Christian McCaffrey is known for breaking tackles and racking up yards on Sundays, but off the field, the 49ers star is making just as big of an impact-this time as a finalist for the NFL’s 15th Annual Salute to Service Award.
McCaffrey, along with Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson and Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr., is being recognized for his deep commitment to supporting U.S. service members, veterans, and their families. It’s not just a gesture-it’s a cause that’s been woven into McCaffrey’s life and mission for years.
The award, presented by the NFL and USAA, honors members of the NFL community who go above and beyond to uplift and empower those who’ve served. According to Major General (Ret.) Bob Whittle, USAA’s Head of Military Affairs, this year’s finalists exemplify what the award stands for: using the platform of football to connect with and support the military community in meaningful, lasting ways.
For McCaffrey, this connection is personal. It started during his early playing days, when he trained in Colorado and met Spencer Milo, a medically retired Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient.
Milo served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was later diagnosed with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury. The two developed a bond that stuck with McCaffrey-and helped shape his perspective on service, sacrifice, and recovery.
Then came another moment that left a mark. Just before a Panthers-Falcons game in 2018, McCaffrey met Sgt.
Alex Somerson, a veteran of the 101st Airborne Division who also lives with PTSD after serving in Iraq. McCaffrey didn’t just shake his hand and move on-he bought Super Bowl tickets for Somerson and his wife, giving them a front-row seat to the biggest game in football.
“I always admired [Milo’s] outlook on life and the way he approaches it,” McCaffrey said. “As a football player, [I am] constantly taking care of my body… If these guys are going overseas and getting injured and coming back and having problems, they deserve the best medical attention. So that’s kind of where my passion for helping out comes from.”
That passion led to action. McCaffrey launched the Christian McCaffrey Foundation (CCF), which focuses on providing elite-level care for military veterans-especially those from Special Operations units-who are dealing with trauma and PTSD. The idea is simple but powerful: veterans deserve the same top-tier medical and mental health support that professional athletes receive.
At the heart of that mission is 23 and Troops, the foundation’s signature program. It offers comprehensive, medically-based care designed to fill the gaps that often exist in traditional veteran support systems. It’s not just about saying “thank you for your service”-it’s about showing it through real, sustained action.
McCaffrey has also been an active participant in the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative, and he’s used platforms like My Cause, My Cleats to shine a spotlight on veterans’ issues and the work being done through his foundation.
If McCaffrey is selected as this year’s recipient, USAA will donate $25,000 to official military aid societies across all branches in his name. The NFL will also contribute $25,000 to the charity of his choice-likely his own foundation, where the funds would continue fueling his mission to support veterans.
The winner will be chosen based on the impact, scope, and commitment of their service efforts. A panel made up of military representatives, NFL personnel, and USAA officials will evaluate the finalists.
Should McCaffrey take home the honor, he’d be the first Stanford alum to win the award-and it would mark back-to-back wins for the 49ers, following tight end George Kittle’s recognition last year.
The winner of the Salute to Service Award will be announced on February 5 during the NFL Honors ceremony. Regardless of the outcome, McCaffrey’s work off the field is already making a difference-and proving that leadership doesn’t stop when the clock hits zero.