CLEVELAND — On Monday morning, the NFL announced that Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has been nominated as the team's nominee for the 11th annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA and the NFL.
Each year, the USAA and NFL honor a member of the NFL community committed to honoring and supporting the military community around them.
"Now more than ever, it's essential that our nation come together to support and show appreciation for those Americans who are serving and have served our country, as well as their families," said Vice Admiral (Ret.) John Bird, USAA Senior Vice President of Military Affairs, in a press release from the NFL. "This year's nominees for the Salute to Service Award presented by USAA all deserve special recognition for stepping up to support our military community, and we are encouraged to see this list of diverse nominees coming from all areas of the NFL organization."
During Mayfield’s NFL tenure, he has been at the forefront of honoring armed forces members. Earlier this year, Mayfield wore custom cleats during warmups to honor Ohio Native and U.S. Navy corpsman Maxton Soviak ahead of the Browns' home opener against the Houston Texans earlier this season.
During training camp, the Browns host a Training Camp Military Appreciation Day. Since his rookie season in 2018, Mayfield has spent extra time after practice to speak with military members in attendance.
In the past, Mayfield has also created care packages for the troops overseas.
USAA will make a $25,000 donation on behalf of the recipient’s name to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL has agreed to match USAA’s contribution and will donate an extra $25,000 on behalf of the award winner’s military or veteran charity of choice.
In January, the finalists for the Salute to Service Award will be announced. The recipient will be recognized during the NFL Honors award show that will be aired nationally during the week of Super Bowl LVI.
Those interested in learning more about the NFL’s Salute to Service efforts can learn more here.