Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, was honored with the prestigious 2024 Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYS event held in Los Angeles. The award, named after the heroic veteran Pat Tillman who sacrificed his NFL career after 9/11 to serve his country, has traditionally recognized unsung heroes in Tillman’s honor.

Despite the historical significance of the award, this year’s selection of Prince Harry stirred controversy, particularly when Mary Tillman, the mother of Pat Tillman, expressed her shock and disagreement with the choice. She voiced her belief that there are more deserving candidates for the award.

ESPN, the broadcasting network, had announced earlier that Prince Harry was chosen for his dedicated efforts in supporting the veteran community through The Invictus Games Foundation, an organization he established. The Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded servicemen and women, focuses on celebrating resilience, community, and healing through sports.

During the ESPYS event at the Dolby Theatre, an emotional Prince Harry, accompanied by his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, expressed his gratitude towards the Pat Tillman Foundation. He humbly redirected the spotlight to the veterans and service personnel from various nations who have contributed to the success of the Invictus Games, emphasizing that the award truly belonged to them.

Prince Harry highlighted the importance of recognizing the achievements and courage of veterans, athletes, and their families, attributing the decrease in veteran suicides over the past decade to the positive impact of the Invictus Games. He emphasized that the spirit of the games transcends boundaries and unites individuals through a shared purpose.

Despite the accolades, Mary Tillman’s dissenting voice resonated as she criticized Prince Harry as a controversial and divisive figure, advocating for the acknowledgment of individuals within the veteran community who lack the financial resources and privilege that Prince Harry possesses.

The controversy surrounding the award selection has sparked a debate on the criteria for honoring individuals in the veteran community, with contrasting opinions on who should be recognized for their contributions and service.