The NFL and USAA announced Thursday that Aaron Jones, George Kittle and Morgan Fox have been named finalists for the Salute to Service Award.
The award was first presented in 2012 as part of the NFL and USAA’s commitment to recognize and honor the military and veteran community.
“Our three finalists for the 2024 Salute to Service Award all deserve recognition for their longstanding and unwavering commitment to honoring the military community,” said retired Maj. Gen. John Richardson, USAA senior vice president and director of military affairs. “We commend Aaron Jones, George Kittle and Morgan Fox for continually using their platforms as NFL players to advance and enrich the lives of our military service members and their families, putting service to others above self.”
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Service members salute the flag during the national anthem before the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Chargers at Bank of America Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Running back Jones, who had a career resurgence with the Minnesota Vikings, 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.
Kittle, the San Francisco 49ers tight end, hosts military members at every Niners home game, and he and his family created an app to offer free mental health services to veterans. Kittle has donated over $250,000 to military nonprofits and further highlighted military organizations through My Cause My Cleats.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. (Kelley L Cox-Imagn Photos)
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Fox, the LA Chargers defensive end, also grew up in a military community and donated 100 tickets to veterans. He has hosted members of the Wounded Warrior Project at Chargers practices.
New England Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona, who played college football at Navy, was named the Salute to Service Award winner last year.
An official NFL football with the Salute to Service Ribbon on the sideline during the game between the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The winner will be announced at NFL Honors on Feb. 6, the same night the MVP, offensive and defensive players and rookies and coach of the year will be named.
