Former Chargers linebacker Donnie Edwards has won the National Football League’s Salute to Service Award.
Edwards was recognized Wednesday by the league and exceptional efforts to honor and support members of the military community. He will be recognized on Saturday night during the NFL Honors – the primetime show which presents its individual awards for the 2019 season.
“I’m honored to be the recipient of the Salute of Service Award for my work with the military,” Edwards said. “It means so much to me to continue the legacy of my grandfather, Maximino, by honoring the ones who defended – and continue to defend – freedom.”
USAA, a leading provider of insurance and other services to U.S. military members, veterans and their families, will contribute $25,000 in Edwards’ honor to the official aid societies representing all five military branches. The NFL will match USAA’s donation of $25,000, which will be donated to the Edwards’ military charity of choice.
Edwards spent five seasons with the Chargers from 2002-2006. He was twice voted as an All-Pro linebacker and was one of only eight players in the history of the NFL to record 20 interceptions and 20 sacks over a career.
Edwards has founded the Best Defense Foundation that takes World War II veterans and Vietnam Veterans back to their battlefields and memorials so they can pay homage to their fallen brothers who never got a chance to live a full life.
The Chargers legend brought sixteen World War II veterans back to the shores of northern France to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day.