The NFL and USAA have announced the 2025 nominees for the Salute to Service Award, honoring those who go above and beyond in supporting the military and veteran communities. Running back Christian McCaffrey has been named the San Francisco 49ers' nominee for this year's award.
Christian McCaffrey's commitment to the military
Christian McCaffrey's commitment to the military community stems from a deep respect for service and a belief in supporting mental and physical wellness. Through the Christian McCaffrey Foundation, he honors and empowers veterans, especially those in Special Operations, with holistic health resources.
The foundation's flagship initiative, 23 and Troops, launched in 2021 and focuses on healing from post-traumatic stress using athlete-level care. McCaffrey advocates for veterans to be treated as athletes and receive the same elite treatment. The foundation has invested nearly $700,000 in military support, including $250,000 to REBOOT Recovery for trauma healing and another $250,000 to Resilience Code for personalized medical care.
The foundation also paid off holiday layaway balances for 515 military families. McCaffrey also actively participates in Salute to Service, connecting with active-duty members, veterans, and Gold Star families, and showcases 23 and Troops through the league's My Cause My Cleats initiative.
About the Salute to Service Award
"The Salute to Service Award nominees are extraordinary advocates for the military community, demonstrating the impact that individuals can have in the lives of those who serve," said Major General (Retired) Bob Whittle, senior vice president and head of military affairs at USAA. "USAA and the NFL proudly celebrate these deserving nominees for honoring, empowering, and connecting with those who have worn our nation's uniform, and we encourage fans across the globe to join in showing their appreciation."
Fans can help determine the award's three finalists by voting once per day for their favorite nominee. The three finalists will be announced in January, with the Salute to Service Award recipient recognized at NFL Honors, a primetime awards show airing nationally during Super Bowl LX week.
49ers tight end George Kittle, the 2024 recipient of the award, will serve on this year's Salute to Service Award panel, helping select the next honoree.
Kittle lends his platform and resources to uplift the military community by hosting military and frontline heroes at every game and donating over 400 tickets in the last six years. Through the Founding Hidden Pearls Podcast (HPP), founded in 2020, Kittle and his family amplify community stories involving veterans. Inspired by these stories, he and his family created an app offering free mental health resources to veterans, including the meditative practices he uses while playing. He has donated over $250,000 to military nonprofits and further highlighted military organizations through My Cause My Cleats, including the Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS, Merging Vets and Players (MVP), Operation Freedom Paws, and Operation Surf.
Comments