Why didn't Pat Tillman get a black patch for a whole year like Upshaw and Taylor?

Question

I'm confused. NFL players will wear a black patch for Gene Upshaw for the entire year. OK, fine. All NFL players were mandated to wear a "21" sticker on their helmets for one week last year for Sean Taylor, and it was A-OK to wear it all year; most did. However, back in 2004, the NFL honored Pat Tillman with only a one week "40" sticker on everyone's helmet, and prohibited anyone from wearing it after one week. Jake Plummer, Tillman's college and pro teammate and close friend, was fined for wearing it past the one week.

Why wasn't it OK to honor Tillman for more than one week? He had more character in his pinky finger than the oft-troubled Sean Taylor had in his whole body.

Answer 1

I don't know the rules on this, but the situation with Pat Tillman was a disgrace.

Answer 2

Because when he left the NFL he was friends with Jake Plummer, who had a gnarly shaggy beard at the time. The NFL hated Plummer, his beard, and bird flipping ways so they took it out on his friend Pat.

d**n rat bastages!

Answer 3

I think it's pathetic of the NFL.

I was extremely pissed when John Lynch and Champ Bailey were not allowed to wear #27 at the pro bowl in remembrance of Darrent Williams, and they were told they would be fined and suspended if they did wear it.

However, they allowed 3 Redskins players to wear #21 at the pro bowl in remembrance of Sean Taylor.

Answer 4

I agree more could have and should have been done to honor Pat Tillman...The only explanation I could think of is that he wasn't involved in the league at the time of his death...But who knows, You bring up a great point as to a sorry state of priority by the NFL!!!

Answer 5

You have a point. I think if Taylor was honored in that way, then Tillman should get the same respect, but I don't think you can compare Gene Upshaw.

BTW, you should have some respect for the dead. I agreed with everything you wrote except your last sentence, if that's how you feel then you should keep stuff like that to yourself.

Answer 6

My honest opinion? Cause Pat Tillman, fought and died in a VERY unpopular war and the powers that be didn't wanna give any notice of that to the fans! Pretty sad but hey what do expect from a bunch of bleeding heart liberals?

Answer 7

Upshaw did far more for the game, and was in it much longer than Tillman, so it makes sense on its own. Other reasons, perhaps the NFL heard all the criticism since Tillman, and have changed how they honor players. Maybe Taylor was more liked by his fellow players. Maybe Tillman never did his TPS reports.

Answer 8

I agree with you on that. It is kind of wierd.

I will try and give you a couple of reasons.

1) Tillman died during the NFL offseason. Taylor died during the NFL season, as did Upshaw. Maybe the sadness of Tillman's death had died down by the time football started.

2) I know it sounds bad, but the skill level between them from a football standpoint was huge. Taylor was a Pro-Bowler and one of the best in the league when he was killed. Upshaw is an NFL Hall of Famer and was still involved with the league. Tillman was a guy that most had not heard of. It comes down to their skill level. Sure, Tillman had more character, and was a nicer guy, but that isn't what makes you dominating in the NFL, and I think that may be why he didn't get a patch.

I do agree with you on this, though.