Prince Harry was officially presented with the Pat Tillman Award at the 2024 ESPYS , despite the outcry from critics who thought the royal wasn't deserving of the honor.
The Duke of Sussex attended this year's ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Calif., on Thursday, July 11, where he was honored with the award named for former NFL star Pat Tillman , who was killed by friendly fire while working as a U.S. Army Ranger in Afghanistan in 2004.
Following an emotional video montage about the Invictus Games, the international multi-sport competition for injured and sick service personnel that Harry founded a decade ago, he walked across the stage to officially receive the award. His wife, Meghan Markle , was watching from the audience during Thursday's event.
The Spare author looked solemn as he took a moment to address the audience.
"I’d like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation led by Marie Tillman Shenton , who I’m so honored is here tonight," Harry said. "I’d also like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman , Pat’s mother. Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal, and one that I respect. The bond between a mother and son is eternal, and transcends even the greatest losses."
Harry then explained that he was not accepting the award as a prince, but as a "voice" for the Invictus Games and the "thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality."
"This award belongs to them, not to me," he insisted. "That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit and their courage at every opportunity—especially on nights like this in front of people like you. Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus most, and reduce more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives, in this country alone.”
The Pat Tillman Award for Service, which was presented for the first time in 2014, seeks to carry on Tillman's legacy by honoring individuals with a strong connection to both sports and service.
But Harry's suitability for the award was previously called into question by critics who felt he wasn't deserving of the honor. Among those who publicly expressed their dissatisfaction was Tillman's own mother.
Speaking to the Daily Mail in an interview published late last month, Tillman's mother said 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. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans," she said at the time, further claiming, "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 later defended its decision to select Harry as this year's recipient, making a point to highlight the royal—who served for 10 years in the British Armed Forces—for his work through his Invictus Games Foundation.
"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," ESPN said in a statement to Us Weekly at the start of July.
"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," the statement added.
Next: John Lennon's Son Sends Scathing Message to Prince Harry
Most Popular
Comments / 0