Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson are finalists for the 15th annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA.
Jones, McCaffrey and Ferguson are being recognized for their exceptional efforts to honor and support members of the military community, according to a release.
“The finalists for the 15th Annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA have used their platforms to be exceptional advocates for the military community, reminding us that service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off,” said retired Army Major. Gen. Bob Whittle, senior vice president and Head of Military Affairs at USAA. "The NFL and USAA applaud Jake Ferguson,
Aaron Jones, and Christian McCaffrey as deserving finalists who have demonstrated exactly what the award stands for - using the power of football to connect with, empower, appreciate and uplift our service members, veterans and their families.”
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 for the past 15 seasons. As the presenting sponsor of the award, USAA will contribute $25,000 in the recipient’s name to official aid societies representing all American military branches.
The NFL Foundation will match USAA’s contribution by donating an additional $25,000 to the recipient’s military non-profit charity of choice. The award nominees from each team were announced in October and consist of current and former players, coaches and front office staff.
Fans played a role in determining the award’s three finalists through an online vote. The fans’ favorite nominees were then evaluated through a combination of feedback from an NFL internal committee and USAA. The three finalists were assessed on the positive impact of their support for the military community, the nature and scope of their service, the thoroughness of their efforts, and their overall level of commitment.
A panel of judges, consisting of representatives from the military community, the NFL and USAA, will determine the final Salute to Service Award recipient. The judging panel includes Whitle; San Francisco 49ers tight end and 2024 Salute to Service Award recipient George Kittle; Air Force Academy graduate and three-time Super Bowl champion Chad Hennings; Marine Corps veteran and former NFL head coach Jim Mora, Sr., and NFL Chief Financial Officer and Army veteran Christina Dorfler.
The Salute to Service Award recipient will be announced in February and recognized at NFL Honors on Feb. 5 during Super Bowl LX in San Francisco.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.