Steelers Nominate Jon Kolb for Salute to Service

The former lineman, who served 12 years with the team, is the franchise's pick for the 2026 award presented by USAA.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Military

Wide view of an empty football stadium with gray seating rows around a green field under overcast autumn light, with a river and hillside beyond. — The Pittsburgh Steelers nominated former lineman Jon Kolb, a 12-year team veteran and Army National Guard member, for the 2026 Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have named former offensive lineman Jon Kolb as their nominee for the 2026 Salute to Service Award. Fans may vote for their nominee through Monday, Nov. 30 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Why it matters

The nomination recognizes Kolb's post-career work and reflects the franchise's emphasis on supporting the military community. The award spotlights veteran service within the NFL and the organizations that support veterans.

Kolb played 12 seasons with the Steelers, and all 32 NFL teams announced nominees for the award's 16th year. USAA will contribute $25,000 to official military foundations in the recipient's name, while the NFL Foundation will add another $25,000 to the winner's chosen military charity.

The players

Jon Kolb

A former Steelers offensive lineman who played 12 seasons with the franchise and later founded the nonprofit Adventures in Training with a Purpose.

USAA

A financial services organization serving military members, veterans, and their families, which presents the Salute to Service Award.

NFL Foundation

The charitable arm of the National Football League that funds community and military-related initiatives.

The details

Kolb, a veteran of the Army National Guard, founded the nonprofit Adventures in Training with a Purpose (ATP), which provides free physical and mental health services to civilians, veterans, and first responders. Fans can vote once per day on the NFL's Salute Fan Vote website, and fan voting will determine three finalists.

All 32 NFL teams and USAA announced their nominees in November 2026.
Fan voting closes Monday, Nov. 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The three finalists will be announced in January 2027.
The award recipient will be recognized at the NFL Honors during Super Bowl week in Los Angeles in 2027.

Military Ties

The award is part of the NFL's Salute to Service initiative, which has honored military service across the league since 2009. Kolb's nomination extends that tradition by highlighting a former player whose post-career work supports veterans and first responders.

Fans can vote once per day on the NFL's Salute Fan Vote website through Monday, Nov. 30 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Voting determines the three finalists who will advance to the final selection in January.

The takeaway

Kolb's work through ATP shows how former athletes can extend their service beyond their playing careers. Fans who want to recognize veterans can participate directly in the nomination process before voting closes.

What happens next

Fan voting closes Monday, Nov. 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET, and the three finalists will be announced in January 2027, with the winner recognized at the NFL Honors during Super Bowl week in Los Angeles.