Danielle Green Honored with Pat Tillman Award for Service at ESPY Awards.
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – In a powerful and emotional moment at this year’s ESPY Awards, former Texas Tech Red Raiders women’s basketball star, Iraq War veteran, and Purple Heart recipient Danielle Green was honored with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service—a recognition that stands as a testament to her courage, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to others.
The award, named in honor of former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman, is given to individuals with a deep connection to sports who have served others in a way that reflects Tillman’s legacy of service, leadership, and sacrifice. For Green, the honor is not only a personal milestone but also a symbol of the strength that emerges through adversity and a life dedicated to uplifting others.
From the Hardwood to the Battlefield
Danielle Green’s story began on the basketball courts of Texas Tech University, where she wore the red and black with pride as a standout guard for the Lady Raiders. Known for her determination and defensive grit, Green embodied the spirit of a fighter long before she wore a military uniform.
Following her collegiate career, Green chose a different path—one of service to her country. She enlisted in the U.S. Army, deploying to Iraq in 2004. During a mission in Baghdad, she was severely wounded in a rocket-propelled grenade attack, resulting in the loss of her left arm. For her bravery and sacrifice, she was awarded the Purple Heart.
But her story didn’t end there.
A Life of Purpose and Advocacy
Following her recovery, Danielle Green redirected her passion into a new form of service—advocating for veterans and helping wounded warriors reintegrate into civilian life. Her resilience became her message, and she used her platform to speak out on issues affecting military families, mental health, and support for disabled veterans.
As a Veterans Affairs program analyst and counselor, Green worked tirelessly to ensure that returning service members received the care and recognition they deserved. Her voice has been instrumental in shaping public understanding of what it means to serve—and what it takes to heal.
In her acceptance speech at the ESPYs, Green moved the audience to tears, reflecting on the journey that took her from a college gymnasium in Lubbock to the battlefield, and ultimately to the national stage of the ESPYs.
> “This award isn’t just for me,” Green said. “It’s for every veteran who came home with scars—some seen, some unseen. It’s for every teammate, every soldier, and every survivor who chooses to rise, again and again.”
Celebrated in Lubbock and Beyond
Back in Lubbock, where her story first took flight, the Texas Tech community celebrated her honor with pride and admiration.
“Danielle has always been a leader, both on and off the court,” said a spokesperson for Texas Tech Athletics. “Her legacy here goes beyond basketball. She represents the very best of what it means to be a Red Raider—resilient, fearless, and committed to something bigger than oneself.”
Green now joins a distinguished list of Pat Tillman Award recipients who have used sport as a foundation for extraordinary acts of service and leadership.
A Beacon of Hope
Danielle Green’s journey is more than a highlight reel—it’s a reminder of the power of purpose, the resilience of the human spirit, and the profound impact of one person’s determination to serve others. As she stood under the lights of the ESPY stage, the entire nation saw what Lubbock has known all along: Danielle Green is a true American hero.
