Former NFL player Pat Tillman joined the United States Army in May of 2002 after the September 11 attacks, also for his heroic attempts serving the nation, there's presently a petition calling for the league to retire his No. 40 jersey.

At Monday night, roughly 1,500 individuals have signed up the request on Change.org, and as the United States approaches the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the secretary of this request is decided to make it a fact.

"It's my hope for the remainder of time, anytime an unidentified individual enters an NFL stadium, they'll see TILLMAN 40 hanging in the rafters along with his story is going to need to be informed and his title will probably continue to be spoken." The request read.

Tillman was working as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan when he was killed by friendly fire in age 27.

He had been a All-American linebacker for Arizona State and has been chosen in the seventh round by the Arizona Cardinals from the 1998 NFL Draft.

He'd enlist in the U.S. Army in 2002 after turning down a contract by the Cardinals.

In the aftermath of his passing, the Pat Tillman Foundation was created to honor his heritage. The foundation hosts an yearly run to raise money which goes to support military and veterans spouses.