To kick off Veterans Appreciation Month, the NFL and USAA, an official NFL Salute to Service partner, announced the 2023 nominees for the annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. The Salute to Service Award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni with proven commitment to honoring and supporting military and veteran communities, as nominated by NFL clubs.
Returning this year, fans have an opportunity to vote for their favorite nominee to help determine the award’s three finalists. To see all the nominees and vote, visit NFL.com/SaluteFanVote from now until November 30. One vote per day, per fan is permitted.
The finalists of the award will be announced in January, and the recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors, a primetime awards special to air nationally in February during the week of Super Bowl LVIII.
As the presenting sponsor of the Salute to Service Award, USAA, a leading provider of insurance, banking and other financial services to U.S. military members, veterans and their families, will contribute $25,000 in the recipient’s name to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL will match USAA’s contribution by donating an additional $25,000 to the awardee’s military or veteran charity of choice.
The Salute to Service Award is part of the NFL and USAA’s year-round commitment to recognize and honor the military and veteran community. Each year, the NFL and its 32 teams come together to honor, empower and connect with service members, veterans and their families as part of the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative. The league’s military appreciation efforts culminate in November with NFL Salute to Service games and other special events throughout the season.
Check out more information about each of the 32 candidates below.
Arizona Cardinals – Dennis Gardeck, Linebacker
Dennis honors the sacrifices made by active-duty military by giving his time to organizations shining a light on our valued men and women of the armed forces. Together with veterans and active-duty military personnel, Dennis supported several in-person activations in Arizona, creating buzz around the military community and NFL’s Salute to Service initiative.
Atlanta Falcons – Arthur Smith, Head Coach
In his third season as a head coach, and fifteenth year overall in the NFL, giving back to our nation’s military has always been at the forefront for Arthur Smith. This past June, Smith participated in an Atlanta Falcons USO Trip to various military bases throughout the world. Instead of joining a typical USO trip with attendees from multiple NFL teams, Coach Smith was inspired to do a trip solely on behalf of the Atlanta Falcons. Smith, along with other Atlanta Falcons executives, coaches and players, traveled to three countries – Germany, Romania and Bulgaria – to visit American military members.
Baltimore Ravens – Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders
Throughout the history of the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleading program, the squad has continually demonstrated their appreciation for servicemen and women, most prominently by touring overseas. Over the 25+ years that the Ravens Cheerleading program has been in operation, the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders have participated in 24 overseas tours to support our troops abroad.
Buffalo Bills – Reid Ferguson, Long Snapper
Each season, Reid dedicates his time off the field to honoring the military community. On April 15, Reid and Coach Smiley accompanied 49 WNY veterans to Washington, D.C. on the 2023 Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight. Reid connected with Honor Flight veterans and visited national war memorials. Both of Reid’s grandfathers, great uncle, and great grandfather all served in the armed forces.
Carolina Panthers – Hayden Hurst, Tight End
During his six-year NFL career, Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst has maintained a steadfast commitment to sharing his time, advocacy and resources to support the military community. For his efforts, he was named one of three finalists for the 2022 NFL’s Salute to Service Award. Hayden publicly shared his own personal battle with depression and anxiety in 2020, which opened the door for him to learn about the emotional, mental and psychological challenges faced by active-duty and veteran service members.
Chicago Bears – Cody Whitehair, Offensive Guard
As a veteran leader on the team, Cody consistently supports the community and particularly members of the military. As part of a series of videos, he showed his support for the Pat Tillman Foundation as they brought military Tillman Scholar, Catherine Paris, to Halas Hall to talk about the importance of service, the parallels between elite athletes and veterans, and the way Pat’s legacy of humble leadership continues through the NFL and Tillman Scholars.
Cincinnati Bengals – Clint Walker, Security Staff Member
Clint Walker, a member of the Cincinnati Bengals’ security team since 2010, spent over 15 years as a member of the United States Army. Walker originally enlisted in the U.S. Army out of high school in 1976, and through 1992 he served in the Infantry Branch, in communications roles and in the U.S. Army Reserve. During that time, Walker was stationed in over seven locations around the globe, including Camp Casey (South Korea), the Garrison Ansbach military community (Germany), Fort Hunter Liggett and Fort Ord (California), Fort Gordon (Georgia), Fort Jackson (South Carolina) and Fort Dix (New Jersey).
Cleveland Browns – Joy Tapajcik, Player Personnel and Football Operations Process Manager
Joy is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and government. Before joining the Cleveland Browns in her current role, Joy spent nearly a decade in Naval Intelligence. As part of her last tour in the Navy, Joy was selected to be a flag aide for two different admirals, which served as a great learning experience for both her personal leadership and philosophy.
Dallas Cowboys – Charlotte Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer
As the Dallas Cowboys EVP and Chief Brand Officer, Charlotte Jones is passionate about growing the team’s brand both on the field and in the community. Her work with the National Medal of Honor Museum (NMOHM) highlights the Salute to Service tenants to honor, empower and connect service members, veterans, and families. Jones was instrumental in securing Arlington, Texas as the NMOHM home and now as Chairman of the NMOHM Foundation, her goal is to build a permanent home to honor these heroes.
Denver Broncos – Randy Gradishar, Legend
The Denver Broncos are proud to nominate Broncos Ring of Fame linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Fame Senior Finalist Randy Gradishar for the Salute to Service Award in recognition of his commitment to honor, empower and connect service members, veterans and their families. While at The Ohio State University, Gradishar joined ROTC expecting to be drafted and follow in the footsteps of his father and uncles who were WWII veterans.
Detroit Lions – Ronnie Cyrus, Hometown Hero Coordinator
Ronnie Cyrus, the Detroit Lions’ Hometown Hero Coordinator and an NFL Ambassador, served over 20 years in the US Army and is a retired Michigan National Guardsman. For the past nine years, Cyrus has been the Lions Hometown Hero Coordinator, where he connects the team with an active or retired military member to be recognized at each home game. Cyrus currently serves as the Military Transition Assistance Advisor for the state of Michigan, where he helps retired military members adjust to civilian life.
Green Bay Packers – Aaron Jones, Running Back
Jones, who grew up with both of his parents serving in the U.S. Army, knows firsthand the sacrifices involved with serving, and he has made giving back to active-duty and veterans, a special focus of his community involvement. Jones is a big part of the Packers’ Salute to Service efforts, serving as a spokesperson for the initiative and taking part in every opportunity to honor veterans.
Houston Texans – Houston Texas Cheerleaders
The Houston Texans have a longstanding commitment to honoring those who serve our country and some of the greatest champions for the cause are the Houston Texans Cheerleaders (HTC). The Texans Cheerleaders have always dedicated their time and talents to celebrating service members. Since the inception of the franchise, HTC have supported organizations such as the United Service Organization (USO), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), Operation Finally Home, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Tuesday’s Children and many others.
Indianapolis Colts – Pete Ward, Chief Operating Officer
Colts Chief Operating Officer Pete Ward has consistently honored and empowered service members, veterans and their families over his four decades with the club. The Colts employ a significant number of veterans across the organization, and in the last three years alone have increased veteran representation on staff by 200 percent. That increase is the direct result of an intentional effort to hire talented staffers who happen to have served in the United States armed forces.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Devin Lloyd, Linebacker
Lloyd was given a unique perspective early in life growing up in a military home with both parents proudly serving a combined 40 years in the U.S. Navy. Watching his parents work hard and make great sacrifices, Lloyd experienced firsthand what families with loved ones on deployment experience which is why he finds great joy in giving back to the military community. Over the years, Lloyd has visited with service members at local bases and has hosted multiple youth football camps for military children.
Kansas City Chiefs – James Winchester, Long Snapper
Throughout his nine-year NFL career, James Winchester has used his position as an NFL player to live the tenants of the NFL Salute to Service initiative; to honor, empower and connect with service members, veterans and their families. Winchester has reached out to Service Members in a variety of ways. He has gone on several military base visits, most recently he visited Whiteman Air Force Base with former Chiefs Mike Garrett and Roger Burnhart.
Las Vegas Raiders – Jimmy Garoppolo, Quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, embodies each tenant of the NFL’s Salute to Service campaign to honor, empower and connect service members, veterans, and their families. Garoppolo HONORS the sacrifices made by the service men and women of our armed forces by giving his time and effort to organizations that support those that serve our nation.
Los Angeles Chargers – Morgan Fox, Defensive Lineman
With three generations of family members who have proudly served and saw combat duties, Chargers Defensive Lineman Morgan Fox has a deep-rooted connection to our nation’s military members and Veterans that extends beyond the field. Morgan has worked closely with the Wounded Warrior Project on several events including participating in workouts, being a featured speaker, and connecting with Warriors that are a part of the Project Odyssey Program.
Los Angeles Rams – Cooper Kupp, Wide Receiver
Cooper’s unwavering commitment to Salute to Service is deeply rooted in his profound appreciation for service members, underpinned by a strong familial connection. In a remarkable demonstration of his dedication, Cooper collaborated with the Call of Duty Endowment during the My Cause My Cleats initiative last year. Through this partnership, he contributed over $50,000 to the endowment, which plays a pivotal role in preparing veterans for high-quality job opportunities.
Miami Dolphins – Blake Ferguson, Long Snapper
Inspired by his WWII Navy veteran great grandfather and his Air Force veteran best friend, Blake Ferguson has fostered a deep military appreciation throughout his life. Since the Miami Dolphins drafted him in 2020, Blake immediately dedicated his time, energy and involvement to team military initiatives. He jumped at opportunities not only to participate, but also to lead. In 2021 and 2022, Blake hosted his annual military appreciation barbecue event to honor active-duty military members and veterans in South Florida during Salute to Service.
Minnesota Vikings – Bud Grant, Legend
In Bud Grant’s words, “Stars and heroes are different. Stars entertain us; heroes define us. In the morning light, stars fade away. Heroes never do.” Despite being the most famous sports figure in Minnesota for decades, Bud always made a point to distance himself from the hero category. Although he had served in the United States Navy, he reserved hero status for other servicemembers, including those who sacrificed their lives in duty. Thinking about the courage and conviction of some of his contemporaries brought Bud to tears, even more than a half century later.
New England Patriots – Joe Cardona, Long Snapper
Joe’s journey began at the United States Naval Academy as a four-year football player. During his rookie season, Joe displayed exceptional dedication by balancing a second full-time job as an Ensign in the Navy. In 2015, he juggled his NFL responsibilities with this demanding role, even working a 24-hour shift during the team’s “day off.” In 2017, he earned a promotion to lieutenant junior grade (LTJG). As a junior officer of Maritime Security Squadron 8, Joe currently oversees the logistical needs of 500 sailors.
New Orleans Saints – Pete Werner, Linebacker
Pete Werner, Linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, was the team’s second round draft pick out of Ohio State in 2021 and the Saints’ current leading tackler. Werner honors the sacrifices made by all military members as he never hesitates to engage in any military-related engagement. As the proud grandson of a pair of military veterans, he understands and respects the sacrifices that are made by military members and their families. One grandfather, Richard E. Cowen, served in the United States Navy Dental Corps from 1963-65 where he was stationed in San Diego.
New York Giants – Graham Gano, Kicker
Graham Gano honors the sacrifices made by military personnel and veterans, as his family is steeped in military tradition. His father served in the Navy for 30 years as a Master Chief Petty Officer, his three brothers were Marines and his grandfather was a World War II veteran. Growing up in a military family taught him discipline, perspective and motivation. In fact, you’ll often find him standing at attention instead of his usual warm up during pregame when military personnel are around.
New York Jets – Tony Richardson, Legend
Tony honors the sacrifices made by his father Ben Richardson, US Army Sergeant Major Vietnam Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient and Drill Sergeant and his Sister Shon Richardson, Master Sergeant for 28 years with 4 deployments. He also volunteers his time consistently to support and meet with military personnel. During Fleet Week, Tony has coached military Flag Football Teams and flown out to a Navy Ship to spend the night on board having dinner, interacting with the soldiers, and holding “football chalk talks”. Tony has also packed meals with AmeriCorps on September 11 alongside Roger Goodell and other NFL staff.
Philadelphia Eagles – Cristian Narino Garcia, Operations Coordinator
Cristian Narino Garcia served in the United States Armed Forces for close to four years prior to joining the National Guard. His decorated military career includes more than 10 awards and honors, the highest of which was the Air and Space Achievement medal that he earned four times. His various roles consisted of everything from nutrition management in the dining facilities to physical fitness assessments for the 111th Attack Wing. While applying ServeSafe standards and enforcing U.S Food and Drug Administration guidelines in the dining facilities, Cristian averaged 300 meals served per drill weekend.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Levi Wallace, Cornerback
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace represents the pillars of the NFL’s Salute to Service campaign – to honor, empower and connect with service members, veterans and their families. That is because those pillars exist in his own life, as the proud son of military members. Both of Levi’s parents, Wendy and the late Walter Wallace, served in the United States Air Force. His mother served for four years, while his father served for 21 years reaching the rank of Master Sergeant.
San Francisco 49ers – George Kittle, Tight End
George Kittle’s appreciation for the military runs deep and is rooted in family with his Uncle Pat and Grandfather Carl among loved ones who have served. Kittle empowers service members by lending his platform and resources to raise awareness and encourage others to overcome adversity. Over five years, Kittle has donated over 200 tickets to service members and frontline heroes for nearly every home and away game. Kittle and his family founded Hidden Pearls Podcast (HPP) in 2020, amplifying community stories, including those of 45 veterans.
Seattle Seahawks – Jon Rhattigan, Linebacker
Jon Rhattigan, Seahawks Linebacker, embodies each tenant of the NFL’s Salute to Service campaign to honor, empower and connect service members, veterans, and their families. Rhattigan was signed by the Seahawks in 2021 as an undrafted free agent and is the first West Point graduate to play for the Seahawks. At West Point, Rhattigan played in 25 games from 2018-20. As a senior he was named a second-team All-America by USA Today and was Army’s first-ever semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Martin Gramatica, Legend
Martín honors U.S. service members through his foundation to positively impact the quality of life of community veterans through housing initiatives. Since its inception, the Gramatica Family Foundation has built 10 homes for veterans, empowering veterans who require special considerations to live independently. Martín and the foundation are currently working alongside other Tampa area nonprofits to build two more homes from the ground up. One home is for a local veteran couple while the second home includes a mother, a father who retired from the Army, and their adult son with disabilities whom the parents will care for long term.
Tennessee Titans – Peter Skoronski, Guard
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans selected offensive lineman Peter Skoronski as first round pick. The grandson of Green Bay Packers legend and military hero, Bob Skoronski, Peter grew up with a deep love of the game, but also an unwavering passion and admiration for military service. Knowing the NFL Draft was a dream come true both he and his grandfather shared, he opted to leverage the Draft stage as a platform to honor his legacy and celebrate our military.
Washington Commanders – Chris Bailey, Washington Salute Military Program Lead
With 25 years of military experience as a retired Navy Captain, which included time as a Seahawk helicopter pilot, Chris Bailey leads the Washington Commanders military outreach programming tailored to active-duty military, veterans and their families across the DMV. With the Commanders uniquely situated in the nation’s capital, Chris serves the largest community of military veterans in the country, producing best-in-class initiatives. His aim is to connect the military community with one another and the Washington Football family.
To see all the nominees and vote, visit NFL.com/SaluteFanVote from now until November 30. One vote per day, per fan is permitted.
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