Former Arizona Cardinals football player Pat Tillman has emerged as an icon to many Americans and football fans after he was tragically killed in the line of duty by friendly fire after he gave up on his NFL dreams to join the United States Army. And now, he’s being honored by a country music superstar.
Morgan Wallen performed a sold-out concert at Chase Field in Phoenix Arizona this week, which is the home of the Arizona Cardinals. And during that concert, he 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!” John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix said in a tweet.
Morgan Wallen representing Pat Tillman tonight! pic.twitter.com/FGxGLFcoiy
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 21, 2023
Tillman famously passed up a $3.4 million contract offer from the Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. Army back in 2002 in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Tragically, he was then fatally wounded on April 22, 2004 at the young age of 27.
Tillman’s 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.