Pat Tillman's Mom Slams ESPYs for Giving Award to Prince Harry, ESPN Responds to Backlash

Prince Harry will be receiving the Pat Tillman Award at the upcoming 2024 ESPY Awards, but Pat Tillman‘s mother is not happy about it.

The award is given to “a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger, Pat Tillman.”

For those who don’t know, Pat Tillman was a former NFL player who enlisted in the military after 9/11. He died in 2004 at the age of 27 in Afghanistan.

Harry served 10 years in the British Armed Forces, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan. He went on to become the founder of the successful Invictus Games Foundation, which is an international platform to support wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women – both active duty and veterans – who are navigating both physical and invisible injuries.

So, what did Pat‘s mom say?

Keep reading to find out more…

“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” Mary Tillman told Daily Mail. “There are recipients that are far more fitting. 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.”

ESPN has reacted to the backlash.

The network said, “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. 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.”