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USAA announced the three finalists for the NFL’s Salute to Service Award on Thursday, and a dynasty in San Francisco could be born.
After 49ers star George Kittle won the award last year, Christian McCaffrey is among three finalists for the league award, alongside Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson and Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones as finalists – Jones was also a finalist last year.
“Finalists for the 15th Annual Salute to Service Awards presented by USAA used their platforms to be outstanding advocates for the military community, reminding us that service does not stop when the uniform is taken off,” said Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bob Whittle, USAA senior vice president and chief military affairs officer, in a statement.
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Christian McCaffrey, Jake Ferguson and Aaron Jones are this year’s Salute to Service Award finalists. (, G Fiume and John Fisher/Getty Images)
“The NFL and USAA congratulate Jake Ferguson, Aaron Jones and Christian McCaffrey as deserving finalists who have demonstrated exactly what this award stands for: using the power of football to connect, empower, appreciate and uplift our military, veterans and their families.”
McCaffrey launched 23 and Troops in 2021 to focus on post-traumatic stress and veteran care at the athlete level. The foundation raised $700,000 for military support and paid for vacations for 515 military families.
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) celebrates his touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Santa Clara, California. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
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Ferguson has partnered with USAA to visit local military bases and supported the National Medal of Honor Museum, including an event in 2024 that 900 students joined in person and thousands more virtually.
Jones grew up in a military family. His father, Alvin, served 29 years in the military, while his mother, Vurgess, served 27 years. Jones’ older brother, Xavier, serves in the Air Force. Jones and his twin brother, Alvin Jr., founded the A&A All the Way Foundation in 2020 to support youth in military families.
The winner will be announced at the NFL Honors in San Francisco on Feb. 5, the same night the MVP, offensive and defensive players and rookies and coach of the year will be crowned.
George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown with Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Whittle and Kittle will serve as judges for the award.
