Prince Harry set to receive Pat Tillman Award for Service at 2024 ESPYs
Prince Harry is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs, it was announced Thursday.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, and former NFL safety Steve Gleason were announced as the recipients of the esteemed Arthur Ashe Award for Courage and the Pat Tillman Award for Service, respectively, at the July 11 ceremony.
“This one is for our entire service community,” Harry said after learning of the honor.
The prestige award is handed out to individuals who have made significant contributions in the world, which echo the legacy of former NFL player and US Army Ranger, Pat Tillman.
“It’s our privilege to recognize three incredible individuals — Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley and Prince Harry,” Kate Jackson, VP of Production at ESPN, said in a statement.
“These honorees have used their platforms to change the world and make it more inclusive for marginalized and suffering communities, demonstrating incredible resilience, positivity and perseverance, and we’re thrilled to celebrate them at The 2024 ESPYS.”
Harry is set to be honored for his on the Invictus Games, as well as his military experience in Afghanistan.
The prince, who quit royal life in 2020, launched the Invictus Games in 2014 as multi-sport Paralympic-styled games for wounded or injured servicemen and veterans.
He will be receiving the award “in honor of his tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport.”
Harry — who recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Games in London — also served in the British Armed Forces for 10 years, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot and a forward air controller.
The father of two has already proudly announced the news on his and wife Meghan Markle’s official website.
Gleason for his part, played a total of 7 seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2006, before hanging up his cleats in 2008.
The retired athlete was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2011.
Elsewhere, University of South Carolina basketball coach Dawn Staley is slated to receive The Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
The ESPYs will be air on July 11 at 8 p.m. with tennis legend Serena Williams hosting the event.