Tillman does relatively well in the marathon and returns for the season stronger and fitter than ever. He continues to keep a journal after the Europe trip, observing that this year will be pivotal for him. If he does well, he will be made a starter again, hopefully for the rest of his career. The season starts roughly, with an embarrassing loss to the Giants wherein Tillman misses a tackle, falls on his face, and enables a 78-yard touchdown. Shaken by this loss, he loses his temper during practice and fights another player, for which his coach strongly admonishes him. He turns things around, however, playing very well in the next few games and ensuring a handful of wins for the Cardinals. On October 12, 2000, another al-Qaeda suicide attack hits a huge U.S. missile destroyer ship, killing and severely injuring many soldiers. Bin Laden is trying to goad the U.S. into war, resolving to continue larger and larger attacks until the U.S. fights back, drawn into an unwinnable war just as the Soviets were.

That November, George W. Bush’s controversial election occurs in November. Al Gore wins the popular vote, but thanks in large part to third party candidate Ralph Nader’s presence on the ballot, the votes are split so closely in Florida that multiple recounts are called.