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USAA announced the three finalists for the NFL’s Salute to Service Award on Thursday, and a dynasty in San Francisco may be on the way.
After 49ers star George Kittle took home the award last year, Christian McCaffrey is among three finalists for the league’s award, along with Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson and Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones as the finalists — Jones was also a finalist last year.
“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 Maj. Gen. Bob Whittle, USAA Senior Vice President and Head of Military Affairs, in a release.
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Christian McCaffrey, Jake Ferguson and Aaron Jones are this year’s Salute to Service Award finalists. (, G Fiume and John Fisher/Getty Images)
“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, value and uplift our service members, veterans and their families.”
McCaffrey launched 23 and Troops in 2021 to focus on post-traumatic stress and athlete-level care for veterans. The foundation has raised $700,000 for military support and paid holiday leave for 515 military families.
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) celebrates his touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Santa Clara, California. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)
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Ferguson has partnered with USAA to visit local military bases and supported the National Medal of Honor Museum, including an event in 2024 where 900 students joined in person and thousands more joined virtually.
Jones grew up in a military household. His father, Alvin, served 29 years in the Army, while his mother, Vurgess, served 27. Jones’ older brother, Xavier, serves in the Air Force. Jones and his twin brother, Alvin Jr., founded the A&A All the Way Foundation in 2020 to support youth in military families.
The winner will be announced at the NFL Honors in San Francisco on Feb. 5, the same night the MVP, offensive and defensive players and rookies and coach of the year will be named.
George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown with Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Whittle and Kittle will be among those on the judging panel for the award.
