The NFL and USAA, an official NFL Salute to Service partner, announced this year's nominees for the Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. Each year, the Salute to Service Award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni who make exceptional efforts to honor and support military and veteran communities. The Los Angeles Rams are proud to announce Andrew Whitworth, Rams Legend, as their 2025 Salute to Service Award nominee.
Throughout his playing career and as an NFL Legend, Andrew Whitworth has remained deeply committed to the Los Angeles community, especially to supporting military members and Veterans. In 2006, the same year he was drafted, Whitworth's college roommate and best friend, Lee Deal, was killed in action. That tragedy became a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve, and it fueled his efforts to honor and uplift the military community. Whitworth exemplifies the core values of the NFL's Salute to Service initiative. Most recently, when wildfires devastated parts of Los Angeles in January, he visited the National Guard base camp in Malibu to boost morale among the 400 soldiers actively engaged in relief and recovery efforts at the heart of the crisis.
Once more this season, fans have an opportunity to determine the award's three finalists by voting for their favorite nominee. One vote per day for each nominee is permitted. The three finalists will be announced in January, and the recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors; a primetime awards special to air nationally during the week of Super Bowl LX. To learn more about each nominee and cast your vote For Whitworth, visit NFL.com/SaluteFanVote -- voting is open now until November 30.
For the past 15 seasons, the Salute to Service Award has been an integral part of the NFL's and USAA's year-round commitment to recognize the military and veteran community. As the presenting sponsor of the award, USAA, a leading provider of insurance, banking and 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 Foundation will match USAA's contribution by donating an additional $25,000 to the awardee's military non-profit charity of choice.
Through the league's Salute to Service initiative, the NFL and all teams from across the league unite to honor, empower and connect with service members, veterans and their families during Weeks 9-11 of the regular season. The initiative will come to life in NFL stadiums across the country through on-field branding and other game day activations. The Los Angeles Ram's Salute to Service game is slated for Sunday, Nov. 2 when they take on the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium and will feature a National Anthem performance from U.S. Marine Corps Iraq War Combat Veteran turned singer, songwriter, and actor, Elliot Mckenzie, the recognition of five Purple Heart Recipients, a military row on honor with 15 Marine Veterans in celebration of the Marine Corps 250th anniversary, and more. Visit NFL.com/Salute to learn more.
