by NFL Salute to Service Award 2025 nominees represent the heart of the league’s dedication to honoring America’s heroes. Each year, the NFL and USAA recognize players, coaches, staff, and alumni who go above and beyond to support the U.S. military and veteran communities. These nominees embody the spirit of service through volunteer work, charitable initiatives, and personal connections that uplift those who have served. The award serves as a reminder that the NFL’s commitment to military appreciation extends well beyond game day, creating lasting bonds with service members and their families.
The announcement of the 2025 nominees celebrates not only their actions but also the league’s broader mission of respect and gratitude. Their inspiring efforts continue to strengthen the bridge between football and patriotism through the NFL Salute to Service Award 2025.
The Heart of the Award: Honoring Sacrifice and Service
The Salute to Service Award, presented by USAA, is more than just a trophy; it represents the very best of the NFL family’s efforts to give back to those who serve. Each of the 32 nominees, one from every NFL club, has a compelling story of active engagement, charitable contributions, and personal advocacy for the military community. The diverse roster of honorees includes both active players and distinguished legends, showcasing a league-wide commitment that spans generations. The spirit of the NFL Salute to Service Award 2025 is rooted in genuine appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members and their families. This year’s field of nominees for the NFL Salute to Service Award 2025 perfectly exemplifies the core values of service, sacrifice, and leadership.
Spotlight on Notable 2025 Nominees
Among the 32 nominees for the NFL Salute to Service Award 2025, several names have already garnered significant attention for their profound impact. For instance, players like Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir and Indianapolis Colts long snapper Luke Rhodes stand out. Shakir’s commitment is deeply personal, rooted in his upbringing as a military child with a father who served 24 years in the Marines. Rhodes, whose late father was a Marine Corps helicopter pilot, has consistently used his platform to host military families at games and support charities like Children of Fallen Patriots. These personal connections drive the profound work that defines the NFL Salute to Service Award 2025 efforts across the nation.
In addition to current players, the list also celebrates legends, such as Atlanta Falcons great Matt Bryant and Rams Legend Andrew Whitworth. Bryant has participated in multiple overseas USO Tours, traveling to connect directly with active-duty troops far from home, while Whitworth’s advocacy is fueled by the personal loss of his college roommate, who was killed in action.
Tight end Zach Ertz of the Washington Commanders and tight end Jake Ferguson of the Dallas Cowboys are also recognized for their dedicated service, including engaging with bases, supporting mental health resources, and advocating for causes like the National Medal of Honor Museum. Each nominee for the NFL Salute to Service Award 2025 embodies the mission to honor, empower, and connect with the military community.
How the Recipient is Chosen and the Impact of the Honor
The selection process for the final recipient is a multi-layered one, involving fan voting, an internal NFL committee review, and evaluation by a panel of judges, which includes previous award winners and representatives from the military and USAA. Fan voting is currently open until late November, giving fans a direct opportunity to support their favorite nominee and champion the cause of the NFL Salute to Service Award 2025. Three finalists will be announced in January, and the overall winner will be revealed in February at NFL Honors, a primetime awards special held during the week of the Super Bowl. The winner of the NFL Salute to Service Award 2025 brings significant charitable support to the table.
As the presenting sponsor, USAA contributes a $25,000 donation in the recipient’s name to the official aid societies representing each of the U.S. military branches. The NFL Foundation matches this contribution with an additional $25,000 donation to the winner’s military non-profit charity of choice. This combined $50,000 donation exponentially increases the impact of the winner’s commitment, providing vital resources to military families and veterans nationwide. This significant charitable component is a key pillar of the NFL Salute to Service Award 2025 program.
More Than a Season: The Year-Round ‘Salute to Service’ Initiative
The announcement of the nominees for the NFL Salute to Service Award 2025 is a highlight of the NFL’s broader, year-round “Salute to Service” initiative. This campaign is dedicated to honoring service members, veterans, and their families through deep partnerships with organizations like the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS, the USO, and Wounded Warrior Project. The league and its teams host special military appreciation events, utilize on-field branding, and create unique game day activations, particularly during Weeks 9–11 of the regular season.
These efforts, driven by the values of the NFL Salute to Service Award 2025, have raised tens of millions of dollars for military non-profit partners since 2011. The commitment of every nominee this year proves that this dedication is more than just a seasonal campaign—it’s an integral part of the NFL’s identity and mission.
Join the Vote and Honor a Hero
The nominations for the NFL Salute to Service Award 2025 remind us that the spirit of service extends far beyond the football field. The immense work done by these 32 individuals across the league is a powerful example of how public figures can use their platform for profound social good. To learn more about each nominee and to cast your vote, visit the official NFL website’s Salute to Service section. Your vote helps determine which three incredible advocates will be named finalists for the prestigious NFL Salute to Service Award 2025.
