The NFL and USAA, an official NFL Salute to Service Partner, named Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers running back, as the recipient of the 15th annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. The award recognizes the exceptional efforts made by members of the NFL family to honor and support the military community. McCaffrey will be recognized at NFL Honors on Thursday, Feb. 5 during Super Bowl LX in San Francisco.
"The NFL family is honored to recognize Christian McCaffrey's dedication to those who serve our country," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "His unwavering commitment to America's service members and advocacy through his own foundation make him an outstanding recipient for this prestigious award."
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. service members, veterans and their families, will contribute $25,000 in McCaffrey's name to the official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL Foundation will match USAA's contribution by donating an additional $25,000 to McCaffrey's military non-profit charity of choice.
"Christian McCaffrey's excellence on the field is undeniable, but more admirable is his consistency in showing honor through action by celebrating and supporting service members, veterans and their families far beyond the football field," said Juan C. Andrade, president and CEO of USAA. "On behalf of USAA, we're excited to join military families and football fans in the Bay Area and across the world in congratulating Christian on receiving the 15th Annual Salute to Service Award and thanking all of our Salute to Service Award nominees for continuing to raise the standard for military appreciation efforts each year."
The 49ers running back exemplifies what it means to honor, empower, and connect with the military community. His connection is personal and rooted in a deep respect for service while using mental and physical health as a catalyst for change. McCaffrey's mission is rooted in determination, discipline, and a strong focus on the well‑being of others. This mission guides his approach to supporting service members and reflects the dedication he brings to his craft on the field. McCaffrey's belief in championing whole‑person health has shaped his drive to create meaningful change for those who sacrifice for others.
Through the Christian McCaffrey Foundation, he has consistently honored and uplifted active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. The foundation's flagship initiative, 23 and Troops, launched in 2021, offers a medically based, holistic approach to support Special Operations forces veterans healing from post‑traumatic stress. Guided by McCaffrey's belief that veterans deserve the same high-quality care provided to elite athletes, the program has contributed nearly $700,000 to military support efforts, including $250,000 to REBOOT Recovery and a recent $250,000 partnership with Resilience Code to provide veterans with a full year of personalized medical care. The foundation has also eased seasonal burdens by covering holiday layaway balances for 515 military families.
In addition to his community impact, McCaffrey remains an active participant in Salute to Service by regularly connecting with active-duty personnel, veterans, and families. He has also highlighted 23 and Troops through the NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative, using his platform to further support the military community. His engagement and leadership prove a sustained, heartfelt commitment to those who serve our country.
"I'm incredibly honored to receive the Salute to Service Award and to be recognized alongside so many across the league who are committed to supporting our military community," said McCaffrey. "This honor means a lot because it reflects the strength, sacrifice, and resilience of the men and women who serve our country. Football has given me a platform, and I believe it comes with a responsibility to serve others the right way. As an athlete, I've been fortunate to have access to the best care and recovery resources available, and I believe our service members and veterans deserve that same level of intentional support as they heal from both the visible and invisible wounds of service. Through the Christian McCaffrey Foundation and our 23 and Troops initiative, we're committed to helping connect military families, service members, and veterans with the care they need on their path to healing. I'm grateful for this recognition, but the real credit belongs to the men and women who serve. This is for them."
Fans once again played a role in determining the award's three finalists through an online vote. Fans' favorite nominees were then evaluated through a combination of feedback from an NFL internal committee and USAA. The three finalists are assessed on the positive impact of their support for the military community, the nature and scope of their service, the thoroughness of their efforts, and their overall level of commitment. This year's other finalists included Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson.
A panel of judges, consisting of representatives from the U.S. military community, the NFL and USAA, determined the final Salute to Service Award recipient. The judging panel including:
- Major General (Ret.) Bob Whittle, USAA Senior Vice President, Head of Military Affairs and Army veteran
- George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers tight end and 2024 Salute to Service Award recipient
- Chad Hennings, Air Force Academy graduate and three-time Super Bowl champion
- Jim Mora, Sr., Marine Corps veteran and former NFL head coach
- Christine Dorfler, NFL Chief Financial Officer and Army veteran
