Prince Harry was presented with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs on Thursday night in Hollywood, California. The award, given for his work with the Invictus Games, came amid controversy surrounding the decision to select the Duke of Sussex as the recipient.
In his acceptance speech, Harry addressed the Tillman family, particularly acknowledging Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary. “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect,” Harry said. He also emphasized that the award belongs to the Invictus Games Foundation and its participants rather than himself.
The Prince stressed about the unifying power of the Invictus Games, especially in the current global climate.
“While so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state,” he said.
“We live in an age marked by polarisation and division. Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere.”
The Invictus Games, founded by Harry in 2014, is an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. Harry highlighted the event’s impact, stating,
“This year we’re celebrating ten years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport.”
The decision to present Harry with the Pat Tillman Award got a lot of backlash from many people, particularly from Mary Tillman, who expressed shock at the choice when she spoke to the Daily Mail. She said,
“There are recipients that are far more fitting. 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.”
In response to the controversy, ESPN defended its decision, saying,
“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.”
A Change.org petition was launched urging ESPN to reconsider its decision, citing concerns about Harry’s military record and recent controversies. The petition garnered over 70,000 signatures before the ceremony.
The ESPYs ceremony, hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams, saw Harry attend with his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. Williams, a friend of Meghan’s, made light of the controversies surrounding the couple, saying,
“Please Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight, because this is my night, and I don’t want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you guys are taking up too much oxygen.”
The Pat Tillman Award honors individuals with a strong connection to sports who have served others in a way that echoes Tillman’s legacy.
According to his profile, Pat Tillman was once an NFL player but he left that path after 9/11 inorder to enlist in the U.S. Army. He was later killed during his service in Afghanistan.