Mary Tillman, Mother of Pat Tillman, “Shocked” by Prince Harry Receiving ESPY Award Named for Her Son

Mary Tillman, mother of the late Pat Tillman, has spoken out against the naming of Prince Harry as this year’s recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service, a special ESPY Award honoring sports-connected figures who have made a positive impact on others. It has often highlighted military veterans.

In an interview with the Daily Mail after the announcement, she said she was “shocked” by the choice.

“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she said. “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.”

Pat Tillman was an NFL safety with the Arizona Cardinals who quit football and enlisted in the US Army in the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks. In 2004, he was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan.

Harry, who served in the British army for 10 years and did two tours in Afghanistan himself, was selected by ESPN for the award because of his work with the Invictus Games, a sports competition for wounded, sick, and injured veterans and military personnel that he started 10 years ago with the help of Sir Keith Mills. Inspired by the US Department of Defense’s Warrior Games, he expanded on the idea by organizing an international Paralympic-style competition that now has participants from at least 23 countries. Beyond the competition itself, the Invictus Games provides additional support and programming for military personnel and their families throughout the year.

In a statement to Vanity Fair, a spokesperson for ESPN stood by the network’s choice: “ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of the Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world. 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.”

Pat Tillman’s widow, Marie Tillman Shenton, is the Tillman Foundation’s chair and cofounder, while Mary Tillman is not listed as a leader on the organization’s website.

When Harry learned that he’d been selected for the honor, he simply said, “This one is for our entire service community.”

The ESPYs, airing on ABC at 8 p.m. on July 11, will be hosted this year by Serena Williams, a close friend of Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle.

Representatives for Mary Tillman did not immediately return Vanity Fair’s request for comment.