The National Football League (NFL) and the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) have announced the three finalists for the prestigious 2024 Salute to Service Award: Aaron Jones, running back for the Minnesota Vikings; George Kittle, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers; and Morgan Fox, defensive end for the Los Angeles Chargers. This esteemed award, established in 2012, serves as a powerful testament to the NFL’s and USAA’s unwavering commitment to recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of the military and veteran community. Each finalist embodies the spirit of service and dedication that the award represents, consistently demonstrating their deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.
Aaron Jones’s connection to the military runs deep, having been raised in a military household. Both his parents dedicated significant portions of their lives to military service: his father, Alvin, served for 29 years in the Army, while his mother, Vurgess, served for 27 years. Furthermore, Jones’s older brother, Xavier, continues the family tradition by serving in the Air Force. This firsthand experience of military life has profoundly shaped Jones’s perspective and fueled his desire to give back to the military community. In 2020, he co-founded the A&A All the Way Foundation with his twin brother, Alvin Jr., to provide essential support and resources to the children of military families. This initiative underscores Jones’s commitment to ensuring that the next generation of military families receives the care and encouragement they deserve.
George Kittle’s unwavering support for the military community is equally impressive. He consistently demonstrates his appreciation for military personnel by hosting them at every San Francisco 49ers home game, providing them with an unforgettable experience. Recognizing the importance of mental health, particularly for veterans, Kittle and his family developed a dedicated app offering free mental health services, a testament to their commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by those who have served. Kittle’s philanthropy extends even further, with over $250,000 donated to military nonprofits, amplifying his impact and supporting organizations dedicated to serving veterans. He also leverages the platform provided by the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative to further highlight and raise awareness for military organizations.
Morgan Fox, like Jones, grew up immersed in a military community, fostering a deep respect for military service. He actively demonstrates his gratitude by donating tickets to veterans, enabling them to enjoy Chargers games and experience the camaraderie of the NFL. Fox’s commitment extends beyond game day, hosting members of the Wounded Warrior Project at Chargers practices, providing an opportunity for these veterans to connect with the team and experience the energy of a professional football environment.
The Salute to Service Award acknowledges the profound impact these players have made on the lives of military members and their families. Their actions extend beyond the football field, demonstrating their genuine commitment to serving others and honoring those who have served their country. These finalists follow in the footsteps of Joe Cardona, the New England Patriots long snapper and former Navy football player, who received the 2023 Salute to Service Award. Cardona’s dedication to both his military and football careers exemplifies the spirit of the award.
The winner of the 2024 Salute to Service Award will be announced at the highly anticipated NFL Honors ceremony on February 6th, a night that celebrates the pinnacle of achievement in professional football. This evening will also crown the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year, and Coach of the Year. The Salute to Service Award, presented amidst these prestigious accolades, highlights the importance placed on service and underscores the NFL’s commitment to honoring the military community. The recognition received by the winner will further amplify their efforts and inspire others to join in supporting military personnel and their families.
