Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, accepted the controversial Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards on Thursday, July 11th, despite backlash surrounding the decision.
The award, named after former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman who was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004, is given to individuals who have made significant contributions echoing Tillman’s legacy. Prince Harry was recognized for his work with the Invictus Games Foundation, an adaptive sports competition he founded in 2014 for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans.
However, the choice to honor Prince Harry was met with criticism, particularly from Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman. In an interview with the Daily Mail, she expressed shock at the selection, stating, “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.”
Despite the backlash, Prince Harry accepted the award, acknowledging Mary Tillman’s advocacy for her son’s legacy and the bond between a mother and son. In his speech, he emphasized that the award belonged to the thousands of veterans and service personnel who have made the Invictus Games a reality.
“The truth is, I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel across 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality,” he said.
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Prince Harry also highlighted the healing power of the Invictus Games, noting that the “spirit” of the event “transcends race, time and borders” and is “born from unity” and “exudes purpose.”
ESPN, which aired the ESPY Awards, defended its decision to honor Prince Harry, stating that while they understand not everyone will agree with all honorees, “The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.”
The 2024 ESPY Awards, hosted by Serena Williams, featured several special honorees, including former NFL safety Steve Gleason, who received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, and University of South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley, who received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.