Tight end George Kittle will be honored Thursday at NFL Honors Night in New Orleans as the winner of the 2024 Salute to Service Award.
A four-time nominee by the 49ers, Kittle has long been supportive of the military, citing the service performed by an uncle and grandfather. USAA (United States Automobile Associated) contributed $25,000 in Kittle’s honor to aid societies representing each of the military and the NFL Foundation will also donate $25,000 to his military charity of choice.
“George Kittle truly embodies the essence of the Salute to Service Award,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in statement. “His dedication to honoring service members and involvement with numerous military organizations make him the perfect choice for this honor.”
Kittle hosts military and frontline heroes at every game, donating more than 400 tickets in the last six years. Through a podcast founded in 2020, Kittle and his family created an app offering free mental health resources and he’s donated more than $250,000 to military non-profits through various organizations including “My Cause My Cleats” and the Pat Tillman Foundation.
“My appreciation for the military stems from watching my uncle Pat service multiple tours with the National Guard and seeing first hand how much it impacted him and his family overseas,” Kittle said in statement.
The award was determined through a fan vote, and finalists were decided on a combination of a consensus fan vote and an NFL internal committee. Nominees were evaluate on the positive impact of their efforts, tye type of service and their level of commitment.
Other finalists included Minnesota running back Aaron Jones and Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Morgan Fox.
The NFL will announce the league’s Most Valuable Player as well as official awards in an event leading up to Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs at the Caesars Superdome.