NFL Names 32 Salute to Service Award Nominees, Including Eagles’ Rachel Washburn

The NFL and USAA announced nominees from all 32 teams for the 2026 Salute to Service Award, recognizing players, coaches, staff members and alumni for their support of service members, veterans and military families.

Announced November 5, the nominations mark the award’s 16th year. Honorees represent a range of military connections, from veterans who served overseas to individuals who support military families through community programs, nonprofit partnerships and personal outreach.

Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader alumna and ambassador Rachel Washburn is among this year’s nominees.

Washburn served six years on active duty as a U.S. Army intelligence officer and completed two deployments to Afghanistan. During her first deployment, she served with the pioneering Cultural Support Team program, working alongside Special Operations forces and connecting with Afghan women. She later deployed as an intelligence platoon leader and earned the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.

Her commitment to service continued after leaving the military. Through her work at veteran-owned investment bank Academy Securities, Washburn helps support opportunities for veterans transitioning into civilian careers. She also remains involved with the Eagles through military appreciation and community service initiatives.

Fans Can Help Choose the Finalists

Fans can vote at NFL.com/SaluteFanVote through November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Voting is limited to one vote per nominee each day.

Fan participation will help determine three finalists, who will be announced in January 2027. The winner will be recognized at NFL Honors during Super Bowl LXI week in Los Angeles.

NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson said the nominees demonstrate how appreciation for the military can become meaningful action throughout the year. USAA’s retired Maj. Gen. Bob Whittle also emphasized the importance of recognizing their contributions as the country marks its 250th anniversary.

Recognition Includes $50,000 in Military Support

USAA will contribute $25,000 in the winner’s name to official military aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL Foundation will provide another $25,000 to the recipient’s chosen military nonprofit.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, the 2025 award recipient, will help select this year’s winner. His foundation’s 23 and Troops initiative supports veterans’ physical and mental well-being, with a particular focus on the Special Operations community. According to the announcement, the foundation has invested nearly $700,000 in military support.

McCaffrey will join a judging panel that includes former NFL players Chad Hennings and Donnie Edwards, USAA’s Bob Whittle, and NFL Chief Financial Officer and Army veteran Christine Dorfler.

Complete List of 2026 Nominees

NFL TeamNomineeRoleArizona CardinalsElijah HigginsTight endAtlanta FalconsJerious NorwoodNFL legendBaltimore RavensBen KotwicaSpecial teams coachBuffalo BillsSpencer BrownOffensive linemanCarolina PanthersDevin LloydLinebackerChicago BearsJosh BlackwellDefensive backCincinnati BengalsLandon RobinsonDefensive tackleCleveland BrownsBenjamin BoswellTeam physicianDallas CowboysJake FergusonTight endDenver BroncosSean PaytonHead coachDetroit LionsDave FippSpecial teams coordinatorGreen Bay PackersLukas Van NessDefensive endHouston TexansWoody MarksRunning backIndianapolis ColtsLuke RhodesLong snapperJacksonville JaguarsRayuan Lane IIISafetyKansas City ChiefsKendall GammonNFL legendLas Vegas RaidersAdam ButlerDefensive tackleLos Angeles ChargersCameron DickerKickerLos Angeles RamsMatthew StaffordQuarterbackMiami DolphinsJacob RodriguezLinebackerMinnesota VikingsAaron JonesRunning backNew England PatriotsReggie GilliamFullbackNew Orleans SaintsW.
Stephen ChoateHead team physicianNew York GiantsAllison StangebyVice president of community relationsNew York JetsTony RichardsonNFL legendPhiladelphia EaglesRachel WashburnCheerleader alumna and ambassadorPittsburgh SteelersJon KolbNFL legendSan Francisco 49ersBrant BoyerSpecial teams coordinatorSeattle SeahawksMike MacdonaldHead coachTampa Bay BuccaneersBen BredesonOffensive linemanTennessee TitansJacob MartinDefensive endWashington CommandersTyler OttLong snapper

The NFL’s Salute to Service efforts continue throughout the year. During Weeks 9 through 11 of the regular season, teams will also recognize the military community through stadium activities, on-field displays and game day appreciation events.

Source: NFL and USAA announcement, November 5, 2026.