Pat Tillman is a name that holds a lot of significance in the Valley.
The former Arizona State University and Arizona Cardinals football player is a local legend after he gave up his NFL career to enlist in the Army after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Tillman was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan.
The ASU football team is continuing to honor Tillman through their leadership council, named after the player. This is the second year of the Pat Tillman Leadership Council, which consists of players from the team who were voted on by their fellow players.
Defensive lineman C.J. Fite says the council tries to carry on important characteristics of Tillman.
“Leading by example, just having the courage, fight, working hard and just you know being fearless and just caring for the people on the teams, caring for the people in general,” said Fite.
Fite said the council is meant to help the team be player led, that way the team isn’t as dependent on the coaches.
Quarterback Trenton Bourguet is from Tucson and says the council is meant to be a bridge between players and head coach Kenny Dillingham.
“That middle man between the team and the coach to you know let him know what we’re thinking about upcoming games and uniform combinations and how foods been,” said Bourguet. “And you know if there’s any team activities we think we can do to build our chemistry as a team.”
Bourguet said the team continues to learn from Tillman to be better and lift those around them.
“His legacy that he left here at ASU and for the country of just being somebody that was a great role model,” Bourguet said. “Giving back, you know, looking out for others. Not only was he a great person on the field, but off the field as well.”
