NEW: Danielle Green Wins Pat Tillman Award for Service at ESPYs, Honoring Her Heroism On and Off the Court
In a moment that brought the crowd at the ESPY Awards to its feet, Danielle Green — a former Michigan State Women’s Basketball star, Iraq War veteran, and Purple Heart recipient — was honored with the prestigious 2025 Pat Tillman Award for Service. The award, which recognizes individuals with a strong connection to sports who have served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the late Pat Tillman, capped off a moving tribute to Green’s extraordinary life of courage, service, and resilience.
Green, a Chicago native and 2000 graduate of Michigan State University, was a tenacious guard known for her leadership on the court during her time with the Spartans. But it was her journey after college that has defined her as a true American hero. Enlisting in the U.S. Army in 2003, she deployed to Iraq the following year. On May 25, 2004, while serving in Baghdad, Green was seriously injured in a rocket-propelled grenade attack that resulted in the loss of her dominant left arm.
That life-altering moment could have ended her story. Instead, it became the beginning of a new one. Green went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling and became an advocate for fellow veterans, focusing on mental health support and reintegration into civilian life. Her tireless work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and numerous national non-profits has touched thousands of lives.
At the ESPYs ceremony in Los Angeles, Green received a standing ovation as she accepted the Pat Tillman Award. Dressed in a Spartan-green gown and accompanied by fellow veterans and Michigan State athletes, she spoke with grace, humility, and unmistakable strength.
“I’ve faced battles on the court, on the battlefield, and within myself,” Green said. “But the greatest victory comes in helping others find hope again. Pat Tillman was a warrior of principle, and to receive an award in his name is the greatest honor of my life.”
Michigan State University President Theresa Woodruff and Athletic Director Alan Haller both issued statements celebrating the milestone.
“Danielle exemplifies what it means to be a Spartan — fierce, fearless, and fundamentally driven by service to others,” said Woodruff. “Her legacy will inspire generations to come.”
The ESPN tribute included footage of Green’s playing days at the Breslin Center, archival images from her military service, and interviews with fellow veterans and student-athletes she has mentored.
Former Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo called Green “one of the most resilient people I’ve ever known — on and off the hardwood,” adding, “She doesn’t just talk about leadership and sacrifice. She lives it every day.”
Green’s selection for the Pat Tillman Award serves not only as recognition of her individual courage, but also as a reminder of the vital intersection between sports, service, and community. Her story continues to inspire Spartans and Americans alike — a beacon of hope, determination, and relentless compassion.
As Danielle Green stood center stage, ESPY trophy in hand, her smile said what words could not: a life of service is the greatest victory of all.
