In a moving tribute to extraordinary courage both on and off the battlefield, Danielle Green—Purple Heart recipient, Iraq War veteran, and former Notre Dame women’s basketball standout—was celebrated at this year’s ESPYs as the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service. The honor recognizes Green’s remarkable journey from collegiate athlete to wounded warrior to passionate advocate for fellow veterans, embodying the same selfless spirit as the award’s namesake.
Green’s story reads like an epic of American resilience. After starring as a guard for the Fighting Irish from 1995-1999 under legendary coach Muffet McGraw, she traded her basketball sneakers for combat boots following the 9/11 attacks, enlisting in the U.S. Army. Her service in Iraq came at a profound personal cost—in 2004, a rocket-propelled grenade attack cost Green her left hand and nearly her life. But like the tenacious defender she was on the court, Green fought back through grueling rehabilitation to become a beacon of hope for disabled veterans.
The Pat Tillman Award, established in 2014 to honor the NFL player who left his football career to serve as an Army Ranger, has never been more fittingly bestowed. Since her medical retirement, Green has earned two master’s degrees and dedicated her life to counseling veterans through the VA system in Chicago. Her work helping soldiers transition to civilian life—particularly those with physical and psychological wounds—has transformed countless lives.
“Danielle represents everything this award stands for,” said ESPN’s Rece Davis during the emotional presentation. “She answered her nation’s call, sacrificed for others, and continues to serve long after her uniform came off—just as Pat did.”
Notre Dame’s athletic department erupted in pride at the news, with current women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey calling Green “the living embodiment of our university’s values.” The ESPYs tribute highlighted how Green’s athletic discipline prepared her for military service, and how her combat experience now informs her advocacy work.
As she accepted the award to a thunderous standing ovation, the humble veteran redirected the spotlight: “This is for every service member still fighting their battles, visible and invisible. Our playbook says: Never quit.”
Green’s extraordinary duality—elite athlete and decorated warrior—makes her one of the most compelling figures in Notre Dame’s storied history. This recognition ensures her legacy of service will inspire future generations of Fighting Irish to compete with equal passion in sports and in life’s greater arenas.
