Prince Harry Gives Emotional Speech At The 2024 ESPYs Amid Award Controversy

Prince Harry delivered a moving speech while accepting the 2024 Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYs on Thursday night.

The Duke of Sussexaccepted the award given to recipients with “a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger, Pat Tillman,” per ESPN.

Tillman quit his pro football career after the 9/11 attacks to enlist in the Army. He was killed in Afghanistan in 2004 in a friendly fire incident.

Harry began his speech by expressing his gratitude to the Pat Tillman Foundation, co-founded by Marie Tillman Shelton, who was in attendance at the ceremony Thursday night. Tillman Shelton was married to Tillman when he was killed.

The duke also recognized Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, who had publicly criticized ESPN’s decision to honor Harry.

“I would like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother,” he said onstage. “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal, and one that I respect.”

“The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses,” he continued.

ESPN’s selection of Harry as the award recipient sparked criticism in the weeks leading up to the ceremony, most notably from Mary Tillman.

“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” Mary Tillman told the Daily Mail last month. “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,” she continued. “I feel that those types of individuals should