been so shamelessly co-opted and perverted as Pat Tillman. He deserves much better than this. https://t.co/s03veMwS5G
— Falk (@Falk_____) July 22, 2023
Pat Tillman would’ve hated this dude lmao https://t.co/zfldbmd0c6
— Nick (@NickZararis) July 22, 2023
It’s insane how many times Tillman’s family have asked people to stop co-opting him, and they just cannot help themselves. It’s abundantly obvious that Pat Tillman would have hated every second of this stuff. https://t.co/uTGAwj1ytU
— claybraham lincoln (@ClayLaSoul) July 22, 2023
I love that Tillmans family has said multiple times they don’t want Pats memory being used liked this and conservatives just don’t care. Also Tillman was killed by one of his own men. https://t.co/fXGIl8lU3y
— Local Spice Fan (@CrochetCardigan) July 22, 2023
Morgan Wallen paid tribute to Pat Tillman last night by wearing a jersey with his name and the #40 on it. Also was wearing a Dbacks hat. Super cool to see an artist support something other than just a sports team in the area. pic.twitter.com/W8kEuGpEkI
— Michael Garaffa (@MichaelGaraffa) July 21, 2023
Tillman’s widow has often criticized the use of her late husband’s image being “politicized.” Wallen was obviously trying to honor the late Tillman, but the presence of mind to wear the jersey alone, considering the circumstances of his death, has earned him a lot of criticism from those on social media.
