San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle Receives NFL’s Salute to Service Award for Exemplary Support of Military Causes

San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle Receives NFL’s Salute to Service Award for Exemplary Support of Military Causes

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has been honored with the NFL’s prestigious Salute to Service Award. This award acknowledges exemplary efforts to support the military and veteran community, a commitment that the NFL and USAA have maintained since the award’s inception in 2012.

Kittle’s Commitment to Military Service Members

Kittle has consistently demonstrated his commitment to military service members by hosting them at every Niners home game. Over the past six seasons, he has donated more than 400 tickets to military personnel, providing them with a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of NFL games firsthand.

In addition to providing game tickets, Kittle and his family have developed an app that offers free mental health services for veterans, addressing an essential need within the community.

Generosity Beyond the Field

Forms of Kittle’s generosity extend well beyond game tickets. He has contributed over $250,000 to various military nonprofits, proactively promoting their missions through initiatives like My Cause My Cleats. This platform enables players to showcase their chosen causes on custom-designed cleats during games, further raising awareness of critical military organizations.

Kittle’s Personal Connection to the Military

In a heartfelt statement, Kittle expressed his gratitude for receiving the Salute to Service Award, marking his fourth nomination from the 49ers. He noted, “I am incredibly thankful and honored to be this year’s Salute to Service Award recipient. It is essential for me to show gratitude and support to the military.” His appreciation for the military stems from personal experiences, particularly witnessing his Uncle Pat serve multiple tours with the National Guard.

Kittle emphasized the importance of support from family, stating, “Without my family and their unwavering support, I would not be able to create these genuine and authentic relationships with the real heroes.” He acknowledged that active-duty service members, veterans, and families who have lost loved ones in service deserve such recognition.

Acknowledging Fellow Nominees

Kittle stood out among the nominees, competing against notable figures such as Aaron Jones of the Minnesota Vikings and Morgan Fox of the Los Angeles Chargers. Both Jones and Fox also have strong ties to the military. Jones grew up in a military household; his father served 29 years in the Army, and his mother served for 27 years. Together with his twin brother, he founded the A&A All the Way Foundation, which supports the youth of military families.

Similarly, Fox comes from a military community and has demonstrated his commitment by donating 100 tickets to veterans and hosting members of the Wounded Warrior Project at Chargers practices.

Looking Ahead: NFL Honors Ceremony

Kittle will be honored at the upcoming NFL Honors ceremony, scheduled for Thursday. Here, he will be recognized alongside other standout performers, including the league’s MVP, Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, and Coach of the Year.

A Lasting Legacy of Support

George Kittle’s actions reflect a profound commitment to the military community. His combination of generosity, advocacy, and personal connection to service members highlights the importance of supporting those who serve and protect.

As football fans and the broader community admire Kittle’s achievements, it is clear that his efforts well demonstrate how athletes can effect change beyond the field, inspiring others to honor and uplift military families.