Danielle Green accepted the coveted Pat Tillman Award for Service on an emotional, courageous, and celebratory night at the ESPY Awards, where she stood tall. Green, a former Penn State women’s basketball player, Iraq war veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, personifies the spirit of duty, resilience, and hope that the award wants to recognize. Green was a true Lioness, and her tale continues to inspire people from all walks of life, reminding us all of the tremendous power that can emerge from tragedy.
Danielle Green’s adventure began much before the bright lights of the ESPYs. Growing up in Chicago, she experienced many obstacles, but she found solace on the basketball court. At Penn State, she was known not only for her physical ability, but also for her leadership and unshakable commitment to her team. Green proudly sported the Nittany Lions’ blue and white, representing them with love and commitment. Her colleagues and coaches recall her as a selfless athlete who always prioritized the team, values that would also characterize her future path.
Following her time at Penn State, Green answered a higher calling: service to the country. She joined the United States Army out of a desire to help and defend people. Her life was permanently transformed in 2004 when she was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade while on a mission in Iraq. The incident caused her to lose her left arm below the elbow. For many, such a catastrophic injury could have ended the story. But for Danielle Green, it marked the start of a new mission: to help others rise as she did.
Green returned home with resolve rather than bitterness. She earned a master’s degree in counseling and has devoted her life to campaigning for veterans and wounded soldiers. Green has counseled innumerable service veterans through her work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and various non-profit groups, assisting them in dealing with the visible and invisible scars of war. Her kindness, strength, and tireless activism have altered lives and given hope to communities across the country.
Green is an excellent candidate for the Pat Tillman Award for Service, which honors people who put others ahead of themselves. Pat Tillman, who left the NFL to serve his nation and ultimately died in Afghanistan, exemplified courage, honesty, and devotion. Danielle Green shares these values. Green’s acceptance speech at the ESPYs focused on the value of community, resilience, and purpose. “This award represents all of us who choose to serve, who choose to get up after we’ve been knocked down, and who lift others as we climb,” she told the audience.
Danielle Green’s distinction is more than simply a personal accomplishment; it is also a proud moment for Penn State, veterans, and those who believe in the power of perseverance. Green, a genuine Lioness, will continue to serve as a beacon of hope, fortitude, and service for future generations.