![](https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2022/11/USATSI_19435554.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera was named as one of three finalists for the NFL’s Salute to Service award, presented by USAA.
From the NFL:
The Salute to Service Award is part of USAA and the NFL’s year-round commitment to honor, empower, and connect with our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families. The 32 nominees were released in November and consisted of active and retired players, coaches, and team executives and personnel who best demonstrated support for the military community.
The other finalists are San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and Cincinnati Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst.
“All three of this year’s finalists for the Salute to Service Award presented by USAA serve America’s military community in different but impactful ways, with each deserving recognition for their exemplary commitment to those who wear the uniform,” said Vice Admiral (Ret.) John Bird, USAA Senior Vice President of Military Affairs.
The recipient will be recognized at the NFL Honors award show on Thursday, Feb. 9, on NBC, Peacock and the NFL Network.
USAA will contribute $25,000 in the award recipient’s honor to the official aid societies representing each of the military branches. The NFL will match USAA’s donation of $25,000, which will be donated to the award recipient’s military charity of choice. The award recipient will receive a specially designed military challenge coin, recognizing their commitment to the military. In what has become a long-standing tradition, challenge coins are presented to members of the military community to demonstrate membership, recognize excellence, or boost morale.
Rivera is an ardent supporter of the United States military, as his father, Eugenio, was an officer in the U.S. Army. Rivera grew up on military bases in the United States, Germany and Panama.
Congratulations to Coach Rivera, Kittle and Hurst.