Prince Harry is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY) Awards on Thursday (July 11). However, the decision to award the Duke of Sussex with the prize created in honor of NFL player-turned-US Army Ranger Pat Tillman sparked outrage.
Mary Tillman, the mother of late former Arizona Cardinals safety-turned-US Army soldier Pat Tillman, heavily criticized the ESPY Awards’ choice, as she was allegedly not consulted. She said, “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award. There are recipients that are far more fitting.”
Prince Harry is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service
Mary continued, “There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans. These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections, or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized.”
The award is given by the sports TV network ESPN each year to a “person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player.” Notable recipients have included Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, who was awarded in 2021 after helping raise millions of dollars during the COVID-19 pandemic to help feed children in England. Hosted this year by tennis legend Serena Williams, ESPN announced its list of nominations and recipients, including Prince Harry, last week.
Kate Jackson, VP Production at ESPN, said in a press release, “It’s our privilege to recognize three incredible individuals — Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley, and Prince Harry. These honorees have used their platforms to change the world and make it more inclusive for marginalized and suffering communities, demonstrating incredible resilience, positivity, and perseverance, and we’re thrilled to celebrate them at The 2024 ESPYS.”
He will be awarded at the 2024 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY) Awards on Thursday (July 11)
According to ESPN, the 39-year-old noble was being honored for his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport” with the Invictus Games. The Games is a multi-sport event held for wounded, injured, and ill servicemen and women, and it has been running since 2014. However, backlash has grown since the network’s decision, and a petition was created over the weekend demanding ESPN rethink its decision, citing Harry’s controversial actions that question his suitability for the award.
The petition states, “Awarding this honor to someone who does not reflect the award’s intent diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman’s memory.” Royal commentator Angela Mollard told Sky News Australia that, while the Invictus Games are amazing, Harry receiving this award seems odd. She hinted that some organizations might be seeking extra publicity by giving the award to Harry.
The decision to award the Duke of Sussex with the prize created in honor of NFL player-turned-US Army Ranger Pat Tillman sparked outrage
Mollard suggested, “I think these awards want some coverage, so they will give it to Harry rather than someone who is probably a bit more deserving. Maybe somebody who is American for a start. While his Invictus Games are amazing, I don’t think that qualifies him for this award.”
Prince Harry served in the British Army for a decade, starting his military career in 2005 at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He rose to the rank of Captain and completed two tours in Afghanistan. His military service led to his involvement in veteran support initiatives like the Invictus Games, and he retired from active duty in 2015.
According to the Pat Tillman Foundation, Patrick Tillman was a standout player for the Arizona Cardinals and enlisted in the U.S. Army with his brother Kevin following the September 11 attacks. They served as Army Rangers, and Pat tragically died in Afghanistan in 2004 in a case of fratricide.
Mary Tillman, the mother of late former Arizona Cardinals safety-turned-US Army soldier Pat Tillman, heavily criticized the ESPY Awards’ choice
Pat Tillman and his brother Kevin joined the U.S. Army in 2002, committing to a three-year term. The brothers served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, demonstrating immense bravery. On April 22, 2004, Pat’s unit was ambushed in Afghanistan, and he valiantly tried to cover for his fellow soldiers, leading to his death by fratricide.
“What a shame,” a reader commented
The decision to honor Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award has certainly stirred controversy. Many believe the award, meant to celebrate a true reflection of Pat Tillman’s legacy, should go to someone embodying those values unambiguously. As the debate continues, it raises questions about how we honor our heroes and the true essence of service and contribution.
