NEW YORK — The finalists for the 14th annual Salute to Service award, presented by USAA, have been announced, showcasing the remarkable contributions of NFL players to the military community. The players vying for this prestigious award include Vikings running back Aaron Jones, 49ers tight end George Kittle, and Chargers defensive end Morgan Fox.

This award is part of the ongoing initiative by the NFL and USAA, aiming to honor and recognize the sacrifices of military personnel and veterans throughout the year. Each one of the NFL’s 32 teams had the opportunity to nominate a player, coach, or team executive who has shown exceptional support for the military community. Announced in November, the nominees included both current and former players, as well as coaches and team staff.

The announcement of the award winner will take place during the NFL Honors event on February 6. Major General (Ret.) John Richardson, serving as USAA’s senior vice president and head of military affairs, expressed his admiration for the finalists, stating, “Our three finalists for the 2024 Salute to Service award are all deserving of recognition for their long-standing and unwavering commitment to honoring the military community.” He emphasized the importance of the players utilizing their influence as NFL stars to uplift military service members and their families, prioritizing service to others over personal interests.

In honor of the Salute to Service award recipient, USAA will make a $25,000 donation to the official aid societies representing each military branch. Additionally, the NFL Foundation will match this contribution, ensuring that the funds go directly to the military charity chosen by the award winner.

The selection of these finalists was determined through a combination of fan voting, evaluation by an internal NFL committee, and input from USAA, reflecting a collaborative effort to identify those who have made a significant impact in supporting the military community.