The NFL and USAA, official partner of the NFL Salute to Service initiative, have named San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey as the recipient of the 15th annual Salute to Service Award, presented by USAA. This award, which translates to “Salute to Service,” recognizes the exceptional efforts of members of the NFL family to honor and support the military community. McCaffrey will be honored at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, February 5, during Super Bowl LX in San Francisco.
“The NFL family is honored to recognize Christian McCaffrey’s dedication to those who serve our country,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “His unwavering commitment to members of the U.S. military and his advocacy work through his own foundation make him an exceptional recipient of this prestigious award.”
For the past 15 seasons, the Salute to Service Award has been an integral part of the NFL and USAA’s ongoing commitment to recognizing the military and veteran community. As the award’s presenting sponsor, USAA, a leading provider of insurance, banking and financial services to members of the military, veterans and their families, will donate $25,000 in McCaffrey’s name to official charities representing all branches of the U.S. military. The NFL Foundation will match USAA’s contribution by donating another $25,000 to McCaffrey’s military charity of choice.
“Christian McCaffrey’s excellence on the field is undeniable, but even more admirable is his consistency in demonstrating respect through his actions, celebrating and supporting members of the military, veterans and their families far beyond the football field,” said Juan C. Andrade, president and CEO of USAA. “On behalf of USAA, we are pleased to join military families and football fans in the Bay Area and around the world in congratulating Christian on receiving the 15th annual Salute to Service Award and thanking all nominees for continuing to raise the bar in military support efforts each year.”
The 49ers running back exemplifies what it means to honor, empower and connect with the military community. Their connection is personal and based on a deep respect for service, using mental and physical health as a catalyst for change. McCaffrey’s mission is founded on determination, discipline, and a strong focus on the well-being of others. This mission guides your approach to supporting members of the military and reflects the dedication you demonstrate in your performance in the field. McCaffrey’s belief in promoting holistic health has fueled her desire to create meaningful change for those who sacrifice for others.
Through the Christian McCaffrey Foundation, he has consistently honored and supported active duty military service members, veterans, and their families. The foundation’s flagship initiative, 23 and Troops, launched in 2021, offers a comprehensive, medically-based approach to supporting special operations forces veterans recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Guided by McCaffrey’s belief that veterans deserve the same high-quality care that elite athletes receive, the program has contributed nearly $700,000 to military support initiatives, including $250,000 to REBOOT Recovery and a recent $250,000 collaboration with Resilience Code to provide veterans with a full year of personalized health care. The foundation has also alleviated financial hardships during the holidays, covering outstanding payments for 515 military families.
In addition to his impact in the community, McCaffrey participates in the Salute to Service initiative, regularly connecting with active military personnel, veterans and their families. He has also brought visibility to 23 and Troops through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative, using his platform to further support the military community. His commitment and leadership demonstrate a constant and sincere dedication to those who serve our country.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the Salute to Service Award and to be recognized alongside so many people across the league who also support our military community,” McCaffrey stated. “This honor means a lot to me because it reflects the strength, sacrifice and resilience of the men and women who serve our country. Football has given me a platform, and I believe with it comes a responsibility to serve others the right way. As an athlete, I have been fortunate to have the best medical care and recovery resources available, and I believe our military members and veterans deserve the same level of support as they recover from the wounds, both seen and invisible, that service leaves them. Through the Christian Foundation McCaffrey and our 23 and Troops initiative, we are committed to helping connect military families, service members and veterans with the care they need on their path to recovery. “I appreciate this recognition, but the real credit goes to the men and women who serve our country.”
Fans once again participated in choosing the three finalists for the award through online voting. The nominated fan favorites were later evaluated through a combination of input from an internal NFL and USAA committee. The three finalists are evaluated based on the positive impact of their support to the military community, the nature and scope of their service, the dedication of their efforts, and their overall level of commitment. Among this year’s other finalists were Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson.
A panel of judges, comprised of representatives from the U.S. military community, the NFL and USAA, determined the recipient of the Salute to Service Award. The judging panel is made up of:
- Major General (Ret.) Bob Whittle, USAA Senior Vice President, Director of Military Affairs and Army Veteran
- George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers tight end and 2024 Salute to Service Award recipient
- Chad Hennings, Air Force Academy graduate and three-time Super Bowl champion
- Jim Mora, Sr., Marine Corps veteran and former NFL head coach
- Christine Dorfler, NFL Chief Financial Officer and Army veteran
Below is a list of previous Salute to Service award winners:
- 2024: George Kittle, Player, San Francisco 49ers
- 2023: Joe Cardona, Jugador, New England Patriots
- 2022: Ron Rivera, Former Head Coach, Washington Commanders
- 2021: Andrew Beck, Player, Denver Broncos
- 2020: Steve Cannon, Vicepresidente, AMB Sports + Entertainment, Atlanta Falcons
- 2019: Donnie Edwards, NFL Legend, Los Angeles Chargers
- 2018: Ben Garland, NFL Legend, Atlanta Falcons
- 2017: Andre Roberts, NFL Legend, Atlanta Falcons
- 2016: Dan Quinn, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons
- 2015: Vincent Jackson, NFL Legend (deceased), Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- 2014: Jared Allen, NFL Legend, Chicago Bears
- 2013: John Harbaugh, Head Coach, Baltimore Ravens
- 2012: Charles Tillman, NFL Legend, Chicago Bears
- 2011: KS “Bud” Adams Jr., Owner (deceased), Tennessee Titans
Through the league’s “Salute to Service” initiative, the NFL and its teams come together to honor, support and connect with members of the military, veterans and their families. For more information about the Salute to Service Award presented by USAA, visit NFL.com/Salute.
