Updates

The NFL and USAA announced the 2021 nominees for the 11th annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. The Salute to Service Award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni with demonstrable commitment to honoring and supporting military and veteran communities, as nominated by NFL clubs.

Finalists will be announced in January 2022, and the recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors, a primetime awards special airing nationally during the week of Super Bowl LVI.

"Now more than ever, it's essential that our nation come together to support and show appreciation for those Americans who are serving and have served our country, as well as their families," said Vice Admiral (Ret.) John Bird, USAA senior vice president of military affairs. "This year's nominees for the Salute to Service Award all deserve special recognition for stepping up to support our military community, and we are encouraged to see this list of diverse nominees coming from all areas of the NFL organization."

Last year's recipient was Steve Cannon, CEO of the Atlanta Falcons' parent company AMB Sports and Entertainment. Cannon will serve on the award panel and vote to select this year’s Salute to Service Award recipient.

As the presenting sponsor of the Salute to Service Award, USAA will contribute $25,000 in the recipient's name to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL will match USAA's contribution by donating an additional $25,000 to the awardee's military or veteran charity of choice.

The Salute to Service Award is part of the NFL and USAA's year-round commitment to recognize and honor the military and veteran community. The league's military appreciation efforts culminate in November with NFL Salute to Service games and other special events honoring and thanking veterans, active-duty service members and their families.

Learn more about the 2021 Salute to Service Award nominees.