The NFL reveals the top contenders for the Salute to Service Award.

The award was initially presented in 2012.

The NFL reveals the top contenders for the Salute to Service Award.
The NFL reveals the top contenders for the Salute to Service Award.

On Thursday, the NFL and USAA revealed the finalists for the Salute to Service Award, which includes Aaron Jones, George Kittle, and Morgan Fox.

In 2012, the NFL and USAA launched the award to recognize and honor the military and veteran community.

"The three finalists for the 2024 Salute to Service Award, Aaron Jones, George Kittle, and Morgan Fox, are all deserving of recognition for their long-standing and unwavering commitment to honoring the military community. Retired Maj. Gen. John Richardson, USAA senior vice president and head of military affairs, commended the NFL players for continually using their platforms to advance and enrich the lives of our military service members and their families, putting service to others above themselves."

Army members salute at NFL game
Service members salute the flag during the national anthem before the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Chargers at Bank of America Stadium on Sept. 15, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Jones, who experienced a career revival with the Minnesota Vikings, was raised in a military family. His father, Alvin, served 29 years in the Army, while his mother, Vurgess, served for 27. Jones' older brother, Xavier, is currently serving in the Air Force.

In 2020, the A&A All the Way Foundation was established by Jones and his twin brother Alvin Jr., with the aim of assisting military families' youth.

The San Francisco 49ers tight end, Kittle, hosts military members for every Niners home game and has created an app to offer free mental health services for veterans. Kittle has donated over $250,000 to military nonprofits and has further highlighted military organizations through My Cause My Cleats.

George Kittle runs with ball
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. (Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images)

The L.A. Chargers' defensive end, who grew up in a military community, donated 100 tickets to veterans and hosted members of the Wounded Warrior Project at Chargers practices.

Last year, the Salute to Service Award was won by Joe Cardona, a long snapper for the New England Patriots and a Navy graduate.

Salute to service logo on football
An official NFL Football with Salute to Service Ribbon on the sideline during the game between the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The MVP, Offensive and Defensive Players and Rookies, and Coach of the Year will be announced on the same night as the NFL Honors, which will reveal the winner of the Super Bowl LIV.

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by Ryan Morik

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