San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is the recipient of the NFL's 15th annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA.
The award recognizes the efforts made by members of the NFL family to honor and support the military community. McCaffrey was recognized at NFL Honors on Thursday ahead of Super Bowl LX in San Francisco.
Through the Christian McCaffrey Foundation, McCaffrey honors and uplifts active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. The foundation’s flagship initiative, 23 and Troops, launched in 2021, offers a medically based, holistic approach to support Special Operations forces veterans healing from post‑traumatic stress.
The program has contributed nearly $700,000 to military support efforts, including $250,000 to REBOOT Recovery and a recent $250,000 partnership with Resilience Code to provide veterans with a full year of personalized medical care. The foundation has also eased seasonal burdens by covering holiday layaway balances for 515 military families.
McCaffrey also regularly connects with active-duty personnel, veterans, and families through Salute to Service. He has also highlighted 23 and Troops through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative.
"Football has given me a platform, and I believe it comes with a responsibility to serve others the right way. As an athlete, I’ve been fortunate to have access to the best care and recovery resources available, and I believe our service members and veterans deserve that same level of intentional support as they heal from both the visible and invisible wounds of service,” said McCaffrey in a statement.
“Through the Christian McCaffrey Foundation and our 23 and Troops initiative, we’re committed to helping connect military families, service members, and veterans with the care they need on their path to healing," he continued. "I’m grateful for this recognition, but the real credit belongs to the men and women who serve. This is for them.”
For the past 15 seasons, the Salute to Service Award has been an integral part of the NFL's and USAA's year-round commitment to recognize the military and veteran community. As the presenting sponsor of the award, USAA will contribute $25,000 in McCaffrey’s name to the official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL Foundation will match USAA's contribution by donating an additional $25,000 to McCaffrey’s military non-profit charity of choice.
“Christian McCaffrey’s excellence on the field is undeniable, but more admirable is his consistency in showing honor through action by celebrating and supporting service members, veterans and their families far beyond the football field,” said Juan C. Andrade, President and CEO of USAA.
To learn more about the Salute to Service Award presented by USAA, visit here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.