Prince Harry Delivers Compelling Speech At ESPYs, Honoring Pat Tillman's Mother Amid Backlash
Prince Harry delivered a compelling acceptance speech Thursday at the 2024 ESPY Awards, where he notably honored Pat Tillman's mother, despite her earlier harsh criticisms of him.
ESPN announced weeks in advance that the Duke of Sussex would receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the annual ceremony. However, just days later, Pat's mother Mary Tillman publicly criticized both Harry and the network for their decision. She expressed her surprise and labeled the royal as "controversial and divisive."
However, when Harry, 39, addressed the audience at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, he chose to address the honor with grace. During his acceptance speech, he paused to specifically recognize Mary Tillman.
"Her advocacy for Pat's legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect," he said. "The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses."
Harry also expressed gratitude to Pat's widow, Marie Tillman Shenton, before discussing the reason behind receiving the award — his involvement in establishing The Invictus Games Foundation, which supports veterans who are wounded or injured.
Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices made by men and women in service over the years.
"This award belongs to them," he stated. "Not to me."
The audience, which included Harry's wife Meghan Markle, gave him a standing ovation both before and after his speech. Following the event, former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III commended Harry for his impactful words on stage.
Although Mary initially expressed dissatisfaction with the award choice, past recipients voiced their support. U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro Jr., who received the Tillman honor in 2017, described Harry as a deserving recipient.
ESPN stood by its decision in response to Mary's criticism, issuing a statement on July 1 affirming that Prince Harry and his foundation contribute significantly to important causes, which ESPN considers worthy of recognition and celebration.
