Every fall, the NFL shines a spotlight on something bigger than the game itself. This season, that moment comes through the Salute to Service Award presented by USAA, a tradition that honors players, coaches, and staff across the league who go above and beyond to support America’s military and veteran communities. On October 29, 2025, the NFL and USAA unveiled this year’s nominees, a powerful lineup of individuals who have turned respect into action. From hosting base visits to funding veteran programs and mentoring military families, these nominees represent the best of what the league stands for: commitment, gratitude, and service that extends far beyond Sundays.
Now in its fifteenth year, the Salute to Service Award has become one of the NFL’s most meaningful traditions. The program celebrates individuals who actively honor and uplift the military community, connecting the world of football with the world of service. Last year’s recipient, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers, set the tone for what this award embodies. Through his Hidden Pearls Podcast and his family’s ongoing philanthropy, Kittle has donated more than $250,000 to veteran-focused organizations and launched free mental health resources for former service members. This year, he joins the selection panel alongside Major General (Ret.) Bob Whittle, Chad Hennings, Jim Mora Sr., and Christine Dorfler, ensuring that the next honoree continues the tradition of purpose-driven leadership.
USAA, as the presenting sponsor, will donate $25,000 in the winner’s name to official military aid societies representing all U.S. branches, with the NFL Foundation matching the contribution to the recipient’s chosen charity. Together, they create a legacy of tangible impact and gratitude that extends beyond the field and into the lives of those who serve.
This year’s nominees come from across the league, each with their own story of connection and service. Some, like Elijah Higgins of the Arizona Cardinals, traveled abroad to visit troops through the USO. Others, like Trenton Simpson of the Baltimore Ravens, launched foundations to support children and families of service members. From Luke Rhodes of the Indianapolis Colts, who honors his late father’s legacy as a Marine pilot, to Christian McCaffrey of the 49ers, whose “23 and Troops” initiative supports veterans’ mental health, every nominee carries a deeply personal reason for giving back.
The stories stretch far beyond players. Veterans working within teams, like Luis Barajas of the Denver Broncos and Kelvin Smith of the New Orleans Saints, continue their missions of service long after hanging up their uniforms. Head coaches and legends such as Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers and Andrew Whitworth of the Rams use their platforms to connect players with service members on bases, ships, and at community events around the world.
Fans now have the opportunity to take part in the process by voting for their favorite nominee. Three finalists will be announced in January, with the winner revealed at NFL Honors during Super Bowl week. It is a moment that brings together fans, players, and veterans to celebrate the bond between sports and service.
The Salute to Service initiative has grown into a league-wide movement that unites all 32 teams during Weeks 9 through 11 of the regular season. On fields across the country, players and fans alike stand together to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who serve. From camouflage-branded sidelines to in-stadium tributes and military family events, the visual unity is matched by tangible impact.
At Champs with Champs, we celebrate this kind of leadership, the kind that turns influence into impact and competition into community. The NFL’s Salute to Service Award is a reminder that true champions use their platform to honor those who make freedom possible.
Sip, celebrate, and spark impact, because gratitude, like greatness, should always be lived out loud.
