Tag: Salute to service award

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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Former Ravens linebacker Jarret Johnson named finalist for NFL’s Salute to Service Award

Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jarret Johnson has been named a finalist for the NFL’s Salute to Service Award

Former Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Jarret Johnson has been named a finalist for the NFL’s Salute to Service Award. If Johnson takes home the honor it would be the first time since Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh won the award back in 2013.

Johnson started a Black Rifle Coffee franchise alongside a service-disabled Air Force veteran in Niceville, Florida. The Black Rifle Coffee franchise that Johnson owns employs more than 40 veterans, active-duty servicemen and women, veterans’ spouses and children of military members from all around the world.

Johnson was a fourth-round selection in 2003 and played 13 seasons in the NFL, nine of which came with the Ravens. Johnson was a solid player for the Baltimore defense after he was drafted and is still loved within the Baltimore community.

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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Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire details rookie season, USAA partnership

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. recently sat down with Edwards-Helaire to talk about his work with the USAA and rookie season so far with the Chiefs.

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Heliare has already made an immediate impact in the team’s offense. The former national champion with the LSU Tigers has eclipsed 1,000 all-purpose yards from scrimmage entering this weekend’s matchup with the New Orleans Saints.

Edwards-Helaire recently teamed up with USAA to appear in its Salute to Service Virtual Lounge for an exclusive chalk talk with military members, veterans, and their families. During the chalk talk, Edwards-Helaire will recognize the local military members based at Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Riley.

Chiefs Wire contributing writer Ed Easton Jr. recently sat down with Edwards-Helaire to talk about his work with the USAA and rookie season so far in Kansas City.

Chiefs Wire: How does it feel to be a speaker during the USAA’s Salute to Service Virtual Lounge?

CEH: “It’s an amazing feeling, and it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. 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.”

Chiefs Wire: Teammate Eric Fisher was nominated for the Salute to Service award by the Chiefs. Can you describe his continued support for the military, and has he provided any advice ahead of your chalk talk?

CEH: “We haven’t spoken directly about it; I kind of congratulated him. Our lockers are right by each other. So as soon as I found out, I congratulated him. And we, we’ve always had just stories. As soon as I came, we had some military stories we shared back and forth just between family members of patients that kind of had that bond from the beginning. That was pretty cool from the start. So other than that, Nah, he hasn’t given me any pointers, for the chalk talk tomorrow, so I’ll just go in with as much confidence as possible.”

Chiefs Wire: After 13 games, you’ve gained over 1,000 all-purpose yards from scrimmage. How has the adjustment been from college football to the NFL?

CEH: “All I can say is, for me, it’s been overall pretty smooth. I say the hardest transition was just getting acquainted with just the way the play calling was happening when I first got into camp. I feel like that was the biggest difference in just understanding all the ins and outs of checks and play calls before the plays. That was something that was big on learning for me. But other than that, you know, once the ball is pretty much flying around and going, it’s all back to playing football.”

Chiefs Wire: What have you learned playing alongside All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell?

CEH: “Oh, yeah, being able to just pick his brain here and there just, you know, understanding as many years as Le’Veon has been in the league, he’s seen probably thousands of things that I haven’t seen and probably will see in the future. So just picking his brain, about little things on and off the field of just how to handle situations, on and off the field. And then, most importantly, just how to handle competition between each other, you know, we’re all teammates, but we still have to be competitive. So that’s the best part about it.”

Chiefs Wire: How would you describe Patrick Mahomes’ leadership?

CEH: “Patrick is a person who’s, who dots his I’s and crosses his T’s, every second every step. You know, Pat comes in, he’s the first person in the facility, and he’s the last one out; he’s always prepared to be the best that he possibly can no matter the situation, every time I look back at Pat before the game, you know, in his locker, he sitting there in his playbook still looking at things as you know, right before we go out so just his leadership in a way that he strives to be perfect. You know, it trickles down, and it continues to make everybody want to be that much better.”

Chiefs Wire: Joe Burrow, your former teammate at LSU, suffered a devastating injury two weeks ago, ending his season. Have you been in contact with him recently?

CEH: “Oh, yeah. I’ve talked to him before the surgery. I know he’s been doing some rehab. But other than that, I haven’t talked to him recently. Since after his surgery.”

Chiefs Wire: What is the next part of your game you’d like to improve during this postseason run?

CEH: “Just understanding that it’s something that I can get better each and every day. That’s something that I challenge myself to do; no matter what, I can always find something, some games, some practice to get better. And even if it’s the same things over and over again, being perfect at one thing will make me overall a better back So, I just continue to do the little things.”

Open to anyone in the military community— military members and veterans are encouraged to submit their questions for Clyde Edwards-Helaire in advance and then tune-in live tonight at 8:00 pm CT at SaluteToService.com.

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Andy Janovich is this year’s Browns nominee for Salute to Service Award

Janovich has been very active in helping veteran’s groups throughout his NFL career

It’s appropriate on Veteran’s Day for the NFL and USAA to reveal the nominees from all 32 teams for the annual Salute to Service Award. This year’s nominee from the Cleveland Browns is fullback Andy Janovich.

The award honors a league member who demonstrates an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community. Janovich certainly fits that billing.

From the press release explaining Janovich’s worthy candidacy,

Throughout his entire NFL career, Janovich has proactively shown his deep appreciation by honoring members of our armed forces. In both 2018 and 2019, he supported Hunting with Soldiers for My Cause My Cleats. This organization was created in 2007 with the mission of getting Combat Veterans into the outdoors to give them the healing from PTSD that nature can help provide by offering them the opportunity to go hunting and fishing at no cost to them. Janovich also donated his cleats to NFL Auction to benefit Hunting with Soldiers. Since joining the Browns this year, Janovich  has expressed a strong interest in supporting all of the team’s Salute to Service initiatives in 2020. His passion for this important aspect of community relations is also clearly evident through his participation throughout his career. Janovich joined the Broncos’ 2018 Salute to Service Caravan, where he visited military members and their families at Fort Carson Army Base, and he also regularly shows his support through social media in supporting the military, including in an effort to help the NFL and its clubs raise money for the Salute to Service initiative. Although he is new to the Browns, Janovich is extremely excited to work closely with the USO of Northern Ohio for upcoming Browns Salute to Service efforts.

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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