Tag: nominated

Chiefs nominate RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire for NFL’s Salute to Service Award

Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the #Chiefs’ nominee for the 2022 @USAA @NFL #SaluteToService Award | from @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have nominated running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the 2022 NFL Salute to Service Award. The annual award is a collaboration between the NFL and USAA that recognizes NFL players, coaches, personnel and alumni who’ve dedicated time to honoring and supporting the U.S. military. Bobby Bell was nominated for the award last season and Eric Fisher was nominated in the season prior.

Here is why the team chose to nominate Edwards-Helaire for the award this year (via NFL’s Press Release):

Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Clyde Edwards-Helaire personifies each component of the NFL’s Salute to Service campaign to honor, empower and connect service members, veterans and their families. This is thanks to his upbringing in a military household that was focused on structure and determination. His mother, Tonge, joined the U.S. Army in 1996, while his stepfather, Shannon, enlisted with the Marine Corps in 1989. The couple met as each was serving as drill instructors at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, marrying in 2002.

Shortly after his arrival with the Chiefs, he focused his charitable efforts on supporting those in the military. One manifestation of those efforts is seen through his previous work with the Blue Star Families’ “Thank You, Military” Sweepstakes, in which military members entered for a chance to win a Sleep Number 360 smart bed. As a result of this campaign, Edwards-Helaire personally surprised the Henke family of the U.S. Army with a brand-new Sleep Number 360 smart bed and additional products. Additionally, he raises funds in support of Friends In Service of Heroes (FISH), an organization that aims to advocate for support and awareness of the sacrifices our service members make. He’s also a mainstay when the Chiefs engage with the military, including at its annual Military Appreciation Day every year during training camp.

A first-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Edwards-Helaire has been the Chiefs’ starter for most of his career. He has been versatile on offense, contributing to the ground game and passing attack while continuing to promote military values. The former LSU Tigers star sat down with Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. for an exclusive interview during his rookie season to elaborate on his military commitments as he prepared to be a speaker at a USAA Salute to Service Virtual Lounge.

“It’s an amazing feeling, and it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do,” Edwards-Helaire said. “Growing up and seeing that USAA was a partner with the NFL and just knowing that, you know, USAA ultimately has been the insurance during my entire life. You know, since I can remember, that has been an insurance policy that my family has been under since I can remember. So it’s been it’s pretty special for me.”

The finalists for the Salute to Service Award will be announced in January, and the recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors, a primetime awards special airing nationally in February during the week of Super Bowl LVII. New this year is an opportunity for fans to vote for their favorite nominee, which will help determine the award’s three finalists. To vote for Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs fans can visit NFL.com/SaluteFanVote from now until November 30.

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Chiefs nominate legendary LB Bobby Bell for NFL’s Salute to Service Award

#Chiefs legend Bobby Bell is being recognized for his work with the military throughout his career and in retirement. | from @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have nominated franchise legend and former linebacker Bobby Bell for the 2021 NFL Salute to Service Award. The annual award is a collaboration between the NFL and USAA that recognizes NFL players, coaches, personnel and alumni who’ve dedicated time to honoring and supporting the U.S. military.

Here is why the team chose to nominate Bell for the award (via NFL Press Release):

“Bobby Bell is considered by many to be the greatest outside linebacker to ever play the game. However, it is the time Bell has spent off the field with those who have protected our country that has him nominated for the 2021 Salute to Service Award. Bobby Bell initiated his support of the military during his playing days in the 1960s and early 70s. In January of 1968, Bell was part of just the third edition of the NFL’s USO tour. Bell and the NFL contingent arrived in Vietnam on the same day the Tet Offensive initiated. It took the United States’ General Commander in Vietnam at the time nearly 20 days to safely evacuate Bell and the other USO Tour participants. However, the uncertainty about precisely when he might be able to return state side did not temper his desire to visit with and share good will to the troops stationed there. After his visit to Vietnam, Bell continued to spend time with active military personnel including various good will tours to Lebanon, the Panama Canal, and more. Each time, Bell’s charisma lifted spirits and created smiles on the faces of those he encountered. Following his playing days, Bell continued to engage with members of the military, including his regular travels to Whiteman Air Force Base in nearby Johnson County, MO.”

A seventh-round pick in the 1963 AFL draft, Bell never missed a game in 12 seasons with the Chiefs. He was one of the most dominant players in franchise history, winning Super Bowl IV with the team. He became the first Chiefs player ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame back in 1983. He has long remained connected with the franchise and is an active member of the surrounding community, paying special attention to the United States military.

“One thing that has always been a priority for me is to visit with the brave men and women of the United States military. After all, I just lined up and played football. They put their lives on the line every day for us,” Bell said via press release. “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it. . . It is that sentiment that will forever leave a lasting impression on Chiefs Kingdom.”

Finalists are scheduled to be revealed in January, and the winner will be recognized at the NFL Honors primetime awards special to air nationally during Super Bowl LVI weekend. The USAA and the NFL will both provide a donation to the award recipient’s military charity of choice.

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Saints RB Latavius Murray nominated for Salute to Service Award

New Orleans Saints running back Latavius Murray was nominated for the 2020 Salute to Service Award due to his appreciation for the military.

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New Orleans Saints running back Latavius Murray was chosen as the team’s nominee for this year’s Salute to Service Award presented by USAA, the NFL announced this week.

Murray’s nomination owes to his continued appreciation for the American military, informed by the experience of his fiancée and childhood friend Shauntay, a 13-year U.S. Navy veteran, and which he’s shown through volunteerism and fundraising to support service members and their families.

Here’s some details about Murray’s nomination, from an NFL press release:

“Murray said he’s been able to see characteristics that help military members accomplish their jobs overlap with elements that help in football. The up-close view of commitment, sacrifice and unselfishness has inspired Murray to do more to support military members and their families. He has participated in a USO Tour to visit troops serving in Germany and Italy. Additionally, Murray become the second NFL player to ever serve as an ambassador for the United Heroes League. United Heroes League provides sports registration fees and equipment for children in military families. Murray said his goals for the ambassador position are to increase awareness, help raise funds and show that the people that are actually involved truly care.”

Finalists for the tenth annual Salute to Service Award will be announced in January, with the winner decided at the upcoming NFL Honors celebration prior to Super Bowl LV. So stay tuned to see if

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Chiefs nominate LT Eric Fisher for NFL’s Salute to Service Award

Chiefs LT Eric Fisher is being recognized for his work with the Military.

The Kansas City Chiefs have nominated starting LT Eric Fisher for the 2020 NFL Salute to Service Award. The annual award is a collaboration between the NFL and USAA that recognizes NFL players, coaches, personnel and alumni who’ve dedicated time to honoring and supporting the U.S. military. Former Chiefs LB Donnie Edwards was the recipient of last year’s award, but this year the team opted to nominate a current member of the team.

Here is why the team chose to nominate Fisher for the award:

“For the past three years, Eric Fisher has worked closely with Reunite the Fight, an organization founded in 2017 in his home state of Michigan. Reunite the Fight was created by a group of Marine combat Veterans who made a commitment to reunite annually after leaving the military. Once life began to get in the way, the veterans realized how much they missed the comradery. It was then they decided to create similar reunions for other veterans. Today, Reunite the Fight reconnects veterans with their fellow service members across the country, taking them on hunting and fishing trips. In 2018, the organization helped reconnect more than 200 Veterans. Fisher began his work with Reunite the Fight in 2017 by sending the group of veterans race gear for a Spartan race the veterans competed in together. Since then he’s participated in golf tournaments benefiting the nonprofit, gifted tickets to veterans and even recruited fellow Chiefs to join the mission by being part of different fundraisers and events. Fisher worked with the organization in 2019 to reconnect retired Marine Corps Sargent Damon Thompson with his fellow Marines. Thompson knew he was meeting Fisher at the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, but had no idea he’d be seeing these former United States Marines for the first time in more than a decade. As Fisher continues to make an impact on the field, it is the time he takes off the field to honor the men and women who have sacrificed for our country that will leave a lasting impression on Chiefs Kingdom.”

The USAA and the NFL will both provide a donation to the award recipient’s military charity of choice.

November is considered the culmination of the league’s Salute to Service initiative. The Chiefs celebrated their Salute to Service game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 9 with a number of pre-game events. The Wichita Navy Color Guard presented the nation’s colors, while the Airman First Class Julian Awari performed the National Anthem virtually.

Marine veteran Eric Gormly was recognized as the team’s Salute to Service honoree. Army ROTC Cadet Justin Lero was recognized as the Salute to Scholars honoree. Finally, Sadie Pitts was awarded the Gold Star Scholarship, which is presented to family members of servicemen and women who’ve died in action since Sept. 11, 2001.

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