In a move that has sparked significant backlash, Prince Harry accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards. The decision to honor the British royal has drawn sharp criticism, notably from the late soldier’s mother, Mary Tillman, who expressed her disappointment over ESPN’s choice.
Prince Harry, visibly moved, began his acceptance speech by expressing “deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation.” He specifically acknowledged Pat’s widow, Marie Tillman Shenton, and his mother, Mary Tillman. “Mary’s advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect. The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses,” Harry said, as Meghan Markle watched from the audience.
While dedicating his award to the “entire service community,” it was Harry’s nod to Mary Tillman that seemed to resonate most. However, not everyone was pleased with the choice to honor him.
Following the announcement that Prince Harry would receive the prestigious award for founding the Invictus Games, Mary Tillman did not hold back her disapproval. “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she told the Daily Mail.
Mary Tillman highlighted the fact that there are many unsung heroes within the veteran community who, unlike Prince Harry, lack the “money, resources, connections or privilege” but are doing extraordinary work to support veterans. She pointed out that Harry, as a member of the British royal family, already enjoys immense fame and has received numerous accolades. She argued that the ESPY Award should have been given to someone less in the spotlight, someone whose contributions might otherwise go unnoticed.
Adding to the controversy, Page Six reported that Mary Tillman and her family were not informed about Harry being chosen as an honoree, despite usually being notified about past recipients. Network insiders, however, countered this by stating that Mary has never been involved in the selection process and is not formally associated with the Pat Tillman Foundation, which collaborates with ESPN in determining honorees.
The Pat Tillman Award for Service was established in 2014 to honor the legacy of the late NFL star who left the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the Army following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Pat Tillman was tragically killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan. The award celebrates those who exemplify service and sacrifice, values that Tillman held dear.
Previous recipients of the award include the Buffalo Bills training staff, who saved NFL star Damar Hamlin’s life after he suffered a cardiac arrest on the field; Marcus Rashford, a soccer star who raised millions for food charity during the COVID-19 pandemic; and Danielle Green, a former basketball player injured in military combat.
Prince Harry’s receipt of the Pat Tillman Award for Service has undoubtedly stirred debate, reflecting broader tensions over how we recognize and honor contributions to the veteran community. While Harry’s Invictus Games have made a significant impact, the criticism from Mary Tillman highlights a deeper concern about privilege, recognition, and the true meaning of service. As the conversation continues, it remains clear that the legacy of Pat Tillman continues to evoke strong emotions and a passionate commitment to honoring genuine acts of service.
