April 29, 2004
Daphne, Alabama - Pat Tillman, the defensive back for the Arizona Cardinals who turned down a $3.6 million contract to join the Army Rangers, and who was killed in action in Afghanistan yesterday, has been awarded the United States Sports Academy's Humanitarian Award for 2004.
In a special action taken by the Academy's Board of Trustees following his nomination by the Academy Cabinet, Tillman was approved as the 2004 recipient of the Humanitarian Award.
Tillman was a standout collegiate player at Arizona State University where he graduated with honors in Marketing. After playing four years (1998-2002) with the Cardinals, Tillman joined the Army after the attacks of September 11, 2001.
"Pat Tillman represents the high ideals of sacrifice, dedication, and loyalty indicative of our Humanitarian Award recipients," commented Dr. Thomas P. Rosandich, President and CEO of the United States Sports Academy. "He has made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and in so doing has set the standard for all of us. The fact that he gave up his secure position in professional football to defend our Nation says it all."
The Humanitarian Award is part of the Academy's Awards of Sport program which recognizes worthy people in the world of sports who have made contributions beyond their athletic participation.
The United States Sports Academy, "America's Graduate School of Sport," is an independent, nonprofit graduate school that offers sport-specific programs to students, teachers, and administrators around the world. The Academy has a special mission to serve the sports industry as a resource in instruction, research, and other vital sports-related services. It is the only free-standing institution of higher learning in the United States offering master's and doctoral degrees in Sports Science and Sports Management, in addition to its extensive certification programs.
For more information about the United States Sports Academy, call 251-626-3303 or log onto the Academy's website www.ussa.edu