November 6 · Pat Tillman at 50
Pat Tillman would have turned 50 today. He played linebacker at Arizona State and safety for the Arizona Cardinals, then walked away from the NFL after September 11 to serve as an Army Ranger. He was killed in Afghanistan in 2004.
His family and friends started the Pat Tillman Foundation to carry his example forward. Today it supports Tillman Scholars: veterans and military spouses who keep serving in medicine, public service, education and beyond.
Why it matters to us
Heroes are why we exist.
We started Kettle Heroes in 2013 as a food truck at Arizona farmers markets and Cardinals games, inspired by Pat’s example and by our own family’s service. Our grandfather, Major Gordon Sinykin, was aboard the USS Missouri for the Japanese surrender in 1945, and our father, Captain Daniel Sinykin, served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. We wanted to build a company that honors people who step up for others without asking for credit.
Through our partnership with the Pat Tillman Foundation, we’ve donated over $70,000 and honored 27 Tillman Scholars on our bags. Every bag we make carries the story of a different everyday hero, so you never know who you’ll meet when you open one.
No sale today
Just a thank-you.
There’s nothing to buy here today. If Pat’s story moves you, we hope you’ll learn more about the Pat Tillman Foundation and the Tillman Scholars who carry his legacy forward.
Know an everyday hero?
Tell us about them.
A teacher, a nurse, a coach, a neighbor. Nominate someone who quietly makes your community better, and they could be featured on a future bag. Every nomination also joins our Wall of Heroes.
Real Ingredients. Real Bold Flavor. Real Everyday Heroes.
With gratitude, from our family to yours. #EverydayHeroes
