NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
USAA announced the three finalists for the NFL Salute to Service Award on Thursday, and a dynasty in San Francisco could be on the rise.
After 49ers star George Kittle took home the award last year, Christian McCaffrey is among three finalists for the league’s award, along with Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson and Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones as finalists; Jones was also a finalist last year.
“The finalists for the 15th Annual Salute to Service Awards presented by USAA have used their platforms to be exceptional advocates for the military community, reminding us that service does not end when you take off the uniform,” Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bob Whittle, USAA senior vice president and chief of military affairs, said in a statement.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Christian McCaffrey, Jake Ferguson and Aaron Jones are the finalists for this year’s Salute to Service Award. (, G Fiume and John Fisher/Getty Images)
“The NFL and USAA applaud Jake Ferguson, Aaron Jones and Christian McCaffrey as deserving finalists who have demonstrated exactly what the award represents: using the power of football to connect, empower, appreciate and uplift our service members, veterans and their families.”
McCaffrey launched 23 and Troops in 2021 to focus on post-traumatic stress and athlete-level care for veterans. The foundation has raised $700,000 for military support and paid vacation payments for 515 military families.
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) celebrates his touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Santa Clara, California. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
FORMER JETS GM SAYS FANS SHOULD TRUST ‘LONG-TERM PLAN’ WITH AARON GLENN DESPITE THE BEST COACHES AVAILABLE
Ferguson partnered with USAA to visit local military bases and supported the National Medal of Honor Museum, including an event in 2024 where 900 students joined in person and thousands more virtually.
Jones grew up in a military household. His father, Alvin, served 29 years in the Army, while his mother, Vurgess, served for 27. Jones’ older brother, Xavier, serves in the Air Force. Jones and his twin brother, Alvin Jr., founded the A&A All the Way Foundation in 2020 to support youth from military families.
The winner will be announced at NFL Honors in San Francisco on Feb. 5, the same night the Most Valuable Player, Offensive and Defensive Players, Rookies and Coach of the Year will be crowned.
George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown with Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Whittle and Kittle will be among the members of the award’s judging panel.
