Americans are calling on Prince Harry to turn down the ESPN Pat Tillman award, arguing the honor should go to 'one of our heroes' instead.
More than 68,000 people have signed a petition launched on June 27 asking the sports network to 'Rethink Awarding the Pat Tillman Award to Prince Harry.'
The petition was created by New Jersey resident Patti Mickel, who said 'the Pat Tillman award should be representative of his values and should honor someone who, like Tillman, has shown unwavering dedication to their squad and country.'
Mickel added: 'Prince Harry, while a former military officer, has been involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honor of this magnitude.'
Tillman was hailed in the US after giving up his lucrative career with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist as an Army Ranger. He served in Iraq and then Afghanistan, where he was killed by friendly fire in 2004 - when he was 27.
More than 68,000 people have signed a petition launched on June 27 asking ESPN to 'Rethink Awarding the Pat Tillman Award to Prince Harry'
Tillman was hailed in the US after giving up his lucrative career with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist as an Army Ranger. He served in Iraq and then Afghanistan, where he was killed in 2004
Harry, 39, is due to be honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his Invictus Games work at the glitzy ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on July 11. The 2024 ESPYS will be hosted by Serena Williams - a close friend of Meghan Markle.
Many of the petition signers felt so strongly against giving Prince Harry the award that they left video comments expressing their rage about ESPN's decision to honor the royal.
A signer named Shawnia held a sign that read 'We want privacy!' - referencing a South Park episode making fun of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle.
She said: 'We all know you're trying to fix your PR, Harry. We'll give you your privacy.'
Fellow petition signer Rebecca said: 'Pat Tillman gave up a luxurious life in the NFL to fight for this country. Harry gave up a life of service for his own gain. He is not on the same level.'
A signer named pan added: 'Pat Tillman was an American hero. Harry isn’t even an American citizen. Pat Tillman gave up millions to fight for our country. Harry could only make money by smearing his family. Him accepting this award is only to make himself more prevalent.'
Another signer, named Cherie, said: 'I graduated from the same high school as Pat Tillman, and I am very much against Harry get the award based on everything that Pat Tillman stood for and represents for this country, I find it appalling.
Many of the petition signers felt so strongly against giving Prince Harry the award that they left video comments expressing their rage about ESPN's decision to honor the royal
A signer named Shawnia held a sign that read, 'We want privacy!' as she said: 'We all know you're trying to fix your PR, Harry. We'll give you your privacy'
Signer Sisi added in a video message: Pat Tillman died representing out country, protecting our freedom. Harry has come to the United States and doesn't appreciate the First Amendment - says it's bonkers. Pat Tillman deserves better than this. No, Harry, no!'
Petition creator Mickel shared an update on Thursday, writing: 'Some might be interested to know that there are people coming at me for my opinion on this...
'You’re coming at me with accusations like I must work for the British press or that I just dislike Harry and Megan (Which is true, but it’s not a reason for the petition).
'I’m very proud to have my name associated with this petition. We’re over 60,000 now with Seven days to go. I’m hoping ESPN will do the right thing.'
Tillman's own mother Mary has said she wishes the award would have gone to someone else, adding that she was not consulted by ESPN.
Tillman's mother said: ‘I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.
‘There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.
The Duke of Sussex completed two tours of Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot
‘These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized.’
Former NFL player Pat McAfee also waded in, saying: 'We should celebrate sports. The worldwide leaders should celebrate sport but doing something like this is obviously trying to p*** people off.'
He said they should create a new category just for the duke. 'How about it's like ESPY for Royal Family member who doesn't want to be called 'Royal Family member' who loves sports?'
A spokesman for ESPN previously said: 'ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world.
'While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.'
The Duke of Sussex is reportedly 'stunned' by the backlash and a source claimed the fallout has been a 'bitter pill to swallow'.
Prince Harry (pictured with Meghan) was 'stunned' by the backlash he faced after being nominated for the award
The ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) is run by the sports TV network ESPN and the Pat Tillman Award has previously been given to unsung heroes.
Last year it went to members of the Buffalo Bills American football team training staff who revived a dying player on the field.
Sources told The Telegraph that it is a 'bitter pill to swallow' when the Duke of Sussex is criticized about anything relating to his military record and work with veterans.
'Harry's legacy on Invictus, the things he has achieved, that's his real passion,' they said. 'This is the space in which he truly feels at home, it is something he deeply cares about. The reaction certainly took the shine off the award.'
The source acknowledged that it was similar to when Harry, who completed two tours of Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot was recognized as a Living Legend of Aviation at a star-studded ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, in January.
As he joined the likes of astronauts Buzz Aldrin and James Lovell in picking up the prestigious award, Admiral Lord West, former head of the Royal Navy, brutally said: 'He is not a living legend'.
