NFL Salute to Service Award Finalists Announced: Aaron Jones, George Kittle, and Morgan Fox Honored for Military Support
The NFL and USAA, the league’s official Salute to Service partner, have revealed the finalists for the 14th annual Salute to Service Award. This year’s honorees include Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones, Sr., San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, and Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Morgan Fox. These players stand out for their exceptional dedication to honoring, empowering, and connecting with service members, veterans, and their families.
Aaron Jones: A Legacy of Military Service and Commitment
Aaron Jones’ deep connection to the military community runs through his family history. Both his parents, Alvin Jones, Sr., and Vurgess Jones, served as sergeants major in the U.S. Army for 29 and 27 years, respectively. His older brother, Xavier Jones, is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force. To honor his family’s legacy, Aaron co-founded the A&A All the Way Foundation with his twin brother, Alvin Jones, Jr., in 2020.
The foundation focuses on supporting youth in military families, a cause close to Aaron’s heart. Reflecting on his childhood, Aaron recalls the challenges he faced when both his parents were deployed to Iraq, witnessing the sacrifices made in service to the country. The foundation organizes events such as an annual gala to raise funds and initiatives like zoo trips and movie nights for military families, ensuring they feel supported and cared for.
Aaron’s commitment extends beyond his foundation. He has participated in Huddle for Heroes events, written letters to active-duty service members, and met with T.A.P.S. families, offering comfort to those who have lost loved ones in the military. Shortly after joining the Vikings, Aaron visited the United Heroes League, connecting with young people and veterans.
Recognizing Salute to Service Excellence
The Salute to Service Award, part of the NFL’s year-round initiative, highlights individuals who go above and beyond to support the military community. In November, 32 nominees were announced, representing players, coaches, and executives from each NFL team. The finalists were chosen through a combination of fan voting, an NFL committee, and USAA evaluation, with a focus on their positive impact, depth of service, and commitment.
What’s Next for the Finalists?
The winner of the 2024 Salute to Service Award will be announced during the NFL Honors event on Thursday, February 6, 2025. Along with the prestigious recognition, the recipient will receive a custom-designed military challenge coin and a $25,000 donation from USAA to a military charity of their choice, matched by the NFL Foundation.
Major General (Ret.) John Richardson, USAA’s Senior Vice President and head of Military Affairs, praised the finalists:
“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. We commend Aaron Jones, George Kittle, and Morgan Fox for continually using their platforms as NFL players to enrich the lives of service members and their families, putting service to others above themselves.”
The winner will be selected by a panel of judges, including former NFL players and military veterans such as Chad Hennings, Jim Mora, Sr., and Joe Cardona, the 2023 award recipient.
Since its inception in 2011, the Salute to Service Award has celebrated the enduring bond between the NFL and the military, fostering unique opportunities to bring the two communities closer together. As we await the announcement of this year’s honoree, the dedication of these finalists continues to shine as a beacon of gratitude and respect for those who serve.
