At the 2025 ESPY Awards, Colorado Avalanche captain and star left winger Gabriel Landeskog received the coveted Pat Tillman Award for Service, which recognized his remarkable commitment to veterans, service members, and the greater community. Standing shoulder to shoulder with many veterans who competed in the Invictus Games, Landeskog offered a heartfelt message of togetherness, resilience, and purpose, demonstrating the qualities that have influenced his career on and off the ice.
The Pat Tillman Award for Service, named after the former NFL player and US Army Ranger who died in action, recognizes those who demonstrate selflessness, leadership, and unshakable commitment to a bigger cause. Landeskog’s career has been distinguished by both hockey greatness and humanitarian significance, so the distinction felt especially fitting.
Throughout his NHL career, Landeskog has established himself as one of the league’s most respected and community-focused leaders. Aside from his skill and tenacity on the ice, the long-time Avalanche captain has continuously advocated for issues that benefit wounded soldiers, military families, and young people who have experienced trauma. His responsibilities include leading mentorship projects for retired service people transitioning to civilian life, raising funds for mental health programs, and actively collaborating with groups such as Wounded Warriors Canada and Team Rubicon.
Landeskog’s commitment grew after he visited a veterans rehabilitation center in 2018 and met warriors suffering from life-changing injuries. “I walked into that room as a hockey player,” he said as he accepted the award, “but I walked out as someone with a new mission — to use my voice, my platform, and my time to make sure these heroes never feel forgotten.”
That mission took various shapes. He established annual charity games to benefit veteran programs, arranged for Avalanche visits to local VA hospitals, and welcomed veterans to attend games and speak with the team on an ongoing basis. However, his influence extended beyond the United States and Canada’s boundaries. Landeskog also championed the Invictus Games program, which helped raise global awareness of sport’s ability to rehabilitate wounded service people. His initiatives included providing direct financial support for athletes’ preparation and travel, as well as co-hosting events to recognize their courage and tenacity.
As the crowd rose to its feet in a prolonged ovation, one thing was clear: Gabriel Landeskog is far more than a hockey champion. He is a servant-leader, a symbol of humility, and now — rightfully — a Pat Tillman Award for Service recipient.