On August 30, 2017, a bronze likeness of Pat Tillman was unveiled at Sun Devil Stadium, marking a powerful tribute to ASU’s most celebrated football figure. At 6‑foot tall and weighing approximately 400 pounds, the statue stands proud at the entrance to the newly christened Tillman Tunnel, where Sun Devil football players now walk as they charge onto the field. The moment marked a new tradition—each player touches the statue before kickoff, a ritual coach Todd Graham said is meant to inspire them to “bring it like he did” on the field .
2. Sculpting a Legacy
The statue’s creation was a labor of love, expertly shaped by Jeff Carol Davenport, an ASU alumna and Phoenix‐based art educator. Inspired by his younger self sprinting onto the field, Davenport began with an 18‑inch clay maquette, later digitized and enlarged. At the Bollinger Atelier foundry in Tempe, molten bronze—heated to over 2,000°F—was poured into sections, welded, and then painstakingly sculpted with patina. A striking contrast of Sahuarita gold, maroon tint, and dark sulfur-defined details brought the statue to life.
The Vision Behind the Statue
- Maquette to Monument: Davenport adjusted Tillman’s stance; instead of simply walking, he holds his helmet in one hand, glove in the other, a pose capturing his eagerness and energy .
- Patina Magic: Aiya Jordan, another ASU art alumna, applied a vibrant maroon patina and darkened key areas to heighten realism—like veins on his forearms and folds in his socks .
- Community Connection: Commissioned by Sun Devil alumnus Arthur Pearce II, whose grandfather played for ASU in 1899, the statue symbolizes generations of Sun Devil pride.
3. More Than a Statue: The Unfolding Ceremony
The unveiling ceremony drew hundreds—Tillman’s family, former teammates, ASU officials, and current players—all gathered in the north end zone. Kevin Tillman, Pat’s brother, spoke poignantly before the drape dropped:
“Pat spent his whole life trying to be the best person he could be. He didn’t focus on money or fame or a pretty statue… How do I make myself better in all these different facets in my life? ASU gave him that opportunity.
Throughout, ASU’s administration, including Athletic Director Ray Anderson and coach Todd Graham, emphasized that the statue is meant to eternally link Pat’s legacy to the Sun Devil football program.
4. Inspiring Tradition: Touching History
The installation created a new pregame ritual—Sun Devil players now touch Pat’s statue as they emerge from the tunnel, a symbolic act of collective inspiration . Coach Graham drives home the emotional weight: “If you touch that statue, you get out on that field and you bring it like he did. If we do that, great things are going to happen” .
Former teammate Barry Alford, reflecting at the ceremony, credited Tillman’s spirit for sparking transformation:
“At 43, I can fully appreciate that I was in the presence of someone with qualities of greatness. I got to watch those unfold.”
5. Pat Tillman: ASU Legend, NFL Player, Army Ranger
Sun Devil to NFL
Pat played at ASU from 1994–1997, leading the Sun Devils to the 1997 Rose Bowl and graduating summa cum laude with a degree in marketing . He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, where he made his mark as a safety and linebacker before surprising many by quitting a multimillion-dollar contract to enlist in the Army in May 2002 .
Serving with Honor
Along with his brother Kevin, Pat became an Army Ranger. Tragically, he was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. His service and sacrifice forever elevated him from star athlete to American hero.
A Legacy Carved in Bronze
Tillman’s impact continued long after his passing:
- College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2010).
- Pat’s Run, an annual 4.2‑mile race held at ASU each April since 2005, draws tens of thousands and fuels the Pat Tillman Foundation.
- Across ASU, #42 appears on walls, decals, and photos—symbols of unity and character .
6. The Statue’s Symbolism & Design
Anatomical Details & Poise
The statue captures Pat’s poised athleticism and inner fire:
- Slight forward‑leaning as if charging onto the field.
- Helmet under arm, glove in hand, hair visible at the forehead.
- Gold‑tinted pants, maroon jersey shading, and helmet marked by Sparky, the ASU mascot.
Behind the Scenes
- Portrait in Bronze: Davenport began with life‑size modeling at Bollinger Atelier, crafting a faithful representation.
- Digital Innovation: High‑definition scanning turned clay into precise foam molds.
- Patina Application: Final touches by ASU alumna patina artist Aiya Jordan added depth and vibrance .
- Durability: The statue is clear‑coated to resist weathering—especially Arizona’s harsh sun.
7. Institutional & Family Support
Speaking Truth
- ASU Vice President Ray Anderson praised Tillman’s cross-generational influence and assured the statue’s impact would run deep
- Board Chair Marie Tillman, Pat’s mother and co‑founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation, celebrated the statue as a beacon of inspiration and service
Patron & Artist
- Arthur Pearce II—whose family has roots at ASU spanning more than a century—funded the statue, aiming to reflect values of courage and community
- Jeff Carol Davenport, through intense emotional commitment, created what she considers the high point of her artistic journey
8. Beyond 2017: A Living Legacy
NFL’s Recognition
In 2020, the statue appeared briefly in the NFL’s centennial Super Bowl commercial—though the appearance sparked debate, Tillman’s foundation supported it. Some fans found it powerful; others saw commercialization. Still, TD Murphy, a former teammate, felt the commercial “wrecked me in a good way”
Pat’s Run & Foundation Growth
Now in its 20th year, Pat’s Run attracts over 30,000 participants and raises over $1 million annually . The Pat Tillman Foundation has awarded over $34 million in scholarships to more than 850 service‑member scholars empowering leaders in military, civilian and academic life.
9. Why It Matters
This statue isn’t just bronze—it’s a touchstone of values:
- Excellence: On and off the field, Tillman strove to be his best.
- Sacrifice: He gave up an NFL career to honor country.
- Legacy: His life inspires thousands to serve and lead.
- Tradition: The statue anchors rituals—pregame, runs, service work.
- Connection: It embodies ASU’s history and communal memory.
Kevin Tillman summed it up best:
“He didn’t focus on a pretty statue… ASU gave him the opportunity to make himself better.
10. Looking Ahead
- Continued Reverence: The statue will remain central to ASU football culture.
- Educational Outreach: It’s a teaching tool—balancing sports, service, scholarship.
- Foundation Momentum: The Pat Tillman Foundation continues shaping scholars and leaders.
- Annual Remembrance: Pat’s Run and memorials keep his story alive.
A Moving Tribute
✨ Watch the unveiling ceremony—see the emotional moment when ASU’s community and Tillman’s family honor a legend.
What began as a 6‑foot statue has grown into a monumental legacy:
- For Coaches & Players: A daily challenge to match Tillman’s tenacity.
- For the Campus: A bridge between athletic glory and moral courage.
- For the Community & Nation: A reminder that leadership and sacrifice are timeless.
Bronze may be permanent, but Tillman’s legacy is ever‑evolving—continuously calling each of us to be better, do better, and lead with integrity.
When you next visit Tempe, head to Sun Devil Stadium, touch the statue, and remember—not just a football hero, but a warrior, a scholar, a brother, and an American exemplar: Pat Tillman.
