Mary Tillman, the mother of former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman, has strongly condemned ESPN's decision to give the Pat Tillman Award to Prince Harry. Tillman was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2004 after enlisting in the military following the 9/11 attacks.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Mary Tillman expressed her shock and disagreement with ESPN's choice, stating that she was never consulted about awarding the Duke of Sussex with the honor named after her son. "I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award," she said.

Tillman argued that there are more deserving recipients who are actively serving the veteran community and making meaningful contributions. "There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans," she added.

The outspoken mother also pointed out that Prince Harry is already a high-profile public figure who has received numerous accolades, and that ESPN should have chosen someone lesser-known who could truly benefit from the recognition.

ESPN analyst Pat McAfee echoed Tillman's sentiments, accusing the network of "trying to piss people off" by selecting Prince Harry for the award. "It's going to Prince Harry," McAfee said on his talk show, "who I don't even think is a Prince anymore, right? He said don't call me that? See, why does the ESPYs do this s--t?"

The Pat Tillman Award was established in 2014 to honor individuals who have served in a manner that reflects Tillman's legacy of selflessness and dedication. Past recipients have included unsung heroes, such as the Buffalo Bills training staff who revived Damar Hamlin after his on-field cardiac arrest.

Despite the controversy, ESPN has defended its decision, stating that the award recipients are those who have "used their platforms to change the world and make it more inclusive for marginalized and suffering communities." The network praised Prince Harry's work with the Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for wounded, injured or sick servicemen and women.

However, Mary Tillman remains unconvinced, arguing that ESPN should have chosen someone more closely aligned with her son's spirit of service and sacrifice. "There are recipients that are far more fitting," she said.

The Pat Tillman Award is named after the former Arizona Cardinals safety who left the NFL to enlist in the Army after the 9/11 attacks. Tillman was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004, and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service.

In the years since his death, Tillman has become a symbol of patriotism and sacrifice, with the award bearing his name intended to recognize individuals who have made similar contributions to their country and community.

For Mary Tillman, the decision to honor Prince Harry, a member of the British royal family, with an award named after her American son is a step too far. She sees it as a betrayal of her son's legacy and a disservice to the true unsung heroes who have followed in his footsteps.

"Pat Tillman was a man of principle, who gave up his NFL career to serve his country in a time of war," Tillman said. "He made the ultimate sacrifice, and this award should be reserved for those who have shown that same level of dedication and selflessness."

The controversy surrounding ESPN's choice has reignited a broader debate about the nature of military service and sacrifice, and who should be recognized for their contributions. For some, Prince Harry's service in the British Army, including two tours in Afghanistan, is worthy of such an honor.

But for Mary Tillman and others who have closely followed her son's story, the award should be reserved for those who have made similar choices to Tillman – to put service above self, and to put the needs of their country before their own personal interests.

As the 2024 ESPY Awards approach, the debate over the Pat Tillman Award is likely to continue. ESPN has stood by its decision, but the network may face further criticism and pushback from those who see the award as a sacred trust that must be protected.

For Mary Tillman, the fight to preserve her son's legacy and ensure that it is properly honored is far from over. She remains a vocal and passionate advocate for the men and women who have served their country, and she will not back down from her challenge to ESPN's choice.

"My son gave everything for this country, and this award should reflect that level of commitment and sacrifice," Tillman said. "I will continue to speak out and fight for what I believe is right, because that is what Pat would have wanted."

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