The National Football League (NFL) has announced its 32 nominees for the prestigious Salute to Service Award, recognizing one individual from each team who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to honoring and supporting military and veteran communities. This annual accolade celebrates players, coaches, staff, and alumni who go above and beyond in their efforts to give back to those who serve or have served in the armed forces. Among the notable nominees this year are San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, both of whom have made significant contributions to military support initiatives.
Christian McCaffrey’s involvement with the military community is deeply personal and rooted in a profound respect for the sacrifices made by service members. His charitable foundation’s flagship initiative, 23andTroops, focuses on addressing the mental and physical wellness of veterans, particularly targeting healing from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This innovative program employs athlete-level care, tailored to meet the unique needs of veterans coping with trauma. Since its inception, 23andTroops has invested nearly $700,000 towards military support projects and has also extended help to military families by paying off holiday layaway balances for 515 families, easing financial burdens during the festive season.
McCaffrey’s commitment extends beyond financial support. He actively participates in the NFL’s Salute to Service efforts by engaging with active-duty personnel, veterans, and Gold Star families—those who have lost loved ones in military service. Through the league’s My Cause My Cleats initiative, McCaffrey has showcased 23andTroops, raising awareness and encouraging others to support the cause. He has also previously represented prominent veteran organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project in 2019 and 2020 and the Logan Project in the past two seasons, further highlighting his ongoing dedication to military-related charities.
On the coaching side, Jim Harbaugh, who took over as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, has made military outreach a central part of his leadership. Harbaugh has hosted families from T.A.P.S. (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), an organization supporting military survivors, at team practices, ensuring they feel valued and connected to the team. He has welcomed Gold Star families to games, reinforcing the Chargers’ appreciation for the sacrifices made by military families. Harbaugh’s efforts also include bringing team activities directly to military bases and Navy carriers, bridging the gap between the NFL and the armed forces.
One of the highlights of Harbaugh’s military engagement was the invitation extended to over 2,500 military personnel, veterans, and their families to attend two training camp practices held at the University of San Diego. Demonstrating a unique tradition called "Wise Words," Harbaugh invited members of the U.S. Coast Guard to share inspirational messages during the team’s post-practice huddle. This interaction fostered a meaningful connection between the players and service members. Later on the same day, the Chargers visited the USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. Hundreds of active-duty sailors observed the team’s walk-through, participated in drills, and engaged with players and coaches, offering a unique experience that highlighted the mutual respect between the NFL team and the military community.
The Salute to Service Award nominees are lauded for their extraordinary advocacy and commitment. Retired Major General Bob Whittle, senior vice president and head of military affairs at USAA, praised the nominees, emphasizing the profound impact these individuals have on the lives of service members. Whittle noted that USAA and the NFL proudly celebrate the nominees for their efforts in honoring, empowering, and connecting with those who have worn the nation’s uniform. He also encouraged fans worldwide to join in showing appreciation for military personnel through supporting these nominees and their causes.
In addition to McCaffrey and Harbaugh, the list of nominees includes several other distinguished figures known for their military support and service. Among them is Andrew Whitworth, the 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year, recognized for his longstanding commitment to community and charitable causes. Aaron Jones, a 2024 finalist for the same award, is also nominated again this year. Other notable nominees include Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson and Lindsay Hartig, the Philadelphia Eagles’ game day supervisor. Hartig is particularly remarkable as the lone female nominee this year and one of four U.S. military veterans nominated. She graduated from