NFL, USAA announce 2025 nominees from across the league for Salute to Service Award

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The NFL and USAA, an official Salute to Service partner, announced this year’s nominees for the Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. Each year, the Salute to Service Award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni who make exceptional efforts to honor and support military and veteran communities.

“The Salute to Service Award nominees are extraordinary advocates for the military community, demonstrating the impact that individuals can have in the lives of those who serve,” said Major General (Retired) Bob Whittle, senior vice president and head of military affairs at USAA. “USAA and the NFL proudly celebrate these deserving nominees for honoring, empowering and connecting with those who have worn our nation’s uniform, and we encourage fans across the globe to join in showing their appreciation.”

Fans have the opportunity to honor through action, helping determine the award’s three finalists by voting for their favorite nominee. One vote per day for each nominee is permitted. The three finalists will be announced in January, and the recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors; a primetime awards special to air nationally during the week of Super Bowl LX.

To learn more about each nominee and cast your vote, visit NFL.com/SaluteFanVote — voting is open now until November 30.

The 2024 award recipient was George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers tight end. Kittle lends his platform and resources to uplift the military community by hosting military and frontline heroes at every game and donating over 400 tickets in the last six years. Through the Founding Hidden Pearls Podcast (HPP) founded in 2020, Kittle and his family amplify community stories involving veterans. Inspired by these stories, he and his family created an app offering free mental health resources to veterans, including the meditative practices he uses while playing. He has donated over $250,000 to military nonprofits and further highlighted military organizations through My Cause My Cleats, including the Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS, Merging Vets and Players (MVP), Operation Freedom Paws and Operation Surf.

Kittle will join the Salute to Service Award panel recognizing the time-honored tradition of helping select the newest Salute to Service Award recipient. The Salute to Service Award panel members joining Kittle include Major General Bob Whittle (Ret.), SVP and Head of Military Affairs at USAA; Chad Hennings, Air Force Academy graduate and three-time Super Bowl champion; Jim Mora, Sr., Marine Corps veteran and former NFL head coach; and Christine Dorfler, NFL Chief Financial Officer and Army veteran.

For the past 15 seasons, 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. As the presenting sponsor of the award, USAA, a leading provider of insurance, banking and financial services to U.S. military members, veterans and their families, will contribute $25,000 in the recipient’s name to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL Foundation will match USAA’s contribution by donating an additional $25,000 to the awardee’s military non-profit charity of choice.

Through the league’s Salute to Service initiative, the NFL and all teams from across the league unite to honor, empower and connect with service members, veterans and their families during Weeks 9-11 of the regular season. The initiative will come to life in NFL stadiums across the country through on-field branding and other game day activations.

Below is the list of nominees for the 2025 Salute to Service Award presented by USAA:

Growing up in a military household instilled in Elijah a profound respect for the sacrifices made by those in uniform. His father served with distinction for 28 years in the U.S. Air Force, specializing in the maintenance of Hercules C-130 aircraft.

In spring 2024, Elijah joined a USO tour to Kuwait, spending a week visiting military bases and connecting with over 100 deployed service members on six-to-nine-month rotations. His mission was clear: to show genuine care and appreciation, bringing moments of joy and connection to those serving far from home.

Elijah’s presence uplifted the troops, strengthened the NFL’s relationship with the Armed Forces, and powerfully advanced the Salute to Service platform.

Throughout Matt’s distinguished NFL career, he and his family consistently prioritized honoring the military community. He demonstrated unwavering support by engaging in team-led military appreciation events creating unique experiences for military families and personally visiting active-duty troops.

Matt’s dedication to giving back was evident in his efforts to empower and connect with the military community; a cause close to his heart and one he embraced both during the season and in the off season. Despite the demands of raising seven children, Matt made it a point to spend his free time building meaningful relationships with service members and their families.

His commitment reached its peak through participation in two overseas USO Tours, one of the most immersive ways to connect directly with active-duty personnel.

Simpson’s father, Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy D. Simpson, completed 17 overseas tours as a dedicated U.S. Army Ranger.

Inspired by his upbringing, Simpson founded the Trenton Simpson Foundation in 2024 to support children and families of active-duty and retired service members. The foundation offers youth camps, mentorship, and game-day experiences — including its first event, Tribute to the Troops Tailgate in Baltimore.

Simpson also actively supports the Ravens’ Salute to Service efforts, partnering with T.A.P.S. and hosting Blue Star Families at training camp. Through his foundation and team initiatives, he continues to honor the military community that shaped him.

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