Pat Tillman is celebrated as a national icon who notably left his professional football career with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. Army in May 2002, following the events of the 9/11 terror attacks.
Tillman’s life came to a tragic end in Afghanistan in 2004 when he was only 27. To commemorate his legacy, ESPN grants an annual ESPY’s award in his honor. This award is presented to an individual who embodies the essence of valor, fidelity, and moral strength, qualities that Pat Tillman lived by, with the Pat Tillman Award For Service.
Not only was Pat Tillman a heroic American figure, but he also excelled on the football field. pic.twitter.com/SN9qo5y1tC
— Time Capsule Tales (@timecaptales) March 24, 2024
The most recent awarding has sparked debate, as ESPN chose to honor Prince Harry of the British royal family. Among the critics is Tillman’s own mother, Marie Tillman, who voiced her concern about the suitability of the Duke of Sussex for such recognition.
Reaction from Pat Tillman’s mother shows surprise with Prince Harry receiving the 2024 Pat Tillman Award for Service, asserting there are others more deserving. https://t.co/HZb7LNWcVK pic.twitter.com/yRxF953kY4
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 1, 2024
This Sunday, the elder Tillman conveyed to The Mail that she sees a number of candidates who would be more suitable for the distinction.
“The choice of such a contentious and polarizing figure is baffling… It overlooks deserving individuals. There are many in the veteran community who are making a huge difference in providing support to veterans,” she stated.
According to ESPN, Prince Harry was selected for his role in creating the Invictus Games.
“This year, marking a decade of the Invictus Games promoting recovery through sports for service members and veterans globally, ESPN and the Tillman Foundation are recognizing the Duke of Sussex’s outstanding efforts in establishing the foundation.”
Tillman’s mother pointed out that Harry’s privileges of wealth and status overshadow the unrecognized efforts and contributions made by individuals within the veteran’s community.
“Those fighting in the trenches for veterans don’t have the same access to wealth, resources, influential connections, or a platform that Prince Harry possesses. Such unsung heroes ought to be acknowledged,” she remarked.
Ex-NFL athlete and ESPN commentator Pat McAfee, who hosted the 2023 ESPY’s, also publicly disapproved of the award selection.
Pat McAfee critiques the decision to bestow Prince Harry with the esteemed Pat Tillman Award. ⤵️https://t.co/GbCex3p5zO
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 30, 2024
ESPN offered a response to the controversy surrounding their choice of honoree.
“We recognize that not every selection for an award will be met with consensus. Nonetheless, the work of the Invictus Games Foundation is remarkable, and ESPN believes it merits celebration,” the network said in a statement.
