Danielle Green, a former Michigan State University women’s basketball player, Iraq War veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year’s ESPY Awards. Green’s extraordinary life narrative is one of courage, tenacity, and unflinching dedication to service – on the court, on the battlefield, and in the lives of the countless veterans she has subsequently inspired.
Danielle Green’s Spartan roots are deep. As a top guard for Michigan State, she was known for her unwavering drive, leadership, and intense dedication to team success. On the court, she exemplified the classic Spartan spirit: tough, loyal, and fearless. Those same attributes will later serve as her armor in life’s most arduous struggles outside of athletics.
Danielle decided to serve her country after finishing her NCAA basketball career by joining the United States Army. Green was seriously injured in 2004 when stationed in Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom, when she lost her dominant left arm due to a rocket-propelled grenade attack. The physical anguish was terrible, yet what defined Green was not the trauma, but her answer.
Danielle Green rose instead of retreating into sorrow. She faced adversity with unrivaled bravery, as a true Spartan warrior would. She endured extensive rehabilitation, continued her schooling, and eventually received a Master’s degree in counseling. Her quest, however, did not end with recovery; it sparked a desire to assist others who were facing similar challenges. She rose to prominence as a strong advocate for wounded soldiers, women in the military, and trauma survivors.
Her dedication to empowering other soldiers via rehabilitation, mental health care, and community reintegration has made her a national symbol of hope. Green has dedicated her life to ensuring that no veteran walks alone by working with the Department of Veterans Affairs and a variety of non-profit organizations.
“I lost my arm, but I found my purpose,” Green said in an emotional ESPY award speech. “I am grateful to Michigan State for shaping me and to the United States Army for testing me. Today, I am not a victim, but rather a voice for those who continue to fight.
The Pat Tillman Award for devotion, named after the NFL player who gave up his career to serve and was tragically slain in Afghanistan, recognizes individuals who demonstrate selfless devotion and sacrifice. Green’s life is a wonderful example of Tillman’s legacy: a tenacious competitor who sacrificed glory for service and continues to influence people’s lives via her activities.
Danielle Green’s achievement is more than simply an award; it exemplifies Michigan State’s long heritage of developing leaders rather than just athletes. She is remembered today as a symbol of tenacity, hope, and unselfish service.
Congratulations to Danielle Green. A real Spartan. A true hero. A champion in every senses of the word.