Pat Tillman’s mom blasts ESPY decision!
The latest celebrity drama is heating up, and it’s got a royal twist that you won’t believe.
Mary Tillman, mother of fallen American hero Pat Tillman, has taken to the airwaves to deliver a bombshell critique of the ESPYS’ decision to honor Prince Harry with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award.
The hero behind the award.
Pat Tillman was a standout NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals. But his story didn’t end on the football field.
After the September 11 attacks, Tillman made a shocking decision: he left behind his NFL career to enlist in the U.S. Army as an Army Ranger.
Pat Tillman’s shocking decision.
This wasn’t a move to escape the limelight—Tillman turned down a multi-million dollar contract to serve his country during a time of crisis.
Tragically, Tillman was killed in Afghanistan in 2004 by friendly fire. His sacrifice was honored with posthumous awards, including the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.
The legacy of the Pat Tillman award.
The Pat Tillman Award was established in 2014 to recognize individuals who embody the spirit of Pat Tillman. It’s meant to celebrate those who make significant sacrifices for the greater good.
Past recipients have been true unsung heroes, including the Buffalo Bills training staff who saved Damar Hamlin’s life during a game last year.
Prince Harry to receive Pat Tillman award!
ESPN has announced that the Duke of Sussex will be this year’s recipient of the Pat Tillman Award at the 2024 ESPYS.
So, when Mary Tillman hears that Prince Harry, a well-known royal figure, is getting this year’s award, you can understand why she might be a little taken aback.
And let’s just say, Mary Tillman is not happy about it. In a candid interview with the Daily Mail, she made her disappointment crystal clear.
Mary Tillman’s outrage revealed.
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” Mary told the Daily Mail.
Ouch. That’s a pretty scathing review from someone who should know. But what’s got her so riled up?
Mary Tillman’s disappointment is crystal clear!
“There are recipients that are far more fitting,” Mary said. “There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.”
Mary’s critique isn’t just about the choice of Prince Harry. It’s about what she sees as a deviation from the award’s original intent.
Prince Harry’s fame overshadows deserving heroes, says Tillman.
She argues that Harry’s fame and accolades overshadow the quieter, more deserving heroes who have been the previous recipients of the Pat Tillman Award.
“He’s already famous and has received plenty of awards,” Mary pointed out. “Why not choose someone who’s never been in the spotlight?”
ESPN analyst Pat McAfee joins the criticism.
And Mary isn’t the only one voicing criticism. ESPN analyst Pat McAfee also weighed in, expressing his disbelief on his talk show.
“It’s going to Prince Harry,” McAfee said. “Who I don’t even think is a Prince anymore, right? He said don’t call me that?”
McAfee didn’t hold back, calling the decision “the most embarrassing thing I’ve seen in my entire life.”
The Invictus Games connection.
So why is Prince Harry being honored with the Pat Tillman Award? The answer lies in his work with the Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for wounded servicemen and veterans.
Harry launched the Invictus Games in 2014, aiming to support injured military personnel and showcase their resilience and strength.
“This one is for our entire service community,” Harry said after learning he would receive the award. He described it as a tribute to those who serve.
Plea to highlight lesser-known heroes, not royals.
Despite Harry’s role in creating the Invictus Games and his own military service, critics argue that the award should highlight lesser-known heroes.
Kate Jackson, VP of Production at ESPN, defended the choice by emphasizing that this year’s honorees have “changed the world and made it more inclusive for marginalized and suffering communities.”
Honoring broader impact beyond individual achievements.
Jackson’s comments underscore the belief that the award is about more than individual achievements—it’s about broader impact.
However, the controversy remains. Many question whether a high-profile figure like Harry truly embodies the spirit of Pat Tillman’s sacrifice.
For some, the choice feels like a move to attract attention rather than honoring someone who embodies the same selflessness that Pat Tillman represented.
“I think they’re trying to piss people off,” McAfee said. “See, why does the ESPYs do this s–t?”
The choice of Prince Harry sparks outrage.
It’s clear that the decision to honor Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award has sparked a heated debate.
Mary Tillman’s remarks reflect a deep frustration with what she sees as a departure from the award’s core values.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the public will react to this year’s ESPY choices.