NFL Draft
April 24, 2004

NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue’s opening comments at the 2004 NFL Draft: 

Good afternoon.  If you’ll give me your attention…Yesterday, we all learned of the tragic news of the death of Pat Tillman, the former Arizona Cardinals safety.  Two years ago, Pat left the Cardinals to join the U.S. Army, where he became a member of the elite Rangers unit.

Like the five Marines standing with me today, Pat served in Iraq, and he was on another mission in Afghanistan when his unit came under attack. 

Pat personified the best values of America and of the National Football League.  Like other men and women protecting our freedom around the globe, he made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life in the service of his country.

After talking to Pat’s family, we will make certain that Pat’s values and what he represents to American and the National Football League continue to have a permanent place in the league.

Please join me in a moment of silence in memory of those men and women, all those heroes, who have given their lives to all of us.

Thank you.