Aaron Jones Salutes for Exciting 2025
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones has a chance to join a select elite group during Super Bowl week. No, unfortunately, it won’t be a Super Bowl-winning team. But it is another award that has few recipients.
The NFL recently announced Jones as one of the three finalists for the 15th annual USAA Salute to Service Award. USAA, a key league sponsor, recognizes players and teams that honor and support members of the military community.
The other two finalists are San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson.
So, what is this award about? And how has Aaron Jones become involved? Let’s give a deeper explanation…
Aaron Jones a Finalist for USAA Salute to Service Award
Back to the discussion on Jones, his charity has some decent ties to the military community. As the NFL press release from January 15 notes,
“Aaron honors current and former U.S. military personnel through his A&A All the Way Foundation, founded by Aaron and his brother and inspired by his own family’s deep military roots and creating opportunities for support. His late father served 29 years in the U.S. Army, and his mother served 27 years, both retiring as sergeants major. His older brother, Xavier, currently serves in the U.S. Air Force.”
And Aaron Jones is honored to be a part of the final three.
Aaron’s Quote on the Nomination
“I feel like that’s the true test of a person — how do you use your platform when you’re in a position [to do so]? I didn’t set out to be recognized for this, but I said my goal was to make an impact in this avenue. And it’s being recognized, so I’m proud of myself. It wouldn’t feel like just me winning; it would be my whole (A&A All the Way) foundation winning. It’s not just me; there’s a whole team behind me and my family, and the Vikings [Social Impact] staff, as well.”
More on Aaron Jones and the USAA ties
Jones’ familial ties also led to exploring opportunities in the military in the Middle East.
Per the press release, “His [Aaron Jones] dedication to the military community connects families and young people navigating the challenges of deployment, relocation, and transition by providing resources and care. Aaron hosts annual galas to raise money for military families. In August, he hosted a back-to-school event focused on equipping students from military families with classroom supplies and encouragement they need to thrive.”
“Last spring, Aaron spent time on an NFL-USO Tour, where he visited U.S. service members stationed at military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Included on the tour were visits to Camp Buehring and Camp Arifjan, the latter of which held special significance as his mother had previously been stationed there.”
What will the Winner Receive?
No matter who wins, whether it be Aaron Jones or one of his two opponents, USAA will donate $25,000 in the winner’s name to official aid societies that represent all of the U.S. military branches. And the NFL Foundation will match that $25,000 with a similarly sized donation to the winner’s military nonprofit charity of their choice.
Details on the Award Ceremony
Aaron Jones, along with his two competitors, will be recognized at the 15th annual NFL Honors ceremonies, this year taking place at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California, on Thursday, February 5. The event will be live at 9 pm EST, or 8 pm Minnesota time, on NBC and the NFL Network.
On the panel to determine who will be the winner are the following judges:
- USAA Senior Vice President and retired Major General Bob Whittle
- NFL Chief Financial Officer and Army veteran Christina Dorfler
- Marine Corps Veteran and former NFL head coach Jim Mora Sr.
- Air Force Academy graduate and three-time Super Bowl champion Chad Hennings
- And the 2024 Salute to Service Award winner, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle
So, it’s a big honor for Aaron Jones to be recognized for his ties to the military community. And winning this award could be something that could turn into a valuable hallmark of his illustrious NFL career.
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