Danielle Green Honored with Pat Tillman Award for Service at ESPY Awards……
In a moment filled with emotion, pride, and inspiration, Danielle Green, a former Texas Tech Red Raiders women’s basketball standout, Iraq War veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, was awarded the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY Awards. Green’s journey from the basketball court to the battlefield, and ultimately to the national stage of the ESPYs, is a testament to extraordinary courage, resilience, and selfless dedication to serving others.
Born and raised in Chicago, Danielle Green’s path to greatness began long before she donned a military uniform. As a member of the Texas Tech women’s basketball team in the late 1990s, Green was known for her grit, determination, and leadership on the court. Her athletic talents were evident, but her deeper strength and purpose would be revealed in the years that followed.
After graduating from college, Green felt a call to serve her country and enlisted in the U.S. Army. In 2004, during a deployment to Iraq, she suffered a devastating injury when a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Baghdad led to the loss of her left arm. The injury ended her military career but launched a new chapter in her life—one focused on healing, advocacy, and service to others.
Green’s recovery was not just physical—it was also deeply emotional and mental. Despite the trauma she endured, she went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling and dedicated herself to working with fellow veterans, helping them navigate the complex challenges of reintegration and mental health. Through her work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations, Green has been a tireless advocate for wounded warriors, women veterans, and those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
At the ESPY Awards, held in Los Angeles, Green’s acceptance of the Pat Tillman Award for Service was met with a standing ovation. Named after the late NFL player and Army Ranger who was killed in Afghanistan, the award honors individuals with a strong connection to sports who have served others in a way that echoes Tillman’s legacy of service and sacrifice.
“This award isn’t just about me,” Green said during her speech. “It’s about every veteran who has fought through pain, every woman who has served our country with pride, and every person who refuses to let adversity define them. I’m standing here because so many people believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Her words resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom were moved to tears. Fellow athletes, celebrities, and veterans praised Green’s story as a shining example of how sports, service, and personal strength can intersect to change lives.
Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec also released a statement congratulating Green, saying, “Danielle has always embodied the spirit of a Red Raider—tough, driven, and full of heart. Her journey from our basketball program to national recognition is something every member of the Texas Tech community can be proud of.”
Beyond her achievements, Danielle Green’s story continues to inspire people of all backgrounds. Her willingness to share her struggles and triumphs has opened doors for countless veterans to find their voice, get the help they need, and believe in their future. She has become a symbol of what it means to rise, rebuild, and serve with purpose.
As she closed her speech, Green looked into the audience and said, “No matter what you’re going through, no matter what you’ve lost—there is still light ahead. Keep moving forward.”
With this award, Danielle Green not only honors Pat Tillman’s legacy but cements her own place as a hero whose impact goes far beyond the basketball court or battlefield—into the very soul of a nation.