Helping leaders make real change
Tillman Scholars are finding comprehensive solutions to everything from water scarcity, to human rights, to national security. With your contributions and support, we’re able to identify and empower the next generation of leaders who are dedicated to service beyond self. The Tillman Scholar community is making a real impact in the world.
Honoring a Legacy
Pat’s story on the football field and the Army is well-known, but it is his principles and service that are his true legacy. Pat believed in something bigger than himself, and dedicated his life to serving it. We’re dedicated to honoring that legacy.
Pat’s family and friends started the Pat Tillman Foundation to carry forward that legacy by giving military service members, veterans and spouses who embody those principles the educational tools and support they need to reach their fullest potential as leaders – no matter how they choose to serve.
“To err on the side of passion is human and right and the only way I’ll live.”
Our Values
Pat inspired us all to live our lives to fullest, and we’ve shaped this foundation around key principles that mattered to Pat the most.
service
Scholarship
Humble Leadership
Impact
The Tillman Scholar Network
Tillman Scholars are military service members, veterans and spouses with a high potential for impact as demonstrated through a proven track record of leadership, the continued pursuit of education and the commitment of their resources to service beyond self.
Tillman Scholars
Million Dollars Invested To Date
Universities and Growing
Foundation Leadership
We’re honored to help the next generation of leaders live selflessly, creating a better world. With your effort, we’ll continue to honor Pat’s legacy to inspire future generations.
Our Partners
Without loyal support, our mission would go unfulfilled. Meet our partners and sponsors who are empowering the Tillman Scholars.
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Looking to join the Pat Tillman Foundation?
Our team is passionate and purpose-driven, and as we grow our community, we’re looking to recruit individuals who want to help us achieve the mission.
News & Media Highlights
All of the latest news and press releases for the Pat Tillman Foundation.
Tillman Scholar Maggie Webber Is Shaping the Future of National Security
Maggie Webber has made protecting the U.S. her life’s work. She first enlisted in the Army in 2004 as a way to pursue her education but quickly found a passion for service and decided to make it her career. Since becoming a Tillman Scholar in 2011, Maggie has built a...
Robert Ham Honors Legendary Military Dog in New Documentary
Robert Ham is committed to telling stories that matter. A 2016 Tillman Scholar, Robert served in the Army as a combat documentarian for nearly a decade. After leaving active duty, he used his Tillman Scholarship to pursue his master's in film and television from the...
Tillman Scholar Brent Bubany Embarks on a New Mission in Emergency Medicine
Brent Bubany is trading in his Green Beret for medical scrubs. After an extensive career as a Special Forces operator and leader, Brent made the bold decision to pursue a new path in medicine. The career change was inspired by the hands-on medical experience he gained...
2016 Tillman Scholar Adam Popp Takes on the Western States 100
Adam Popp continues to push the limits of what's possible. A 2016 Tillman Scholar, Adam lost his leg in 2007 while serving as an explosive ordnance disposal technician (EOD) in Afghanistan. For years after, Adam maintained what he describes as a "couch potato"...
From Applicant to Tillman Scholar: Inside the 2025 Selection Process
As we prepare to introduce our newest class of Tillman Scholars, we’re taking a moment to bring you behind the scenes of the rigorous, months-long selection process that identifies the next generation of leaders. Each year, thousands of remarkable military veterans,...
L.A. County Firefighters to Receive Pat Tillman Award at 2025 ESPYS
At the Pat Tillman Foundation, our mission is to empower individuals who dedicate their lives to service and leadership. That’s why we’re so excited to see Los Angeles County firefighters David Walters and Erin Regan honored with this year's Pat Tillman Award for...