NFL Unveils 32 Salute to Service Nominees
Fan voting for the 16th annual award, which honors military service, runs through November 30, 2026.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you think sports leagues should do more to honor military service members?
The NFL and USAA announced 32 nominees for the 2026 Salute to Service Award, with one nominee representing each of the league's 32 clubs. Fans can vote at NFL.com/SaluteFanVote, with one vote per nominee per day.
Why it matters
The award recognizes players who support military personnel and veterans, and fan voting helps determine which nominees advance as finalists. The program extends beyond recognition through charitable contributions to military aid organizations.
The award has run for 16 years, with 32 nominees drawn from every NFL club and fan voting limited to one vote per nominee per day. Final finalist selection depends on voting results that remain unknown until voting closes on November 30, 2026.
The players
Christian McCaffrey
The San Francisco 49ers running back received the 2025 Salute to Service Award and founded the 23 and Troops initiative, which has invested nearly $700,000 in military support.
USAA
The financial services company partners with the NFL on the award and will contribute $25,000 to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches.
The details
Fans can cast votes through November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. During Weeks 9 through 11 of the regular season, clubs will recognize the military community through on-field branding, military appreciation activities, and game day events.
Timeline
Weeks 9-11 of the regular season: clubs recognize the military community.
November 30, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET: fan voting closes.
January 2027: three award finalists to be announced.
Week of Super Bowl LXI: award recipient recognized at NFL Honors in Los Angeles.
Big Picture
The 2026 nomination cycle continues the NFL's Salute to Service program, which has recognized player military support for sixteen years through club-level activities and individual player honors. Each year's nominee class reflects the league's ongoing effort to tie its player community to the armed forces.
Fans can vote once per nominee per day through NFL.com/SaluteFanVote until November 30, 2026. The vote helps decide which three nominees advance to finalist consideration.
The takeaway
Readers can support the nominees directly by voting once per day through the official NFL page before the November 30 deadline. Voting is free and open to all fans.
What happens next
Fan voting closes November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and three finalists will be announced in January 2027.
Further reading
Explore more NFL football coverage for context on the league's community initiatives.
More information
Cast your vote on the Salute to Service fan voting page.
Live Poll
Do you think sports leagues should do more to honor military service members?
