For the past 15 years, the Salute to Service Award has been the benchmark for the league’s commitment to recognizing the military and veteran community. This year is no different. The NFL and USAA will present the Salute to Service Award to a member of the NFL community who makes exceptional efforts to honor and support the military and veteran communities. Each team nominates one individual for recognition, and a winner is announced at the NFL Honors ceremony, which is broadcast during Super Bowl Week.
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The nominees for each team have been announced, and fans can go to NFL.com/SaluteFanVote between now and Nov. 30 to help determine the three finalists. Fans can vote once a day, each day for their nominee. The three finalists will be announced in January. From there, each will be evaluated by a panel that includes 2024 recipient, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle.
Kittle lent his platform and resources to uplift the military community by hosting military and frontline heroes at every game and donating over 400 tickets in the last six years. Through the Hidden Pearls Podcast, which he started in 2020, Kittle and his family amplify community stories about veterans. Inspired by these stories, he and his family created an app that offers free mental health resources to veterans, including the meditative practices he uses while playing.
To date, he has donated more than $250,000 to military nonprofits and further highlighted military organizations through My Cause My Cleats, including the Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS, Merging Vets and Players (MVP), Operation Freedom Paws, and Operation Surf.
After the Salute to Service Award winner is announced, USAA and the NFL will each contribute a $25,000 matching donation to the military non-profit of the winner’s choosing, made on the winner’s behalf.
The nominees listed below represent a year-long (and, in some cases, lifetime) commitment to military and veterans’ causes. Make sure to read about the impact that each nominee has made, and go vote every day for the individual you think best exemplifies the NFL’s Salute to Service.
Arizona Cardinals: TE Elijah Higgins
Air Force brat Elijah Higgins joined a USO tour to Kuwait, where he spent a week visiting military bases and connecting with over 100 deployed service members on six- to nine-month rotations. He brought his respect for service overseas on a 2024 USO tour to Kuwait. He visited multiple bases, met more than 100 deployed service members, and spent the week lifting spirits—putting authentic care behind the Salute to Service ideal.
Atlanta Falcons: NFL Legend Matt Bryant
Throughout Bryant’s distinguished NFL career, he and his family consistently prioritized honoring the military community. Despite the demands of raising seven children, he kept showing up for military families—attending appreciation events, visiting troops, and building relationships that lasted. He capped it with two overseas USO tours to connect directly with service members.
Baltimore Ravens: LB Trenton Simpson
Inspired by his father, Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy D. Simpson, Simpson launched the Trenton Simpson Foundation in 2024 to support military kids and families with camps, mentorship, and game-day experiences. He also backs the Ravens’ Salute to Service efforts, partnering with TAPS and hosting Blue Star Families at training camp.
Buffalo Bills: WR Khalil Shakir
Shakir’s father served 24 years in the Marine Corps, and it was while stationed on Okinawa that young Khalil learned football. Through the Shakir Family Foundation, he and his wife are dedicated to animal rescue and supporting military veterans, guided by the motto: “Dedicated to saving four-legged friends and supporting our heroes one paw at a time.”
Carolina Panthers: G Brady Christensen
Inspired by both of his grandfathers, who each served in both World War II and Vietnam, Christensen honors that legacy and today’s veterans through his partnership with Veterans Bridge Home, supporting local heroes during physical therapy sessions at Veterans Park. He also teams up with the USO of North Carolina to visit the Charlotte Douglas Airport USO center. He connects with the military community through events like the Oorah Hooah 7-on-7 football tournament.
Chicago Bears: RB Travis Homer
Homer personally bought and donated tickets to every 2025 home game for TAPS and Wounded Warrior Project families through the Bears’ Home Team Hand-Off ticket donation initiative. It’s hands-on support for those grieving or recovering—his way of honoring service with meaningful game-day experiences.
Cincinnati Bengals: G Jalen Rivers
Rivers has been immersed in military life since childhood. His father, mother and stepfather all served in the Navy. His mother and stepfather met in 2004 while stationed in Virginia aboard the USS George Washington. His stepfather, a Command Master Chief, served in 42 different countries. The rhythm of duty and discipline shaped young Jalen, especially through long stretches of parental deployments.
Cleveland Browns: G Wyatt Teller
As the son of retired Army Reserve Major Rick Teller, Teller prioritizes genuine one-on-one time with service members at OTAs and camp. In 2021, he extended his support to the Green Beret Foundation, an organization that provides vital assistance to Special Forces soldiers and their families.
Dallas Cowboys: TE Jake Ferguson
Jake makes military outreach a year-round priority—visiting bases with USAA and championing the National Medal of Honor Museum. In 2024, he joined NMOHM President and CEO Chris Cassidy, Medal of Honor recipient, Master Chief Britt Slabinski, and Washington Commanders legend Josh Morgan for a Character Playbook LIVE at AT&T Stadium, reaching students nationwide.
Denver Broncos: Luis Barajas, Partnership Marketing Coordinator
A Navy submarine veteran with four deployments on USS Georgia, Luis now leads Broncos partnerships with USAA and the Colorado Army National Guard. He drives on-field recognitions, base visits, and volunteers with Team Rubicon—demonstrating a commitment to service in and out of uniform.
Detroit Lions: LB Jack Campbell
Jack supports veterans through the Stronger Warrior Foundation’s Adaptive Warrior initiative, which supports home renovations and efforts to address veteran homelessness. He chose TAPS for the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative and volunteers with Lions partner organizations for days of service.
Green Bay Packers: G Darian Kinnard
Kinnard proudly supported the Wounded Warrior Project through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative. He also took the extra step of personally meeting veterans, offering them a behind-the-scenes stadium tour as he unveiled his custom cleats. He is expanding his efforts to further strengthen his support for the military community. He will serve as the team’s official Salute to Service spokesperson, engaging in several events to honor and uplift those who have served.
Houston Texans: DT Mario Edwards, Jr.
The NFL’s Salute to Service initiative holds deep personal meaning for Edwards. His sister served in the Army, and he was a steadfast source of support throughout her service. This past Memorial Day, he spent time with local veterans at a hospital, lifting spirits and forging connections through shared stories and experiences. In the activity room, he played games, signed autographs, and posed for photos.
Indianapolis Colts: Luke Rhodes, Long Snapper
Raised in a military household, Rhodes draws inspiration from his late father, Doug, a Naval Academy graduate and Marine Corps helicopter pilot. He credits his father’s service with instilling the discipline and responsibility that helped shape his football career. He uses the Colts’ ticket block program to invite active-duty service members, veterans, and their families to Lucas Oil Stadium and champions causes like Children of Fallen Patriots through My Cause My Cleats. Off the field, he has organized special field visits to personally thank military members.
Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Devin Lloyd
Also raised in a military household, Lloyd visited several bases, including Naval Station Mayport, where he immersed himself in shipboard life. He’s also hosted free youth football camps Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Fort Stewart. These camps offered unforgettable experiences for children of military families while emphasizing the importance of health and teamwork. His continued visits to NAS Jacksonville reflect his genuine connection to service members and unwavering support for those who serve.
Kansas City Chiefs: TE Noah Gray
Gray’s commitment to the military community is especially evident through his partnership with Friends in Service of Heroes (FISH), a Kansas City-based nonprofitsupporting active-duty personnel, reservists, honorably discharged veterans, and their families. Gray’s relationship with FISH began in 2021, when he started to provide service dogs and offer adaptive equipment to fosters resilience and independence. Gray also offers his support during the holiday season and in solidarity with veterans experiencing hardship.
Las Vegas Raiders: Najja Williams, Chief Engineer of Facilities
A 16-year Air Force veteran, Najja served as a Nuclear Missile and Space Facilities Superintendent and Military Training Instructor. One of his most impactful contributions for the Raiders was revitalizing the Flown Flags for Deployed Military initiative. Under his guidance, U.S. and Raiders flags flown above the Intermountain Health Performance Center are folded by veteran staff and sent in care packages to deployed troops. Each includes a certificate of authenticity, creating a meaningful and tangible connection between the team and those who serve.
Los Angeles Chargers: Head Coach Jim Harbaugh
Since taking the helm in 2024, Harbaugh has hosted T.A.P.S. families at practices, welcomed Gold Star families to games, and brought team activities directly to military bases and aircraft carriers. In his first year, he took the Bolts’ minicamp to Camp Pendleton to meet 5,000 service members and their families, and over 100 military children participated in an NFL Play60 event. Weeks later, Justin Herbert, Derwin James Jr., and Executive Director of Player Performance Ben Herbert joined Harbaugh to tour the Navy SEALs’ Silver Strand Training Complex, where Harbaugh also spoke.
Harbaugh welcomed more than 2,500 military personnel, veterans, and their families to two training camp practices at the University of San Diego and invited members of the Coast Guard to take part in “Wise Words” —a tradition where distinguished guests share an inspirational message in the team’s post-practice huddle. The entire team visited the USS Abraham Lincoln, where hundreds of sailors observed the Chargers’ walk-through, participated in drills, and showed the team around the carrier.
Los Angeles Rams: NFL Legend Andrew Whitworth
In 2006, the same year NFL Legend Andrew Whitworth was drafted, his college roommate and best friend, Lee Deal, was killed in action. It became a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served, and fueled his efforts to honor and uplift the military community. So when wildfires devastated parts of Los Angeles in January, he visited the National Guard base camp in Malibu to boost morale among the 400 soldiers engaged in relief and recovery efforts.
Miami Dolphins: Tom Wilson, Head Groundskeeper
Wilson, a Marine Corps veteran, was trained to respond to aircraft emergencies, extinguish fires, secure equipment and landing gear, perform pilot rescues, and conduct aircraft inspections at his first duty station. When his military firefighting credentials didn’t immediately transfer to civilian qualifications, he faced a delay in joining the fire academy. While he waited, he sought temporary employment and found a new path that would eventually lead him to his current role in sports turf management.
Minnesota Vikings: RB Aaron Jones, Sr.
Jones honors current and former U.S. military personnel through his A&A All the Way Foundation, inspired by his own family’s deep military roots. His dedication connects families navigating deployments, relocations, and transitions by providing resources and care. He hosts annual galas to raise money for military families, and hosted a back-to-school event to equip military children with classroom supplies. He aso spent time this spring on an NFL-USO tour, visiting service members stationed at bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and UAE.
New England Patriots: Fred Waggett, Security
Waggett has been a steadfast member of the Patriots’ security team since 2009 and is a veteran who served in both the Army and Navy. His quiet gestures of remembrance are a meaningful tradition within the Patriots community. After each event, he places flowers at the POW/MIA seat as a tribute. On Memorial Day, he ensures fresh flowers are placed there. When the north end zone was renovated and the Row of Honor relocated, Fred preserved and extended its legacy by arranging for the original POW/MIA seat to be permanently displayed in Foxborough with a commemorative plaque. It is now a public reminder of those who served and never came home.
New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Smith, Director of Network Operations
Kelvin Smith, a Marine Corps veteran, is in his fourth season leading I.T. operations and is the on-field liaison for Football Operations. He served eight years as a Tactical Data Systems Chief and Platoon Sergeant, leading network infrastructure training in combat zones, where he installed and trained personnel on the Defense Messaging System in hundreds of Humvees. He continues to serve through the Community Relations and Youth Sports Development initiatives. He volunteers in rebuilding oyster reefs, mentoring students, coaching youth football, and supporting the homeless.
New York Giants: Assistant Quarterbacks Coach Chad Hall
A former Air Force lieutenant, Hall’s commitment to military outreach is rooted in his own service. He played football at the Air Force Academy, where he led the nation in all-purpose yards in 2007, earned Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and was a Heisman Trophy candidate. He later founded Pigskin Patriots, a nonprofit that hosts free football and cheerleading camps for military families and children. Through this initiative, he aims to instill character and values such as leadership, discipline, and integrity.
New York Jets: NFL Legend Tony Richardson
Richardson honors the legacy of service in his family, including his father, a Vietnam veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and Drill Sergeant, and his sister, who served for 28 years. During Fleet Week, he coached military flag football teams and spent the night aboard a Navy ship while sharing meals and hosting football chalk talks. On September 11, he joined AmeriCorps and other NFL staff to pack meals for those in need. Richardson also participates in the Honorary Commander Program, which connects communities with the mission of the armed services.
Philadelphia Eagles: Lindsay Hartig, Game Day Supervisor
Lindsay Hartig is a proud U.S. Army veteran with a storied career both in and out of uniform. She joined Team Red, White & Blue to support fellow veterans by becoming a certified personal trainer and empowering postpartum Army spouses. She later served as Senior Advisor for Family Advocacy, championing initiatives that strengthen military families.
Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Patrick Queen
Queen is supporting Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard during My Cause My Cleats, a nonprofit that helps homeless veterans transition to homes and assists all at-risk veterans to contribute to their communities. He supported 100 veterans by providing them with hygiene kits. He spent time with the group, serving them breakfast, so he could personally thank them and get to know them.
San Francisco 49ers: RB Christian McCaffrey
Through the Christian McCaffrey Foundation, the running back honors veterans, especially those in Special Operations, with holistic health resources. Its flagship initiative, 23 and Troops, focuses on healing from post-traumatic stress using athlete-level care. The foundation invested nearly $700,000 in military support, including $250,000 to REBOOT Recovery for trauma healing and another $250,000 to Resilience Code for personalized medical care. It also paid off holiday layaway balances for 515 military families. McCaffrey himself participates in Salute to Service, connecting with the community and showcasing 23 and Troops through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats.
Seattle Seahawks: FB Brady Russell
Brady, who was born on Camp Pendleton, has actively participated in more than 13 military-focused events and engagements, positively impacting over 500 service members and their families. His father is a Marine Corps veteran, and his brother, Capt. Tyler Russell, is a Naval Academy graduate and Marine Corps Osprey pilot. Brady is coordinating a visit for his brother’s unit to a practice and potential flyover during the Seahawks’ 2025 Salute to Service game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brian Ford, Chief Operating Officer
Brian Ford’s 19-years with the Buccaneers has seen expanded Salute to Service initiatives. He organizes annual visits to MacDill Air Force Base, and he helps present the Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf Military Family of the Year Award to recognize families who embody the values of service before self. Ford was also recognized as a U.S. Special Operations Command Medal recipient by Gen. Bryan P. Fenton. A graduate of the 927th Air Refueling Wing Honorary Commander Program, he has firsthand experience with the Air Force’s capabilities.
Tennessee Titans: CB Darrell Baker, Jr.
Both of Baker’s parents are retired U.S. Army veterans. Growing up a military brat, there were long stretches when one or both parents were away. At last year’s Salute to Service game, Baker’s parents were honored as the 12th Titan, a recognition of their dedication. Baker, through the TAPS program, also wore a helmet decal that included the initials ‘NM’ to honor fallen soldier CW2 Natalie Wamsley, whose family he hosted at the Titans practice facility.
Washington Commanders: TE Zach Ertz
This year, Ertz represented the Commanders at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. He was joined by leadership from the Military District of Washington and soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment. Ertz also took part in a USO Pack4Troops event where he helped assemble 2,000 care packages for deploying service members at USO airport centers.
