Packers Star Aaron Jones a Salute to Service Finalist
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones is one of three finalists for the prestigious Salute to Service Award, the NFL announced on Tuesday.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and New England Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona are the other finalists for the 13th-annual award.
The Salute to Service Award is part of USAA and the NFL’s commitment to honor, empower and connect service members, veterans and their families. Each team nominated a player, coach or executive who “best demonstrated support for the military community.”
Jones’ parents, Vurgess and the late Alvin Sr., were retired sergeants major in the Army after serving their country for more than a quarter-century. Jones’ brother, Xavier, is a member of the Air Force.
“It means the world to me, honestly,” Jones told Packers.com in November. “Growing up as a military brat, my parents served a combined 56 years. They put their life into it. For me to still be able to represent them in that way and get this nomination, I know my parents are very proud of me.”
Jones and his brother, Alvin Jr., started the AA All the Way Foundation. Its primary areas of focus include recreation and fitness, children’s basic needs, and supporting kids in military families.
Said Major General (Ret.) Bob Whittle, USAA Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff: “In looking at this season's finalists for the Salute to Service Award presented by USAA, we have two players whose families have served as well as a player who currently serves our country, and each of them has made it their personal mission to give back by supporting our military community during their time in the NFL. USAA salutes George, Aaron and Joe for going the extra mile to honor our military, veterans and their families, and we encourage all Americans to follow their lead.”
The Salute to Service Award will be presented at NFL Honors, the primetime awards special that will air on CBS and NFL Network on Thursday, Feb. 8.
USAA, a provider of insurance and other financial services to U.S. military members, veterans and their families, will contribute $25,000 in the award recipient's honor to the official aid societies representing each of the military branches.
Jones, who turned 29 in December, recovered from an injury-plagued season to have a dominant stretch run with five consecutive 100-yard games beginning with Week 16 at Carolina through the playoff loss at San Francisco.
“Amazing. Honestly, it’s been the best team I’ve been around,” Jones said after the 49ers game. “Just the way we come together and believe in each other. We care about each other. We’re all brothers, cousins. We’re all like family. We’re all related somehow. It’s truly fun when you know those guys care about you. You can just look on the field and it’s evident we’re playing for each other. That’s why it hurts a little bit more because we were playing for each other.”
