PHOTOS: Arizona State’s new Pat Tillman Tunnel will inspire

Update: Here’s what it looks like in action:

Very cool.

Arizona State’s tribute to Pat Tillman, the former Sun Devils defensive back who was killed in Afghanistan after joining the Army, is impressive. The school calls it Pat Tillman Tunnel, and it serves as an inspirational reminder of Tillman’s sacrifice. If ASU’s players need help getting pumped up on any given game day, this will probably take care of it.

“Pat’s principles are such an important part of everything we do,” Vice President for University Athletics Steve Patterson said in a statement. “The values he represented and the tradition he built upon helped bridge the gap between the field and the community, so it is fitting that this tunnel bears his legacy.”

Tillman gave up a successful career in the NFL -- and a contract offer worth more than $3.5 million -- to enlist in the Army not long after 9/11. He was initially a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom before later being redeployed to Afghanistan, where he was killed by friendly fire in 2004.

Since then, his legacy has only grown more significant, and his story has become a vital part of Arizona State athletics. There’s no better example of that than the tunnel named in his honor, which will be motivating Sun Devils players and coaches as they step onto the field for a long time to come.

(All images courtesy Arizona State. A full set of photos is available here.)

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