Updates

The NFL kicked off Salute to Service, the league's year-round effort to honor, empower and connect our nation's service members, veterans and their families. Salute to Service will be highlighted in games during Weeks 9–11 and other special events around the league.

Beginning Sunday, November 4, and continuing throughout the rest of the month, clubs will designate one home game as their Salute to Service game, honoring servicemen and women from all branches and their families. To see the events for each club, visit NFL.com/salute.

"The entire NFL family is excited to honor, empower and connect with the great men and women who serve our country in the U.S. Armed Forces," said Anna Isaacson, NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. "This month, we reflect on the sacrifices of our heroes and increase our focus to ensure more service members, veterans and their families find the assistance they need, when they need it."

The league will donate $5 to its nonprofit partners for every use of #SaluteToService through November 19. On Veterans Day, the NFL will raise the donation to $25 for each use of the hashtag.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

The NFL partners with TAPS to fund programs that support the families of those who sacrificed their lives serving our country. Through the partnership, more than 3,500 TAPS surviving military families have been able to access youth mentorship, counseling and opportunities to participate in NFL events.

"My young son and I had the opportunity, through our association with TAPS and the NFL, to attend an Atlanta Falcons game and honor our fallen hero. Ben Garland honored my husband by wearing his initials on his helmet and meeting with our family. My son and Ben formed an incredible bond, he has become a wonderful role model for my son," said Katie Dean, a Surviving Spouse from TAPS.

VIDEO: TAPS | Salute to Service

Pat Tillman Foundation

To honor leaders who exemplify Pat Tillman's enduring legacy of service, the NFL partners with the Pat Tillman Foundation. The organization provides academic scholarships for more than 500 Tillman Scholars who are now pursuing careers in medicine, business, law, science, education and the arts.

"The NFL's been a great support to the Pat Tillman Foundation and to me personally. As a result of their generosity, I was not only financially enabled to complete my doctorate degree, I was empowered,” said Kate Hough, 2015 Tillman Scholar. “The NFL's support and the Pat Tillman Foundation have truly been game changers in my life."

VIDEO: Pat Tillman Foundation | Salute to Service

Wounded Warrior Project

The NFL partners with Wounded Warrior Project to help provide wounded veterans with free programs and resources that empower them to live their lives to the fullest and on their own terms. The NFL's support has helped WWP fund the expansion of combat stress recovery programs, such as Project Odyssey, and serve more than 150,000 wounded veterans, family members and caregivers.

"WWP teammates reminded me that just because I can't see anymore, I just have to look at the world a different way. I am not alone. Since joining WWP, I am getting the help I need mentally and physically," said William, a Wounded Warrior. "I am also being a productive member of society, reaching out to other veterans in the same shoes that I was in and pointing them to get the help they need and deserve."

VIDEO: Wounded Warrior Project | Salute to Service

Bob Woodruff Foundation

Earlier this year, the NFL expanded its support for the military community with a $2 million grant to the Bob Woodruff Foundation. This fall, BWF awarded grants to 22 best-in-class organizations that support post-9/11 veterans and their families through programs that focus on education and employment, quality of life and rehabilitation and recovery.

"As our nation's veterans return home, the Bob Woodruff Foundation helps ensure that they have the tools and resources to thrive in the next chapter of their lives. Through our partnership with the NFL, we're investing in programs that promote healthy lifestyles and community connection," said Anne Marie Dougherty, Executive Director of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. "We are excited to move further towards our shared goal of addressing the current and emerging needs of our veterans, their families and caregivers."

United Service Organizations (USO)

For more than 50 years, the NFL has supported the USO and its mission to strengthen service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country. In 2018, the NFL announced a new $5 million commitment to aid new projects that will reach service members and their families via the more than 200 USO locations worldwide. Since 2007, NFL players and coaches have traveled on USO tours to 25 countries to meet more than 95,000 service members.

"Our partnership with the NFL continues to grow stronger as more coaches, teams and players volunteer to support and engage with the service members who protect our freedoms every day," said Lisa Anastasi, USO Chief Development and Marketing Officer. "The NFL is a game changer for so many of our military and families who are away from their comforts of home. What may seem like another Sunday football game to most of us, can mean so much more to those fighting on the frontlines. We are grateful to the NFL for helping us make such a tremendous impact on morale globally."

VIDEO: USO | Salute to Service

Since 2011, Salute to Service has raised more than $26 million for military and veteran nonprofit organizations. For more information on the NFL's Salute to Service, please visit NFL.com/Salute. ​

Fact Sheet: the NFL's Salute to Service