42 Athletes That Died Before 40

NBA | February 16, 2021

Pat Tillman

Few NFL stars are as revered as Pat Tillman, whose career in the league lasted only four seasons. The star safety left his emerging career with the Arizona Cardinals to join the United States Armed Forces after the events on 9/11. Soon he became the leader of special-forces operations overseas. 

Tillman was killed on the field of battle in Afghanistan in 2004.  There is a bronze statue of Tillman outside of State Farm Stadium that honors his life of duty, passion, and service.