George Kittle has become accustomed to making history for the San Francisco 49ers, and he did so again on Wednesday as the All-Pro tight end became the first player from the franchise to win the NFL’s Salute to Service Award.
Kittle won the award, which “recognizes the exceptional efforts made by members of the NFL family to honor and support the military community”, ahead of Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones and Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Morgan Fox.
He will be recognized at NFL Honors on Thursday. The award’s sponsor, USAA, will contribute $25,000 in his honor to aid societies representing each branch of the military. The NFL Foundation will match that figure and make a donation to a charity of Kittle’s choice.
“I am incredibly thankful and honored to be this year’s Salute to Service Award recipient. This is my fourth time being nominated by the 49ers, which is an absolute honor because it’s important to me to show gratitude and support to the military,” said Kittle.
“My appreciation for the military stems from watching my Uncle Pat serve multiple tours with the National Guard and seeing firsthand how much it impacted him and his family while he was overseas. Without my family and their unwavering support, I would not be able to create these genuine and authentic relationships with the real heroes and the ones who should be receiving this award, the active-duty members, Veterans, TAPS and families that have lost loved ones in the line of fire.
“The support you see for the military around the league is so important and the fact that guys on every team do it, not just the nominees, is awesome. We are allowed to live the lives we live here because of the sacrifices they make, so we’re just trying to honor them, show our support, and share as much love as we can.”
Kittle has donated over 400 game tickets to military in the last six years, hosting service members at every game. He and his family created an app providing free mental health resources to veterans, while he has donated over $250,000 to military nonprofit organisations through the league’s ‘My Cause My Cleats’ initiative.
Perhaps the most shining example of Kittle’s commitment to supporting the military comes through his connection to the family of fallen Army soldier Sgt. Martin LaMar.
Having gifted them Super Bowl tickets, Kittle continually hosts Sgt Lamar’s family at training camp and keeps his Purple Heart in his locker.
Said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell: “George Kittle truly embodies the essence of the Salute to Service Award.
“His dedication to honoring service members and involvement with numerous military organizations makes him the perfect choice for this honor. The NFL family is proud of his dedication to give back to those who sacrifice for our country and congratulates him on this tremendous achievement.”