Particularly from the late veteran's mother, Mary Tillman, Prince Harry's choice for the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPYs has generated notable controversy. Mary expressed her criticism to the Daily Mail about her son Pat Tillman, an NFL player who joined the U.S. Army following 9/11 and perished in a friendly fire event.

Calling Prince Harry a "controversial and divisive person," Mary voiced her astonishment and disgust at ESPN's choice to celebrate him. She thinks there are more worthy people, unheralded heroes without the Duke of Sussex's great platform.

Mary strongly objected, therefore indicating that ESPN did not consult her before deciding what to do. Celebrating people who carry on the tradition of service left behind by Pat Tillman, the Pat Tillman Award for Service is an annual accolade given during ESPN's award event. After Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field last year, the Buffalo Bills training team was recognized for saving his life.

Prince Harry has strong ties to the military community; he founded the Invictus Games for wounded and disabled veterans and completed two tours in Afghanistan. Mary still finds his accomplishments lacking. She is not criticizing herself. On his show, ESPN analyst Pat McAfee also objected to the choice, implying that the network appears focused on inciting its viewers.