The Truth Behind the Pat Tillman Story

Professional football player Pat Tillman joined the Army after 9/11 and was killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire during a gun battle. But as Erica Hill reports, the story told by the government was quite different.

[@leighfoulkes7297]

You kind of missed the part where Pat Tillman become disgusted by the war and starts to speak out at how illegal the war was.

[@varunlikhite8390]

you think they may have planned his death? doesnt seem far off after reading what you said.

[@mollykate422]

@@varunlikhite8390 the military burned pat’s uniform and journal after his death so im leaning towards yes

[@heartmind6373]

Of course they wouldn't mention that but they will say that about Russia.

[@softdrink-0]

@@mollykate422 oh please, he’s not the only soldier to call out the war for being illegal or shit talk the government

[@nieceyd7685]

Yeah I remember that, and he wasn’t the only one speaking against it, a lot of soldiers were wondering what they were fighting for.

[@krokodyl3086]

Guy who shot pat till man : so what you're saying is that i shoot pat Tillman and run when the Taliban shows up

[@bumblecat1210]

Very nice family guy joke 😂👏👏

[@Epsilon755]

Some doctors that inspected his body said that he was killed by an M16 and was about 30 meters away.

[@necessaryevil7777]

9 meters

[@brycer985]

@@necessaryevil7777 - at 9metres and a pistol am i correct? Not a taliban weapon?

[@cheesecakefactoryenthusias9904]

He was killed with a M240 Bravo by Steven Elliot and 2 other rangers who should burn in hell because three shots to the head isn’t an accident thats first degree murder

[@elmerjfapp5730]

conflicting comments, 9mm a 556 and a 762 all accounted for as responsible? did they robo cop this guy to pieces or something?

[@Solisjr2678]

@@cheesecakefactoryenthusias9904 how true is this??? So freakin unreal

[@rocknrollreststop7110]

The “feeling like you haven’t done a damn thing” is a real feeling

[@beneaththecrust4661]

Nothing friendly about fire that kills you.

[@saintadolf5639]

If that phrase bothers you feel free to use "fratricide" instead.

[@smedleybutler8787]

He was killed because he knew to much and wanted to expose what really going on.

[@SP-qo3pd]

Pat told his mother that on more than one occasion his unit acted as security for convoys of opium. Once we gained control of Afghanistan the USMC was told to stand down and allow the farmers to begin to reintroduce harvesting Opium.

[@Hanan-pk8kc]

I not saying it isn’t true but I believe his fellow soldiers were jealous of him and killed him. Not everything is that deep.

[@el34glo59]

Lmfao Stfu. He didn't know shit. Dude was hard core as far as believing in the war. It was an accident. He should have never signed up. Was dumb

[@donmon808]

@@el34glo59 He was pretty hard core against the war once he saw what was happening, do your research

[@asherkelvin7091]

I'm in the same boat that's what this whole laser mic crap is about ...I lost another friend last night and imagine I'll be dead soon enough too.....but one things certain we wasn't flag down

[@davidperi]

That´s why we need Wikileaks...to get to the truth

[@jakewhoskate]

We need an unbiased version of WikiLeaks that doesn't work for Putin

[@pilgrims6581]

@@jakewhoskate I work for putin to put down srcubs like you

[@96wtfomg]

@@jakewhoskate exposing American war crimes in Iraq is working for Putin apparently

[@hunterreese2156]

How many other stories are there like this, especially when you have a chain of command that actively participates in cover ups of homicides such as the Lt. General? Absolutely sickening...

[@charleswest6372]

Agreed. I was at Dugway, UT 2002-3 we were exposed to nuclear contaminated soil and other things. We were told it was safe. A LIE. I wrote to newspaper and as many people I could. Was threatened, followed, car vandalized. I don't trust the Pentagon.

[@1VetsVision]

Exactly

[@Harrysound]

I can't believe this footage looks SO OLD!!! man, that was only a few year back.

[@hotspot131638837]

Bruh this was 11 years ago to me ahhahaha

[@FallacyUnknown]

I know right

[@44report22]

HD TVs were expensive and crt TVs were slowly fading away

[@DrocLovezTooSkate]

T.V ain't gonna tell the truth

[@albertalways4059]

M4LOKURA r/whoosh

[@beneaththecrust4661]

I guess they thought if they made tillman a hero, the family would be so thankful and go away.

[@AmericanPatriot2008]

U.S Army blew Pat Tillman's brains out to shut him up. You may not like the truth, but you can't change it. How do you like those drones now flying over the skies of America- just like in Afghanistan, and Pakistan?

[@chrism2004]

AmericanPatriot2008 military officers are disgraceful and many only care about medals and victories at the expense of their own men

[@d1hoopermike251]

it’s a warzone what do you expect

[@zes3813]

dump and dumpsters are just sht

[@cheesecakefactoryenthusias9904]

Steven Elliott didn’t “accidentally” shoot him that bitch shot him with a m240 in the head 3 times. Also Just Moi Patton died in a car crash

[@charleswest6372]

@@chrism2004 agree. Go back to WW2 Patton competed with Gen Montgomery and wasted many men. MacArthur too was callous. I refused Iraq deployment and got out medically. Never serve a war machine, they Use and dump people.

[@chreesdood]

if this guy hit stick fumbles me one more time..

[@tbonessteak2523]

Lol ik

[@chrrstiannn]

Hahaha

[@markboliek6130]

The look on Mrs. Tillman’s face shows how much the loss of her son, plus that bogus explanation has taken from her. Shameful.

[@REALHIPHOPLOVE24]

*The TRUTH always comes out!* *RIP Pat Tillman* 🙏

[@lavery0365]

As an honorably retired Sailor who was apart of Desert Shield/Storm. When I heard of Pat Tillman joining the Army as an E-4 Specialist. I know for a fact he could've easily chosen to continue with his solid NFL career and then go on to bigger & better things. Instead he chose to serve in the U. S. Army, words can't express the sheer bravery that it took to make that commitment, I'm still speechless to this day. I know the Army attempted to deceive the American citizens in ref to how he died, etc. As I said before, me, I'm still trying to figure out what type of guy does this? We may not ever see this type of bravery & commitment ever again. Rest in Peace Mr. Pat Tillman, you definitely deserve to.

[@nebojsanesic5326]

Savior complex guy does that.

[@osmankalif3500]

@@nebojsanesic5326 facto brate

[@michaellacroix8029]

Plenty of men sacrificing lives through all the wars, many were forced into it, many joined up, there is no difference, he is no more a hero than all the rest that gave their lives, just propaganda for a war mongoring country

[@jonahlogan7234]

Pat wasn't brave he was arrogant. He felt him and his brother could win the war. He was a cheap shot football player and looks like he didn't do well on the battle field either 😮 stop hyping that clown up. His wife got over and you should too

[@9wrld959]

My uncle said he was with him in the army once and was a very nice guy and dident deserve to die:C

[@lindboknifeandtool]

Ask him more

[@MustangMike012]

The picture of Pat throwing the rock was on the last day of his life. The Army Rangers had a rock throwing contest which Pat Tillman won

[@jnorton2493]

Man had a heart and soul. Was murdered. Wake up people.

[@firejeff12354]

That is sick. Such betrayal.

[@Writersblock39]

@CaliforniaBarbie21 He's dead. He was killed by friendly fire and then the Army told his family that he was killed by enemy combatants.

[@billnythehighestguy690]

Murdered*

[@adame8854]

. "Every Man dies. Not every Man Truly Lives." Miss You, Pat ! ; ( And We never even met each other ..... .

[@rossgoldberg5201]

His blood will forever be on the hands of everyone in the Bush administration.

[@charleswest6372]

I read he had 3 bullet holes on forehead from a M4. Indicating murder. I don't believe in the accident story. I've seen this before in other wars, desert storm, Kosova, and Vietnam. Pat was "Fragged" to use the Vietnam War term.

[@charlieredeemed]

I went to Basic Training in Fort Benning, GA. Bravo 2/47 (Platoon Guide AUG2001) and made a bestfriend named Shawn Ivey (my APG). Shawn went to Airborne School with Pat and they became best Airborne friends. I was supposed to watch them graduate, but got in trouble for underage-drinking. I got kicked-out of the Army in DEC2003, but came back in 2007. I ended-up in Iraq, with a guy that was a medic and just-so-happened to be the best friend of Tillman, from a young age and in college, at ASU. You might know Anderson. I can't remember his first name, but he was a cool dude. I now live right by ASU, in Tempe, AZ...

[@saintadolf5639]

Ok..... So, you were 2 degrees of separation from Tillman. Typically when people male a point of demonstrating how many mutual friends that had with a significant figure they share some inside information (or something of interest at least) they learned from those people who were close to Tillman. But, I guess you just had to tell us that you were practically best buds with Tillman.....just because. Great.

[@patmorris9692]

@@saintadolf5639 that makes you 3 degrees of separation from pat tillman via the YT comment section. Great.

[@saintadolf5639]

@@patmorris9692 Holy shit, you're right!!!! That means me and Tillman practically grew up together! Don't hate because you were 4 whole degrees of separation from Tillman and the equivalent of a stalker. Maybe you should get off his jock, bro.

[@dukenukem69]

@@saintadolf5639 well I'm 5 and Tillman was my hero

[@Ritha2311]

my respect to hes familie hopefuly we all can pray and find harmony regardless of circuntances

[@adamfair1976]

Peter Griffin did it

[@jasonchilado]

adam fair that’s where I am from too 😂

[@salvadorvazquez7291]

Same, sure its messed up, but now we know about this cause of family guy lmaoo

[@TheGodlessGuitarist]

Tillman was critical of the US war in Afghanistan, and was due to make a public statement to that effect, but Uncle Sam seems to have had other ideas. Team America, FUCK YEAH!

[@terrencemilton5088]

I remember this. People in the media said he was crazy for leaving the nfl to serve.

[@ericgadberry4436]

"You want the truth"? "YOU CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH"!

[@God-rq5xs]

R.I.P you will always be remembered

[@sarahpalinnextvp]

In my book Pat Tillman defined what a hero is, he left a promising career in the NFL to fight for our freedom after September 11th 2001. May God bless his Mother and the U. S. A..

[@Epsilon755]

I do respect what you're saying, but Pat Tillman was disliking how the war was. He went to go serve his country, but when he got sent to Iraq, he learned that he was a pawn in the governments game. They brought the media and made everything that he did a big thing, even if it was so little. There was stuff going on that he believed wasn't right. He had a diary and everything that said what he disliked. What I find weird is that they burned his diary and articles of his clothing after his death.

[@victorcastle1840]

You are probably on the money ,because the diary burning .Disable Nam Combat Vet AOrange by my government

[@realali93]

victor castle the army even reads the letters of soldiers so they don’t leak “classified info “

[@cynicalPixels]

memorial service was broadcast on national television. ... Tillman had made it clear that he did not want a military funeral

[@edwardbremer6322]

He is a real hero!

[@SP-qo3pd]

At the time he was the most famous man in uniform who played the most popular game in America within the most popular league that made him a multi-millionaire. He gave up all of that to serve his nation and get a little payback in the wake of 9/11. That's a whole hell of a lot of motive for any hater who was jealous. We lost a incredible man.

[@NothingSussed]

Payback got 911? Shouldve stormed the white house then

[@SP-qo3pd]

@@NothingSussed I agree lol

[@rhgosch]

I’m 37. 24 and skinny in my photo. My wife beating football coach Dallas mark Hickman beckoned pat tillman to join as my proxy. He went on a suicide mission. He knew he was dead.

[@andrewpadron-perla6828]

This man is still a hero of heroes said Andrew Perla

[@pwrthrst400]

0:26 Tillman is flipping off the crowd. Haha

[@GentlemensAcademy]

How about you include his mother speaking in the clip.

[@Epsilon755]

It's something we do at funerals.

[@rosamaryful2]

SHIT! I would NOT have walked away from 3 MILLION DOLLARS to serve ANY Country! HELL NO! .. and NOW we all know Pat SHOULD NOT have done it

[@sweetness3425]

15 years ago

[@Wsshdhbdd]

I thank him for leaving to fight but he could've did more just by being in the NFL and donating stuff .

[@JohnSmith41893]

said the starbucks-loving unlaid introvert

[@solomonstello]

​@@JohnSmith41893stfu. No one needs your remarks.

[@slydemise5349]

Tillman was executed b/c of he was an Atheist, he had negative views on war, and the knowledge of information the Pentagon didn't want him giving to an author. Pat is symbolic to me.

[@saintadolf5639]

Wtf does atheism have to do with it? Why are you on?

[@slydemise5349]

@@saintadolf5639 you clearly don't know much about him.

[@saintadolf5639]

@@slydemise5349 Once again, what does atheism have to do with him being executed? And once again, what are you high on?

[@saintadolf5639]

@@slydemise5349 Atheism didnt have anything to do with his execution. His atheism was just a reflection of his naivete. Him contacting Chomsky is what got him killed. Chomsky isn't who he says he is. Chomsky is controlled opposition. Chomsky pretends to be anti-war. Chomsky informed his Neo-Con fellow tribe members that Tillman was going to be a problem for them and the GWOT. And the Neo-Cons took care of him. Chomsky sold him out. You're as naive as Tillman was. It's ok, most people are. But, things are changing. People are waking up. And you should educate yourself on the Zionist Cabal before they use you for their own agenda and then throw you to the wolves when they're done with you.

[@phonkaddict2119]

Atheism has nothing to do with it lmao and it was literally just friendly fire , like the video said he charged up the hill push-up back the enemy. Pretty easy for him to be mistaken for a enemy combatant

[@mr.whoneversee1010]

i am here from family guy just understanding the scene today

[@lordfiletmignon5348]

You will always be remembered pat 🤞🏻

[@H12457]

Damn you Peter Griffin....on the serious note May he rest in peace

[@ravkassam3723]

There have been numerous other friendly fire deaths in various conflicts and in the same Afghan war, why was this one covered up and controversial? Read what veterans with actual combat experience like Bill Perry have to say about the incident.

[@georgegreen1191]

Sacrificing ground forces to force the enemy out into the open is always suicidal.

[@DarthVader-ug4co]

What? We contain the enemy so that we can destroy them with overwhelming firepower, such as an airstrike or artillery. We don't force the enemy into the open, we force them to stay in a suppressed position until we can use air or arty fires.

[@oyahthefirst]

Luda I dunno what you think happened but the few people w. Pat on that hill said the hum-v repositioned itself closer after already engaging Pat & company WHILE SITTING STILL then proceeded to unload on them again while still sitting still, again, from a closer vantage point THEN reloaded and did it again with a 50 cal. His clothes, diary, uniform were destroyed "just because" says the soldiers that destroyed them. If you're telling me that was "circumstance" of war you're blinding yourself.

[@backyardfireworks]

RIP From 2021

[@marcusmoore5441]

R.I.P Pat a true legend of a man A.K.A Hercules

[@formermpc10]

We need to teach critical thinking skills. The US needs to stop getting in the middle of religious wars. Religion. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.

[@Elvception1979]

@simonistic PREACH!

[@manuelgchapajr2000]

SO SAD!

[@Bayumm65]

Damn. Imagine turning down 3 million dollars and possibly a hall of fame career if would've kept playing the way he was playing....

[@ivanmendoza96]

Hey but his fame came to use considering the fact they investigated this more. If it was a regular soilder. Nobody would have probably cared much.

[@Dressagevids]

Killed by friendly fire and given a silver star, well done General Stan turning a death into a publicity opportunity

[@katherinepoltoratzky6068]

The negative effect Pat could have in recruiting is the supposed reason he died? I don't get it.

[@TheSpartanHealth]

@Splaze2k9 ohhhhhh. I nvr knew that

[@DarthJ3di]

A real one..

[@SilkyPud]

Dude looks like a unit

[@calvinm1866]

Yep, he looked like a super hero. It's too bad he went to the Army. They didn't deserve him.

[@barkingdolphin9996]

the even more fucked up thing is how many times this type of shit happens.

[@inhocsignovinces1081]

Where Men Win Glory, the book I’m reading now.

[@zaggy3110]

What kind of "glory" are you talkin about. He died in vain.

[@dustinfloy9086]

Not sure if this is still done anymore but I distinctly remember shooting a Pat Tillman dummy that popped up in the smoke house during boot about twelve years ago in Missouri. Thought at the time it was a very strange thing to be joking about especially when my D.I yelled at me to restart cuz I "shot Pat Tillman"

[@asdf-bi3tp]

Here after hearing about the 2 MARSOC and Navy Corpsman getting tried for manslaughter in a podcast

[@asdf-bi3tp]

They mentioned this cover up

[@Howard.Stern.]

@@asdf-bi3tp Which podcast?

[@zachary2774]

0:26 nice

[@Exekeeltioner]

I just wish that the truth was more accepted about Tillman.

[@THEJIGGADREWSHOW]

SO SICK WHAT THIS GOV HIDES..TILLLMAN FAM IS IN MY PRAYERS(EVEN THOUGH PAT DIDNT BELIEVE IN THAT STUFF)..LOL...PARTIAL JUSTICE IS THE TRUTH..AND YOU NOW HAVE THAT..

[@vivianphilips4884]

It was peter

[@mxamiss5]

Get his mother back on for Favre’s comment

[@nickystamatis5716]

My friend would have been pat tillmans son

[@Wulver426]

@eauchi But bagpipes are played for those who aren't even from or have any connection to any countries that are known for using bagpipes. For example i am from Scotland, we play bagpipes because of the Scottish Highlanders, and also because we are Scottish born and bred. I just don't see why you would have bagpipes played if you have no connection to 1 of the few countries that originally used bagpipes. No Disrespect, just my opinion.

[@shawnfreeman3932]

Operation Iraqi 'Freedom'....wow...talk about doublespeak

[@iop223]

@FailureJagex trumpets have nothing to do with america either, neither do grand pianos

[@soychiino]

Man Peter fucked up

[@brandonjackson9464]

Where does it say he was gonna expose what he was experiencing? Not saying I don't believe it just want to look at the true story

[@SkittleNutz77]

I just wanna know. Did he got shot from the front or the back?

[@brycer985]

I went to a comment thread where ex military had said he was shot in close proximity in the back of the head. I cant recall what issue of weapon was used although tjat was mentioned as well.

[@DarthVader-ug4co]

He was shot in the forehead at close range by an m-4.

[@sinful5866]

This sounds like full bullshit, how tf do you accidentally kill someone group with you? Like y’all right on each other and the fact that they lied about the death makes me think they shot him on purpose ngl

[@artsafact_official]

Same people who got mad at kap ignore this story

[@daniellebarnes9402]

He was 27 years old in 2003 I was only 19 years old playing with the Dallas cowboys and plus I was with the San Antonio Spurs David Robinson the animal I'm his little cousin hot boy defense bad boy ice 41

[@Splaze2k9]

@TheSpartanHealth The Media is saying that he was killed of friendly fire because hes too high profile means everyone knows him, well not everyone. But millions of people know hes in the army so if he ever get caught by terrorist in interrogation, he can be a big threat to the United State as everyone loves him in his football career that can end up to be a big problem for the U.S to bring him back as the supports might make a big rally if they dont demand trying to get him back. :l!

[@Sid-xv5sx]

He really spanked patt :23

[@macs19772002]

how the hell do bagpipes have nothing to do with america my brother moved to the U.S trying to say he should have nothing to do with them and he is not the only 1 from scotland or irland there plenty of stock from these lands scotland the brave. the land of the brave

[@jesoby]

not familiar with this story or the man but sounds like an unfortunate accident; why the powers that be would then try and make up a better story seems incredible, why would it affect recruiting, people are not stupid they know shit happens in war, they still join up.

[@asherkelvin7091]

It's kelvin(kevin) asher...I really would like to see the black biinder from his investigation...this death has everything to do with myself jessica lynch and a few from the corps...I lost another friend today... something has to give

[@SinceretheGhost]

You got part of that right...except it was Bush and the Saudi's. Do some research.

[@BigDuckEnergyTM]

This isn't the truth, it's like a teaser for the truth.

[@AmericanPatriot2008]

U.S Army blew Pat Tillman's brains out to shut him up.

[@Wulver426]

Can i just ask? Why was there bagpipes, when bagpipes have nothing to do with America?

[@Banees1]

they killed him off cause he was gonna expose the truth behind the wars and they say he died of friendly fire

[@philparkeriii]

I make this comment to a 2yo post, but I hope it somehow still manages to reach out: Political corruption has been around since man learned to stand upright. Afganistan was payback for 9/11 and Iraq was to remove Saddam - pure and simple. Tillman's death was tragic not for the loss of the life he willingly put on the line, but for the lies that followed out of fear of losing future recruits. He was neither assassinated nor was he about to blow a whistle. Young troops; heat of battle... Just war.

[@pinksauce2728]

Phil Parker correction, this government was 9/11, which in turn was us3d to attack Afghanistan and take control over the poppy trade for Big Pharma. SMH. Sheep

[@papasitojoel6923]

Phil Parker getting shot in the head at point blank range was surely the heat of the moment. But not how your trying to twist it around.

[@michaelnavage1067]

Since no one in Afganistan had anything to do with that obvious inside job done on 9/11 but they sure do have a lot of heroin producing poppy fields your conclusion doesn't correspond to logic or facts sir but thanks for trying. Tilman could have been shot by accident but more believable is a man of great convictions and fearless resolve who would spurn millions and risk his personal safety to do what he felt like was the right thing to do finally discovered too much of the dark and sordid truth of who really perpetrated 9/11 and why we really committed to a war with Afganistan WHICH IS STILL ON GOING becoming the longest active war ever fought in the history of our nation. But we aren't there for any official reason given that much is crystal clear, or should I say China White, and if he figured this out after serving for so long there Pat simply isn't the type who could be bribed or intimidated into keeping the Oligarchy's secrets. He would have sung like a Canary first chance he had. He naively also would have informed those responsible for the lies and crimes against our country to give them a chance to admit and apologize for their wrong doing as honor dictates but he was not dealing with honorable men. He threatened to expose the huge crimes and bigger lies of those with too much to lose to let Pat live to tell that tale to the American Moron Millions who just might have believed the truth coming from him. So he winds up dead from friendly fire and they concoct a silly story that makes him look like a hero indtead of a victim lying their ass off to do it yet we don't question our government no matter how many big lies we catch them trying to fool us Moron Millions with. Maybe they aren't too far off with that nickname sadly.

[@jimworton8444]

Being born in 92 I saw it all play out 911 happened and was a tragedy I believe it was the same day or a day or two later bush epically declared war it was all over the news as I get older fucking BAM opiates become an epidemic ots just basic logic everybody what do u really think happened come on

[@Jeje-rb1vu]

Dead for nothing.. sad story...

[@hennylo68]

Friendly fire? Getting shot in the head at point blank range by an assault rifle.

[@pattiburrus6964]

That's exactly what Field McConnell said also, He's been doing the Investigating for PRESIDENT TRUMP, and the Family.

[@tommydavidson4608]

so when did they cut to the Mom?

[@pigwigpa]

I feel bad for Mrs Tillman, But what do you think happens when you put a rich gunho super jock. With grunts trying to stay alive. Google the word "fragging"

[@steverzucidlo9065]

Women would have really liked that dude. Jealousy could have been a factor.

[@pruthvipro]

So that's what family guy jokes about. Damn that's dark. 😨 Darker then KSI 🤣

[@kapa8514]

So you are here like me from that video 😆😆

[@kapa8514]

I appreciate you man at least you really come here to saw the real story

[@pruthvipro]

@@kapa8514 u too watched family guy evil joke . 🤣🤣

[@kapa8514]

@@pruthvipro 😆😆

[@irish-thinker4429]

He a real hero just like colin kapernik

[@lorikee6689]

Everyone seems to think he was a hero cuz he sacrificed millions what about the millions of soldiers who died in true combat where is their singled out special day .

[@Viracocha711]

@TheSpartanHealth Dude the Marines are the easiest branch to get in...If you can spell your name & pass a simple physical you are in. Yes, you have to make through basic to be an actual Marine. There are just as many cases of Marines shooting each other in combat. It is obvious from your comments you have NEVER been in combat. You may not even be a Marine, who knows.

[@user-dd9qq1ru7s]

We keep getting less freedom