Chiefs Nominate Kendall Gammon for Salute to Service

The Kansas City Chiefs have named former linebacker Kendall Gammon their nominee for the 2026 NFL Salute to Service Award.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Military

Chiefs Nominate Kendall Gammon for Salute to Service

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The Chiefs named Kendall Gammon their nominee for the 2026 NFL Salute to Service Award, one of 32 club nominees the league announced Thursday. Fans can vote once per day through Nov. 30 to help select the winner.

Why it matters

The honor recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff, and alumni who demonstrate exceptional commitment to honoring, empowering, and connecting with the military community. Gammon's nomination highlights his work with veterans and service members in the Kansas City area.

Gammon played a 15-season NFL career and was one of 32 club nominees announced league-wide. USAA will contribute $25,000 to official military aid societies in the recipient's name, matched by a $25,000 NFL Foundation donation to the winner's designated nonprofit.

The players

Kendall Gammon

A 15-season NFL veteran who has since become a prominent advocate for veterans through his work with equine therapy programs.

War Horses for Veterans

A Kansas City-area nonprofit that provides equine-based therapy programs for veterans and first responders.

NFL Foundation

The philanthropic arm of the National Football League, which funds charitable initiatives including support for military nonprofits.

USAA

A financial services company serving military members, veterans, and their families, which sponsors the award's donation to military aid societies.

The details

Gammon previously served as chief development officer for War Horses for Veterans, a Kansas City-area nonprofit providing equine-based therapy for veterans and first responders. He has spoken to military units across multiple branches, made appearances at Whiteman Air Force Base, and addressed a University of Kansas ROTC commissioning ceremony.

Nov. 5, 2026: NFL announces 32 club nominees, including Gammon
Nov. 30, 2026: Fan voting for the award closes
January 2027: Three finalists to be announced
Super Bowl week 2027: Winner recognized at NFL Honors in Los Angeles

Political Context

The NFL Salute to Service program has long tied professional football to military recognition, and this annual award formalizes that relationship by honoring individuals whose work extends beyond the field. Gammon's nomination follows that pattern, reflecting how former players are increasingly channeling their platforms into veteran-focused advocacy.

Fans can vote once per day through Nov. 30 on the NFL's award voting page to support Gammon's nomination. Voting is open to the public and requires no registration beyond the daily ballot.

The takeaway

Recognition programs like this one highlight how former athletes can sustain their impact through veteran advocacy long after their playing careers end. Readers who want to engage can follow the vote and the eventual recognition at NFL Honors.

What happens next

Fan voting closes Nov. 30, three finalists will be announced in January 2027, and the winner will be recognized during Super Bowl week at NFL Honors in Los Angeles.