In a remarkable twist of fate, an iconic photograph of former NFL player Pat Tillman has survived the devastating floodwaters of Hurricane Helene, which recently struck Florida. The negative, captured by photographer Gene Lower during Tillman’s rookie season with the Arizona Cardinals in 1998, narrowly escaped destruction when Lower’s family home in St. Pete Beach was inundated during the powerful storm.
The Passion of Pat Tillman
Gene Lower, then a young photographer covering Cardinals games, was drawn to the intense rookie defensive back wearing the No. 40 jersey. Tillman’s on-field performance could be summed up in a single word: passion. Lower used roll after roll of film, determined to capture the spirit of this rising NFL star.
The moment finally came at Sun Devil Stadium, with Tillman celebrating a tackle in his signature style:
- Hair flowing up and out
- Helmet raised in his right hand
- Eyes clenched shut
- Mouth agape in a primal scream
“I caught him in stride, giving that primal scream of passion and excitement, ripping his helmet off and just that explosion of emotion that rained from him after that play. It couldn’t have come out any better if I planned it that way.”
– Gene Lower, photographer
The image became one of Lower’s most treasured shots, but it would be over five years before the rest of the world took notice. Tragically, it was Tillman’s death while serving with the Army Rangers in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004, that finally brought the photograph to prominence. Lower immediately recognized its significance.
“Of all the images from the former Cardinal’s life, this one photo screams, ‘I am Pat Tillman,’” Lower recalled thinking upon learning of Tillman’s passing. He contacted Sports Illustrated, and the image graced the cover of the May 3, 2004 issue, cementing its status as an iconic representation of Tillman’s spirit.
A Statue Inspired by a Photograph
The photograph’s influence extended beyond the pages of Sports Illustrated. Today, a bronze statue inspired by Lower’s image stands at Pat Tillman Freedom Plaza in Glendale, Arizona, outside the Cardinals’ home stadium. The statue serves as an enduring tribute to the passion and sacrifice of a man who gave up a promising NFL career to serve his country.
Tragedy Strikes Again
For Gene Lower and his family, the past year has been marked by unimaginable heartbreak. In August 2023, Lower’s teenage son, Ryder, took his own life after a battle with emotional struggles and Type 1 diabetes. Seeking a fresh start, the family relocated from Arizona to Florida, only to face the wrath of Hurricane Helene mere months later.
The powerful storm sent floodwaters surging through their St. Pete Beach home, destroying nearly all of their belongings, including thousands of Lower’s irreplaceable photo negatives from his early career. Amidst the devastation, however, the family found solace in the miraculous survival of one cherished item: the urn containing Ryder’s ashes.
A Twist of Fate
As Lower sifted through the wreckage, he made another stunning discovery. The negative of his iconic Pat Tillman photograph, which he had stored separately in a shoebox with a few other valuables, had also weathered the storm. Though water-damaged around the edges and covered in a sticky substance, the core image remained intact.
“Unfortunately, when I did find it, it was submerged in water, and I was heartbroken to think that it might be lost forever. I feel like it needs to survive and be passed down from generation to generation, like Pat’s story.”
– Gene Lower
Lower is uncertain whether the negative can be fully restored, but he is determined to find a way to share its enduring message. He plans to make prints and raise money for charity, ensuring that the passion captured in that single frame continues to inspire others, just as it has for the past quarter-century.
In the face of unimaginable loss and devastation, Gene Lower’s iconic photograph of Pat Tillman stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through the power of a single image, the story of a young man who sacrificed everything for his beliefs will endure, reminding us all of the importance of passion, dedication, and unwavering courage in the face of adversity.
