Prince Harry is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award at the upcoming ESPYS, an honor that has sparked controversy, particularly with the family of the award’s namesake.
The award, created to honor those with a strong connection to sports who have significantly served others, embodies the spirit of Pat Tillman, the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger who tragically lost his life to friendly fire in Afghanistan after enlisting post-9/11.
It has been over two decades since Tillman’s death, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in various ways, including through the ESPYS.
In 2003, he was posthumously awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, and in 2014, the ESPYS introduced the Pat Tillman Award for Service. The first recipient of this award was Joshua Sweeney, a veteran and Paralympian, setting a precedent for recognizing those who have made significant contributions to veteran welfare and embody Tillman’s enduring legacy.
This year, the award is slated to go to Prince Harry for his contributions to the veteran community through the Invictus Games, an international sporting event he founded for wounded soldiers. The Games have been recognized for promoting healing and camaraderie through sports among military service members and veterans globally, marking its 10th anniversary this year.
However, the decision to honor Prince Harry has not been universally welcomed. In a recent interview with The Daily Mail, Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, expressed her disapproval, questioning the choice of Prince Harry as the recipient.
She pointed out that there are many unsung heroes in the veteran community who, without the benefits of fame, money, or social standing, have also made substantial contributions to the welfare of veterans.
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Mary Tillman stated, “I am 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. 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 to the controversy, ESPN released a statement affirming their decision, citing the impactful work of the Invictus Games Foundation and the support of the Tillman Foundation for their choice. “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 read.
The discord over the choice of honoree highlights the complex considerations involved in awarding public honors, especially when they are tied to the legacy of a revered individual like Pat Tillman.
The situation calls for a delicate balance between honoring impactful work on a global scale and recognizing the quiet, profound efforts of lesser-known individuals within the community.
As the ESPYS approach on July 11th in Los Angeles, the debate underscores the ongoing dialogue about how best to honor legacy and service in a meaningful way.
