Chicago Bears tight end Jimmy Graham, Denver Broncos tight end/fullback Andrew BeckFormer and? Baltimore RavensJarret Johnson, linebacker, is a finalist for the NFL’s Salute to Service Award.
The award is given to individuals who show extraordinary efforts to honor and support military personnel. It will be honored at NFL Honors on February 10, when The Associated Press announces its individual award winners in 2021.
“From advocating for our currently serving military to ensuring their veterans successfully transition to work after their service, and supporting military children,” said Vice Admiral (Retired), John Bird. This is USAA’s senior vice-president of military affairs. We are grateful to Jarret, Jimmy and Andrew for their support of USAA’s efforts to honor and serve our military, veterans and their families. We encourage all Americans follow their example and participate in acts and support for our military.
The NFL clubs have nominated active and retired players, coaches, executives, and personnel to be their champions.
USAA will provide $25,000 to each military branch’s official aid societies in honor of the award recipients. The NFL will match the donation and donate it to the military charity of choice.
The award winner last year was Atlanta FalconsSteve Cannon, executive
The Jimmy Graham Foundation exists to make flying fun and life-changing. Graham offers veterans the opportunity to fly in one of his two restored US Army aircraft, a 1957 de Havilland Beaver or a 1967 UH1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter. This is to honor the sacrifices and accomplishments of veterans. He also provides flight training for children from underprivileged backgrounds.
Johnson and a service-disabled Air Force veteran teamed up to create a Black Rifle Coffee franchise near Niceville, Florida. This franchise employs over 40 veterans, active duty servicemen and women, veterans’ spouses, and children from military personnel around the globe. He is an annual sponsor for SOF Missions, a non profit that provides care for veterans with post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain Injury (TBI), with the aim of ending veteran suicide.
Beck has been a partner with many military service organizations over the last three years. Through his outreach, he has reached over 425 military families. He assembled care packages and hosted a virtual visit for Wounded Warrior Project vets in November 2020. In partnership with USO Colorado he hosted a barbecue at Fort Carson for military families. He also helped to host a game night and pizza party for children at Buckley Space Force Base Youth Center.