Marie Tillman Shenton, the chair and co-founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation, has expressed her disapproval of ESPN’s decision to award Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award at this year’s ESPYs. The Tillman Foundation, which was founded by Marie, was not involved in the selection process and Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman’s mother, does not play a role in it. The award is given to individuals with a strong connection to sports who have dedicated themselves to serving others in a manner that reflects the legacy of Pat Tillman.
ESPN defended their choice by highlighting Prince Harry’s work with The Invictus Games Foundation, an organization that promotes healing for military service members and veterans through sports. They emphasized that while not everyone may agree with their selection of honorees, the work of The Invictus Games Foundation is truly commendable. Last year, the Pat Tillman Award was presented to the training staff of the Buffalo Bills for their heroic efforts in saving the life of Damar Hamlin.
Pat Tillman himself was a safety for the Arizona Cardinals who chose to leave the NFL and join the Army following the 9/11 attacks. Tragically, he lost his life in Afghanistan in 2004 at the young age of 27. His legacy lives on through the Pat Tillman Foundation and