Brenton Doyle, the Colorado Rockies’ center fielder, received the 2025 Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY Awards in a stunning and poignant tribute that brought together the worlds of athletics, service, and sacrifice. The 26-year-old MLB player accepted the prize with many veterans who had valiantly competed in the Invictus Games, a global celebration of healing and resilience for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.
The Pat Tillman Award, named after a former NFL star who left his profession to serve in the United States Army and was tragically slain in Afghanistan, honors people who embody the qualities of service, duty, and selflessness. Doyle, who has spent the last few years balancing his growing MLB career with an unshakable commitment to military families and veterans’ support organizations, exemplifies these beliefs.
“I am deeply honored and humbled,” Doyle said as she accepted the prize onstage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “This is bigger than baseball.” This is about people who have given all for their country. I just try to do my part to ensure they are not forgotten and that their experiences are heard.
Brenton Doyle has a strong connection to the military, despite the fact that he is not a veteran. His father served in the United States Navy, and his grandfather was a Vietnam War veteran. Doyle’s familial ties encouraged him to get engaged with groups such as the Wounded Warrior Project, Team Red, White, and Blue, and Homes for Our Troops. Doyle has spearheaded fundraising efforts, visited VA hospitals, and even started his own initiative — “Doyle’s Defenders” — which sponsors adaptive sports programs for veterans adjusting to civilian life.
During the ESPYs ceremony, Doyle was joined on stage by five Invictus Games participants from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, who all recounted personal experiences of recovery and how encouragement from figures like Doyle helped them rediscover their purpose through sport. The audience rose to their feet in a resounding standing ovation, with many visibly moved by the unity onstage.
“Brenton didn’t just write a check — he showed up,” said Marcus Taylor, a Marine Corps veteran and gold medalist at the Invictus Games. “He trained with us, wept with us, and made us feel included. That level of dedication is remarkable.”
Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black lauded Doyle’s leadership outside of the clubhouse.
“He’s the type of player that every team hopes to have. He plays hard, leads with heart, and accepts the duty of speaking up for people who are frequently silenced. We’re proud of him, not just for his performance in center field, but also for who he is as a guy.”
As the Rockies continue their season, Doyle’s ESPY award serves as a strong reminder that true success in sports is measured not only by statistics, but also by the lives touched far beyond the stadium lights.
Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black lauded Doyle’s leadership outside of the clubhouse.
“He’s the type of player that every team hopes to have. He plays hard, leads with heart, and accepts the duty of speaking up for people who are frequently silenced. We’re proud of him, not just for his performance in center field, but also for who he is as a guy.”
As the Rockies continue their season, Doyle’s ESPY award serves as a strong reminder that true success in sports is measured not only by statistics, but also by the lives touched far beyond the stadium lights.