CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers nominated running back Christian McCaffrey for the Salute to Service Award presented by the USAA, according to a news release.
Officials say the award honors a league member who demonstrates their commitment to honoring and supporting the military community, and it is presented each year by the USAA and the NFL.
NFL officials say “Upon entering the NFL in 2017 following an All-American career at Stanford University, Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey was quick to establish a focal point of his outreach efforts.
“I’ve always had a huge respect for the military,” says McCaffrey. “I have a little bit of military background on my dad’s side (Ed McCaffrey, who had a 13-year NFL career), so growing up it’s just some of the values instilled in me at a young age. Without the men and women who defend our country, I wouldn’t be able to play the game that I love so much.”
McCaffrey is the Panthers nominee for this year’s tenth annual Salute to Service Award, and all finalists for this award are scheduled to be announced in January, according to a news release.
NFL officials say “Through his personal engagement over the past four seasons, Christian has partnered with military service organizations USO of North Carolina and Veterans Bridge Home in a variety of morale-raising and fundraising efforts. He has also joined forces with team and league partners USAA and Lowe’s to support their military outreach initiatives as well. Christian’s efforts are grassroots, grounded and personal. Christian’s respect for the military drives his engagement efforts.”
McCaffrey says “I want to get involved on the medical side of it for troops that come home and make sure their healthcare is top of the line. I get treated every day, and those guys deserve the same kind of care when they get back. They deserve a good life when they come back. I’d love to get involved with that in the future.””
NFL officials say the winner will be recognized at the NFL Honors awards show airing the week of Super Bowl LV.
