Prince Harry Receives Pat Tillman Award for Service at 2024 ESPYs Amid Controversy

 Prince Harry was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs on Thursday night, despite facing criticism from the mother of the fallen veteran over the decision.

Prince Harry

Accepting the award at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, the Duke of Sussex began his speech by thanking the Pat Tillman Foundation and acknowledging Tillman’s family, particularly his mother, Mary Tillman.

"Her advocacy for Pat's legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect," Harry said. "The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses."

Pat Tillman, a former NFL player, left his football career to enlist in the U.S. Army following the 9/11 attacks and was later killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan. The award recognized Prince Harry, 39, for his work with the Invictus Games, an annual international sporting event he founded for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both active duty and veterans. Accompanied by Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, Harry dedicated the award to the veterans.

"I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather as a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality," he said. "This award belongs to them, not to me."

He continued, "The spirit of the Invictus Games transcends race, time, and borders. It is born from unity and exudes purpose. This year we're celebrating ten years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport."

Last month, ESPN announced Harry as the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYs, which was hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams. However, Mary Tillman expressed her disagreement with the decision, telling the Daily Mail that she was "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," she said. "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."

In response, ESPN issued a statement asserting that the choice was made "with the support of the Tillman Foundation." "We understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award," ESPN said. "The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work, and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating."

The Pat Tillman Award for Service honors a person "with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy" of Pat Tillman, according to ESPN. Previous winners include the Buffalo Bills' training staff, Army veteran Gretchen Evans, and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford.