NFL community unified to commemorate Veterans Day, showcasing the league’s strong commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by military personnel. Players, coaches, and teams nationwide expressed heartfelt tributes. Among them, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle stood out as a finalist for the 14th annual Salute to Service Award. Through the Christian McCaffrey Foundation, Kittle has contributed nearly $700,000 to military support, benefiting organizations like REBOOT Recovery and Resilience Code. His initiatives include paying off holiday layaway balances for military families and inviting military heroes to games.
The New England Patriots also paid tribute by highlighting Fred Waggett, a staff member and veteran who served in both the U.S. Army and Navy. Waggett honors fellow service members by placing flowers at the POW/MIA seat after each event and has secured a permanent display of it in Foxborough, Massachusetts, serving as a public tribute to those who sacrificed for the nation.
The NFL’s Salute to Service initiative, ongoing during Weeks 9-11, aims to support military and veteran communities. Since its launch in 2011, the league has raised over $58 million for its Salute to Service partners, including the Pat Tillman Foundation, USO, and Wounded Warrior Project, helping to provide vital resources, programming, and unique experiences for service members and their families.
Through these joint efforts, the NFL community illustrates a profound appreciation for the military, honoring their service not only on Veterans Day but throughout the entire year.
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