As the excitement of Super Bowl LIX builds in New Orleans, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle arrived at the NFL Honors alongside his wife, Claire, and his parents, Bruce and Jan. The event is an annual celebration recognizing the league's top performances and contributions, and this year the 49ers tight end was highlighted for his well-earned recognition among the league's most impactful people.
Kittle walked the red carpet before taking the stage, where he was presented the award by one of his best friends and teammates, Kyle Juszczyk, and honored as the 2024 USAA Salute to Service Award recipient. The award, presented annually, acknowledges members of the NFL family who demonstrate outstanding dedication to honoring and supporting the military community.
Kittle's connection to the military runs deep. Inspired by family members who served, including his Uncle Pat and Grandfather Carl, Kittle has actively supported service members through various initiatives. He has donated over $250,000 to military charities, hosted over 400 service members at games, and launched programs offering mental health resources to veterans. His personal relationships with service members go beyond the spotlight, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
Upon accepting the award, Kittle delivered his speech on stage:
"Howdy. I just want to say thank you so much. Thank you to the USAA and the NFL for creating the Salute to Service Award. It is a profound honor to be nominated and receive this award, and I'm deeply humbled to be a part of the group of nominees this year. Shout out to all of them, especially this year's finalists. Thank you to all of you for all you do to support our veterans and our military.
This week, I had the opportunity to meet a Wounded Warrior Project member, Staff Sergeant Darren from Louisiana. While talking to him, he said something that has been kind of bouncing around my head the last couple of days. He said, 'People always tell me I'm a hero, but I'm not. I just served a lot.' And it kind of hit me, and it made me think about all the veterans, the families, the service members I've met in my life. It reminded me of all the relationships I've made and the conversations I've had, and how those have changed me and made me a better man, husband, and friend.
Darren then went on to say how excited he was to get home to his 10-month-old grandson who gets grumpy when grandpa isn't around. And in those 60 seconds, I was quickly reminded how Darren and all the servicemen and women are just normal people like you and me, but they're also full of courage, commitment, love, and that rare switch that gets flipped when needed. I was reminded about how there are so many conversations to have, relationships to start, and love to give.
I just encourage you all here sitting tonight and watching from home to use your platform and your time to help and support people, whatever your cause is, to go out there and support people and give love back to your community. There are so many people who need it.
A quick thank you to my family, my mom, my dad, Bruce and Jan. My dad runs everything behind the scenes. He's the reason I get to do all the things that I do. And then my wife, Claire, I love you so much, you rock. You're the reason I got to do the things I do.
God bless our troops. God bless America. And thank you so much."
