Prince Harry, Dawn Staley honored with awards at 2024 ESPYS - ESPN

LOS ANGELES — Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at The ESPYS on Thursday night, and he mentioned the late Army Ranger's mother who had criticized ESPN for honoring the royal.

With wife Meghan joining in a standing ovation, the Duke of Sussex accepted the trophy from three service veterans who were injured during their tours of duty. Harry served in the British military for 10 years, including two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot.

He created the Invictus Games in 2014, which serves as a multi-sport, paralympic-style games for wounded or injured servicemen and veterans.

«This award belongs to them, not to me,» Harry said from the stage of the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Tillman's mother, Mary Tillman, had criticized the network's choice of Harry, saying there are recipients working in the veteran community who would have been more fitting. Harry thanked Tillman's widow, Marie, for her attendance and also acknowledged Mary Tillman.

«Her advocacy for Pat's legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect,» he said. «The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.»

Dawn Staley, coach of the national champion South Carolina women's basketball team, received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance for both her support and fight for equality for women's sports and for her leadership in the fight against cancer. Her friend, Tennessee standout Nicki McCray-Penson, died of breast cancer and Staley's sister was diagnosed with leukemia. Staley was motivated by their battles to become an advocate for cancer research.

«I must confess I feel a little undeserving of this recognition. Past recipients of the Jimmy V Perseverance Award have faced incredible challenges and