History of the Arizona Cardinals Devil Stadium. Tragedy struck the team on April 22, 2004 when former safety Pat Tillman, a popular player who was an All-American at Arizona State, was killed in Afghanistan while serving in the United States Army. Tillman left professional football following the 2001 season to serve in the military in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Tillman became the first NFL player to lose his life in war since Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Bob Kalsu died in 1970 during the Vietnam War. Tillman's jersey number 40 was retired at the Cardinals' first home game of 2004. In early
1971 Lamar Cardinals football team 4–1 conference record. The 4–1 conference record was good enough for the Cardinals to tie for the conference championship. The team ended the season in a three-way tie for first place in conference play. The Cardinals shared the conference title with new member, Louisiana Tech, and departing member, Trinity. 1971 Lamar Cardinals football team The 1971 Lamar Cardinals football team represented Lamar University in the 1971 NCAA football season as a member of the Southland Conference. The Cardinals played their home games at Cardinal Stadium now named Provost Umphrey Stadium in Beaumont, Texas. The Cardinals competed at the NCAA College