Pat Tillman’s ‘shocked’ mother slams decision to honor Prince Harry

Marie Tillmanthe mother of the former Arizona Cardinals defender turned US Army soldier Pat Tillmanslammed ESPNdecision to honor Prince Harry with the award named in honor of his son at the next ESPY Awards.

“I am shocked why they chose such a controversial and controversial person to receive this award,” Mary said. the daily mail.

“There are recipients who are much more appropriate,” she added. “There are people who work in the veterans community who do extraordinary things to help veterans.”

The Pat Tillman Award, established in 2014, is “given to an individual with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman,” according to ESPNLast year, the award was also given to the Buffalo Bills training staff for their heroic efforts to keep the Bills safe. Damar Hamlin after suffering a cardiac arrest in the middle of a Monday Night Football game.

Former NFL punter and ESPN talk show host Pat McAfeewho has openly expressed his frustration with the network’s decisions on multiple occasions since signing a lucrative contract in 2023, claimed that ESPN “Trying to piss people off” by making Prince Harry the winner.

“This goes to Prince Harry, who I don’t think is even a prince anymore, is he? He said, “Don’t call me that?” See, why do the ESPYs do this?’” McAfee said.

Prince Harry, who served 10 years in the British Army, including two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot, is recognized for his role in launching the Invictus Games, Paralympic-style multi-sport games for wounded veterans and injured in 2014. Tillman abruptly retired from the NFL after four seasons to serve in the U.S. Army following the September 11, 2001, attacks.

The Arizona veteran served in Iraq and then Afghanistan before being killed by friendly fire in 2004, posthumously receiving the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his military service.