Danielle Green Honored with Pat Tillman Award for Service at ESPYS: A Spartan Warrior’s Journey of Resilience
Los Angeles, CA – June 18, 2025
In a moment charged with emotion and admiration, Danielle Green — a former Michigan State Women’s Basketball standout, Iraq War veteran, and Purple Heart recipient — was presented with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2025 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles. The crowd erupted in a standing ovation as Green, now a nationally recognized advocate for wounded veterans, approached the stage with poise and quiet strength.
Green’s journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. A native of Chicago’s South Side, she earned a scholarship to Michigan State in the late 1990s, where she made her mark as a defensive powerhouse on the hardwood. Known for her relentless hustle and unwavering leadership, Green embodied the grit and determination of a true Spartan.
After graduating, Green sought a deeper calling and enlisted in the U.S. Army. She was deployed to Iraq in 2004 as a military police officer. It was there, during a combat mission in Baghdad, that she was severely injured by a rocket-propelled grenade, resulting in the loss of her dominant left arm. Her courage under fire and the strength she displayed during recovery quickly drew national attention.
Since then, Green has dedicated her life to serving fellow veterans. She earned a master’s degree in counseling and has worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs, helping countless service members transition back to civilian life. Her advocacy work, especially in the areas of mental health and physical rehabilitation, has made a lasting impact across the country.
Accepting the Pat Tillman Award, Green said: “Service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off. It’s a lifelong commitment — to country, to community, and to each other. I accept this award on behalf of every veteran who refuses to be defined by their scars.”
Green’s recognition at the ESPYs places her among an elite group of heroes, and her story continues to inspire athletes, soldiers, and citizens alike. A true Spartan warrior in every sense, Danielle Green represents the very best of America — courage, sacrifice, and an unyielding spirit.
