Pat Tillman -- With His Foundation -- Continues To Inspire

by Peyton Clark, Cronkite School of Journalism Class of 2021

"Somewhere inside, we hear a voice. It leads us in the direction of the person we wish to become. But it is up to us whether or not to follow."

Patrick Tillman was born on November 6, 1976, in San Jose, California. He was the oldest of three. He was a devoted son, brother, friend and athlete. All who knew Tillman reiterated that he was a caring, protective person and a natural leader with a tendency to push limits – in life, the classroom and on the field.

He attended Leland High School in San Jose, California from 1990 to 1994, where he developed his well-known challenger mentality. Following high school, Tillman received a…