FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (March 17, 2021) – No matter who you ask around Flagstaff, they will likely use a similar term to describe NAU Hall of Famer Rusty Tillman.
A wealth of knowledge.
The former Lumberjack, who spent significant time in the NFL as both a player and a coach, died earlier this week at the age of 75. Tillman arrived at NAU in 1966, playing defensive end, linebacker, tight end and punter for the Lumberjacks until 1969.
Leaving with the school record for punt average of 44.5 yards per punt, as well as what was then the longest punt in school history, Tillman landed in the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Redskins to begin his NFL career in 1970.
A native of Wisconsin, Tillman met his idol Vince Lombardi before the latter's death ahead of the 1970 season. Tillman then played in Washington for the extent of George Allen's tenure with the franchise and reached the Super Bowl in 1973 against the undefeated Miami Dolphins. Tillman went on to become a special teams ace for Washington, with many regarding him as one of the greatest special teamers ever, and was eventually named to the 80 Greatest Redskins of All-Time following his retirement.
Soon transitioning into coaching, Tillman began an extended run with the Seattle Seahawks in 1979 that would span the tenures of three head coaches through the 1994 season. Starting out as the team's special teams coach, Tillman would later coach the team's linebackers and tight ends as well. In 1992, Tillman shifted over to become Seattle's defensive coordinator for a three-year run. During his time in Seattle, Tillman's special team groups produced four pro bowlers for a total of six honors. Seattle led the league in punt coverage three times, kickoff coverage twice, and punt return average once under Tillman's guidance, with the group earning the moniker of RAT Patrol based on Tillman's initials.
Holding the defensive coordinator title for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995, Tillman then returned to special teams for the Oakland Raiders in 1997 and back to defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts in 1998.
Named the head coach of the XFL's New York/New Jersey Hitmen in 2001, Tillman spent the franchise's lone year of existence in the position before returning to the NFL in 2003 as the special teams coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.
NAU inducted Tillman into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984, during his run with Seattle, years before his return to Flagstaff would land him back involved in the sport where much of it began.
Tillman assisted Jeremiah Smith with the Coconino High School Panthers in 2014 after a chance encounter with one of the team's assistant coaches in Flagstaff. Introduced to Smith soon after, Tillman would share his knowledge with the coaching staff while working with the team's special teams and secondary.
Unsurprisingly, Tillman's vast special teams experience paid off as senior Fabian Lucero earned the Arizona Daily Sun Football Athlete of the Year thanks to four kickoff returns for touchdowns during the season.
Despite his immense experience in the sport, Tillman worked hard to provide any help he could according to Smith. Smith said throughout Tillman's short time with Coconino, the veteran coach would always ask Smith for his approval on gameplans and fell in line with the hierarchy of the staff.
Much to Smith's dismay, Tillman soon moved over to his alma mater after being introduced to former NAU head coach Jerome Souers. Spending a few seasons back with the Lumberjacks, helping with the team's defense and special teams, Tillman once again shared his decades of experience with NAU's staff and roster.
Leaving an impact on many current and former Lumberjacks, Tillman's sense of humor and insight were cited by many on social media following his passing.
