I feel honored and privileged to have the chance to talk about the NFL Salute to Service, and does the military pay for it.
For those of you who don’t know, NFL Salute to Service or NFL S2S, is a league-wide campaign that honors members of the military, both past and present. To me, this is a beautiful way to recognize the courage and service of America’s servicemen and women.
The NFL and all its teams proudly display their respect and appreciation for the American servicemen and women by offering free game-day tickets for certain games, special fan promotions, and yellow and camouflage merchandise. But it goes even further.
At different points throughout the season, the teams will recognize an individual whose actions embody the core values of the military, such as courage, integrity, and respect. They’ll also honor military service veterans and those that have been lost in combat.
I truly enjoy the NFL Salute to Service. It’s a lovely way for football fans everywhere to unite and recognize the men and women who selflessly sacrifice their lives for our freedom. It’s a show of gratitude for all they do.
So, back to the original question, does the military pay for NFL Salute to Service? Generally, no. The NFL teams, with the help of the NFL Foundation and Salute to Service Partners, will fund this recognition. The military does not have to pay for anything.
That said, there are certain exceptions when the military will provide financial assistance. For instance, back in 2017, the military provided a substantial amount of funding for Veterans’ Day celebrations.
The feeling I get when I see veterans honored and celebrated at NFL games can’t be recreated. It’s truly an amazing sight to see. While the military doesn’t pay for the NFL Salute to Service, that doesn’t mean the US military doesn’t get recognition. The US military gets honored in so many other ways, especially on Veterans’ Day.
It’s touching to see the military, NFL teams, and football players come together to pay tribute to US military personnel. There’s usually a moment of silence to honor those that serve us. It’s a humbling experience that brings tears to my eyes.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who pays for the NFL Salute to Service. I’m just happy to be able to honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line and sacrifice so much to keep our country free and safe.
Speaking of Veterans’ Day, there’s another jump in my patriotic spirit when the NFL teams switch out their regular gear for camouflage, or even special camouflaged uniforms with patches on the sleeves. It’s a sight with all the players, especially the quarterbacks, taking the field wearing different shades of camouflage.
The NFL Salute to Service logo can also be found on NFL helmets and goalposts, along with on the teams’ jerseys and end zones. It’s a fantastic way to honor those that serve our nation.
The military appreciation programs don’t just stop with the NFL Salute to Service. Teams across the NFL honor members from all branches of the military from active military duty to Reserve and National Guard services, to Gold Star military families.
It’s always a privilege to watch these events. Whether it’s the US Department of Defence Honor Guards, Rendering Salutes, Color Guard detail, and halftime military on-field recognition. The bottom line is that the military doesn’t pay for NFL Salute to Service, but the utmost respect is given.
By now, you’re probably aware that there are numerous military initiatives throughout the season and it’s a huge part of why the NFL and its teams deserve major kudos. Of course, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League also recognize the military with special days and events too, so it’s not only the NFL.
In any case, the NFL Salute to Service is just one of many ways the NFL shows their appreciation to the military. From giving back to communities through enlistment events, to running social media campaigns that feature special graphics and commercial spots honoring service men and women, it’s awesome to see the NFL connecting with the military on a personal level.
I’m particularly impressed with the “salute and serve” program, which is a community initiative working with the USO and integrates former servicemen and women into NFL operations departments.
This program teaches veterans the necessary skillsets needed to become successful in the sports world. The NFL also works with various universities in order to bring veterans onto college campuses. It’s a great way to help those who have served our country transition into the next stage of their life.
Last but not least, I’m happy to report that the NFL Salute to Service had a special record set this year. During the 2020 NFL season, players donated over $19 million to the USO and other local military charities. Such a feat speaks volumes about what the NFL stands for and the many ways it recognizes and supports the US military.
I can’t wait to see what the NFL does next to show its appreciation for US servicemen and women. It’s a privilege to witness such a meaningful and lasting tribute.