Pat Tillman was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 1998 NFL Draft out of nearby Arizona State University. Tillman, who played linebacker at ASU was moved to the safety position given his smaller NFL size. Like everything he did, Tillman succeeded in transitioning to a new position coming out of college.

Tillman was a fiercely loyal person and competitor, once turning down a lucrative offer from the Rams to stay with his Cardinals. After the September 11th attacks, Tillman and his brother decided to enlist in the Army in May of 2002. Tillman once again put aside the opportunity to earn a lucrative contract to defend his country. Sadly, Tillman was killed in 2004 in what was determined to be “friendly fire”. However, the sacrifice made by Tillman in selfless service to his country in putting his country before career, and making the ultimate sacrifice, has been an inspiration.

Tillman’s NFL team, the Arizona Cardinals, honored his ultimate sacrifice during the September 19, 2004 game against the New England Patriots. Tillman’s number 40 was retired by the Cardinals at halftime. This offered gold coin was used for the official coin toss prior to the start of the September 19, 2004 game between the visiting Patriots and the home Cardinals. This coin has “ARIZONA CARDINALS” in raised relief, with the Cardinals’ helmet and “INAUGURAL SEASON” on a banner and “1920” below on one side. The opposite side has “OFFICIAL GAME COIN” and “OFFICIALLY LICENSDED BY NFL PROPERTIES” in raised relief, with the “NFL 2004 KICKOFF WEEKEND” logo in raised relief on the other side. This coin is in a custom plastic coin holder and comes with a black coin box with a velvet interior. This comes with STICKER ONLY from NFL PSA/DNA (1N14186), which authenticates that this coin was used for the opening coin toss for the Cardinals/Patriots game on September 19, 2004.

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