Two-time San Francisco 49ers All-Star tight end The recipient of the USAA 2024 Salute to Service award is George Kittle.
Kittle won the award ahead of defensive end Morgan Fox of the Los Angeles Chargers and running back Aaron Jones of the Minnesota Vikings.
It honors the “exceptional efforts by members of the NFL family to honor and support the military community.” On Thursday night, Kittle will receive recognition at NFL Honors.
Every 49ers game features military and frontline heroes, and over 400 tickets have been donated by Kittle in the past six years. Through the Hidden Pearls Podcast, which was established in 2020, Kittle and his family share local stories, including about 60 that include veterans. Kittle and his family developed an app that provides veterans with free mental health tools, including the meditation techniques he does while playing.
Additionally, through My Cause My Cleats, Kittle has recognized military groups such as the Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS, Merging Vets and Players, Operation Freedom Paws, and Operation Surf, and has donated over $250,000 to military charity.
According to a statement by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, “George Kittle genuinely embodies the essence of the Salute to Service Award.” “He is the ideal candidate for this distinction because of his commitment to honoring service veterans and his work with several military organizations. The NFL family congratulates him on this outstanding accomplishment and is proud of his commitment to giving back to those who sacrifice for our nation.
In Kittle’s honor, USAA, which offers insurance, banking, and other financial services to American service members, veterans, and their families, will donate $25,000 to the official aid organizations that represent the various branches of the armed forces. USAA’s $25,000 donation will be matched by the NFL Foundation and given to Kittle’s preferred military charity.
Both Kittle’s grandfather and uncle were active military personnel.
“I am incredibly thankful and honored to be this year’s Salute to Service Award recipient,” Kittle stated. Having witnessed my Uncle Pat’s numerous tours in the National Guard and the profound effects it had on him and his family while he was serving abroad, I have a deep appreciation for the military. I couldn’t have developed these sincere and true relationships with the real heroes and the people who deserve this award—active-duty soldiers, veterans, TAPS, and families who have lost loved ones in the line of fire—without my family’s steadfast support.
“The league’s support for the military is crucial, and it’s fantastic that men from all teams—not just the nominees—do it. We are simply attempting to remember them, show our support, and spread as much love as we can because it is thanks to their sacrifices that we are able to live the life that we do here.”
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.