A new and inspiring tradition was born last night ahead of Arizona State's season opener this evening against New Mexico State.
From now on, before the kickoff of every home game, Sun Devils' players will run out of Tillman Tunnel and touch this gorgeous bronze statue.
Scholar. Athlete. Family Man.
Hero. #PT42 pic.twitter.com/UpBTRqpPlD
— Sun Devil Football (@FootballASU) August 31, 2017
According to the athletic department's website, the piece of art stands at approximately 6 feet tall and weighs 400 pounds.
During the unveiling ceremony, Marie Tillman, Board Chair & Co-Founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation, said, "We're grateful to Arizona State University and the Sun Devil community for honoring Pat's legacy. Pat made his mark as a student, athlete and soldier. We hope his statue stands as a reminder of the principles he lived by and his dedication to empower those around him on and off the field."
Head coach Todd Graham chimed in with words of admiration of his own. "It is something that is very important. Obviously, who he was as a person, giving his life for his country, but who he was as a Sun Devil. That is pretty special. Obviously, I have a tremendous respect for the football player that he was. I mean he was a warrior … It means a lot because of the person that he was."
RELATED: Can Concussion-Prevention Innovations Save College Football from Itself?
Here is the Tillman Tunnel players will walk through before each game.
The final addition to the Tillman Tunnel will be unveiled today at 5 p.m.#TillmanStatue #PT42 #HonoringALegend pic.twitter.com/AKsB3qZ2qU
— Sun Devil Football (@FootballASU) August 30, 2017
Check out more photos and videos of the astounding and inspirational Pat Tillman statue that will be on display tonight during the squad's 2017 opener.
A hero. A legend. A brother. A teammate. A #SunDevil4Life. pic.twitter.com/cI1xqa1ZHK
— Sun Devil Athletics (@TheSunDevils) August 31, 2017
A new tradition for @FootballASU begins with the unveiling of the Tillman statue. #PT42 https://t.co/hyPms782o2 pic.twitter.com/zQjSJPyC4K
— AZ State University (@ASU) August 31, 2017
