When the news first broke that Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex would be receiving the Pat Tillman Award at this year's ESPYs, Mary Tillman, the mother of the former NFL player/serviceman, slammed the decision for ESPN to give out this award to the royal family member.
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She earlier said, "I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award."
Tillman's mother noted that there were others, who were more deserving, that didn't have the privilege and resources that Prince Harry has.
There was public scrutiny over him getting chosen, especially after Tillman's mom made the comments, so much so that over 75,000 signatures were signed petitioning for the Prince to not receive the award.
Nevertheless, Harry evidently took the high road during Thursday night's award show, by acknowledging the bond between a mother and son, saying he understood the criticism.
"I'd also like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat's mother," Harry said. "Her advocacy for Pat's legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect."
Harry continued, "The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses," which was referencing his mom Princess Diana passing away in a car crash when he was younger.
"I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather 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. This award belongs to them, not to me."
Prince Harry is the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
The Duke of Sussex founded The Invictus Games, an international platform that supports wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women who are navigating both physical and invisible injuries. pic.twitter.com/M3F3Rmft4j
— ESPN (@espn) July 12, 2024
Prince Harry, who served 10 years in the British army and took part in two tours in Afghanistan, received the award because of his role in being the founder of the Invictus Games, which is a worldwide multi-sport event for wounded, injured servicemen and women. Ultimately, the goal is to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation, while also simultaneously bringing awareness as well as admiration to the resilience and strength of the veterans."
"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," Harry stated. "In front of people like you. Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus the most and reduce the more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives, in this country alone."
The Invictus Games started in 2014, as he noted, "This year, we are celebrating 10 years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport."
There is no doubt that Prince Harry deserves the Pat Tillman Award for Service. He has dedicated his time to supporting wounded and sick servicemen and women through various charitable efforts worldwide.
His focus on promoting mental health awareness, supporting rehabilitation… pic.twitter.com/GYIYrS4hlF
— Aikon MM-Ogedengbe (@Aikoges) July 12, 2024
All in all, after last night's speech, the skeptics can at least admit that the recipient of the Pat Tillman award, as founding the Invictus Games, includes a strong connection to sports, by serving others in a way that echoes what the legendary Arizona Cardinals player stood for.
