Niners Nation
George Kittle becomes the first 49ers player to win the award
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was announced as the recipient of the 14th Annual Salute to Service Award, which is presented by USAA. The leading provider of insurance and other financial services to U.S. military members, veterans, and their families will contribute $25,000 in Kittle’s honor to his military charity of choice. Kittle will be recognized at NFL Honotrs, where he will accept the award with remarks on stage.
Here’s the press release from USAA:
George Kittle truly embodies the essence of the Salute to Service Award,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “His dedication to honoring service members and involvement with numerous military organizations makes him the perfect choice for this honor. The NFL family is proud of his dedication to give back to those who sacrifice for our country and congratulates him on this tremendous achievement.”
49ers tight end George Kittle exemplifies what it means to honor, empower, and connect with the military community. Kittle’s connection is personal and rooted in family as his Uncle Pat and Grandfather Carl were among loved ones who’ve served.
“George Kittle continues to show a deep and unwavering dedication to our service members, veterans and their families through his military appreciation efforts which go beyond gestures and truly reflect a heartfelt commitment to those who have served our nation,” said USAA Senior Vice President and Head of Military Affairs, Major General (Ret.) John Richardson. “Inspired by those in his own family who served, George has become a shining example for the NFL community of how to create lasting and genuine connections with our military, and we salute him as this year’s recipient of the Salute to Service Award presented by USAA.”
Through Kittle’s positivity, he empowers service members by lending his platform and resources. He hosts military and frontline heroes at every game, donating over 400 tickets in the last six years. Through the Founding Hidden Pearls Podcast (HPP) founded in 2020, Kittle and his family amplify community stories, nearly 60 of those involving veterans. Inspired by these stories, he and his family created an app offering free mental health resources to veterans, including the meditative practices he uses while playing. Additionally, Kittle has donated over $250,000 to military nonprofits and further highlighted military organizations through My Cause My Cleats, including the Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS, Merging Vets and Players (MVP), Operation Freedom Paws and Operation Surf.
Kittle is an active participant in the 49ers’ Salute to Service programming whose connection with service members goes beyond an initial introduction. After gifting the family of fallen Army soldier Sgt. Martin LaMar Super Bowl tickets, Kittle continues to host them at training camp and keeps Sgt. LaMar’s Purple Heart in his locker. Army veteran Chris Kleinsorge gifted a uniform he wore in Afghanistan to George Kittle and his wife, during an away game thanking them for the work he has done for the military community. After the exchange, Kittle flew Kleinsorge and...
