Prince Harry is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards, but the announcement has not been without controversy.
Mary Tillman, the mother of the late NFL star and U.S. soldier Pat Tillman, has publicly expressed her dismay at the decision. The Duke of Sussex is being honored for his contributions to the veteran community through the Invictus Games, a global sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service members.
Mary Tillman voiced her concerns to the Daily Mail, stating she was "shocked" by the selection of Prince Harry for the prestigious award named after her son. "I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award," she said.
Tillman emphasized that there are many other individuals in the veteran community who are doing significant work without the resources and privileges that Prince Harry possesses. "There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans," she added. "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."
ESPN, which presents the award with the support of the Pat Tillman Foundation, stood by its decision. In a statement, the network acknowledged the controversy but highlighted the impact of the Invictus Games.
"ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world," the statement read. "While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, the Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work, and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating."
Pat Tillman, who gave up his NFL career to enlist in the U.S. Army following the 9/11 attacks, died in Afghanistan in 2004 at the age of 27. The award named in his honor is presented annually to an individual who has used their connection to sports to positively impact the lives of others. Previous recipients include the Buffalo Bills training staff for saving Damar Hamlin's life and soccer star Marcus Rashford for his efforts to combat child hunger in England during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prince Harry's involvement with the Invictus Games stems from his own military service. He served in the British Army for a decade, including two tours in Afghanistan, and founded the Invictus Games in 2014. The event has since grown, with the 2023 games welcoming participants from 21 nations. The games aim to use the power of sport to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation for service members.
Despite the controversy, many within the veteran community have spoken positively about the impact of the Invictus Games. Retired Chief Master Sgt. Garrett Kuwada, a member of Team U.S.A., emphasized the importance of the event in his healing process. "Even just now when I looked out, everybody's got a smile on their face. Every competitor that's out there, they're smiling. And they're from all different countries," he said. "I'm so grateful that Prince Harry put this together for us veterans to come together and use this as part of our healing process. And we are, we're healing, because everybody is smiling."
Garrett's wife, Joey, echoed these sentiments, noting that the games have given her husband "purpose" and have been "lifesaving" for many veterans. "This is something that veterans, from our story, Garrett and I's story, it saved his life. He looks forward to competing, it gives him purpose, it gives him something to strive for," she said.
