The NFL Fuels the WWP Mission through Salute to Service

Through its Salute to Service initiative, the NFL partners with WWP to provide injured veterans and their families access to free programs and resources supporting mental health and physical health and wellness. The NFL has honored countless warriors through connection events at regular-season games, the NFL Draft, and the Super Bowl. In addition, the NFL helps warriors and their families through impactful WWP programs.

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National Football League Partnership Goals

The League partners with WWP through the NFL Foundation to honor, empower, and connect wounded warriors. Its Vision Level partnership ($1.0M) helps fund critical life-changing and lifesaving programs.

Its partnership with WWP focuses on three main goals:

To honor warriors by providing special experiences during NFL games and signature events like the NFL Draft and the Super Bowl.

To empower injured veterans by supporting mental health programs like WWP Talk, Project Odyssey, and the Warrior Care Network, and sponsorship of the Soldier Ride® bike fleet.

 

To provide a connection between NFL players and wounded warriors so they can share their stories, reminding the nation that asking for help is brave.

Partner Award Section

The NFL has been recognized for its outstanding commitment to amplifying its partnership with Wounded Warrior Project.

The NFL’s Megan Mendoza holds an award from executives Mike Linnington, Helbert Asprilla, Chris Needles, and Brea Kratzert.

2024 WWP Corporate Partner Impact Award

The NFL received a 2024 WWP Corporate Partner Impact Award as the Storyteller of the Year for its outstanding contribution to amplifying the WWP mission to its fans through its communication channels.

PR Daily Nonprofit Communications Awards logo.

NFL and WWP Receive National Award

The NFL and WWP were honored PR Daily’s Corporate/Nonprofit Partnership of the Year at the publication’s Nonprofit Communications Awards in New York City in 2023 in recognition of its #CombatStigma mental health campaign.

The NFL Honors, Empowers, and Connects Warriors

The NFL and WWP collaborate to provide connection experiences for warriors and their families that are amplified to reach the League’s fans.

Philadelphia Eagle Darian Kinnard stands between six male and female warriors holding his cleats with a WWP on them.

Eagles Player Shares My Cause My Cleat unboxing with warriors

Philadelphia Eagles OT Darian Kinnard invited local warriors to join him in the team’s locker room at Lincoln Financial field for the unboxing of his cleat in honor of Wounded Warrior Project. 

Jacksonville Jaguars player Devin Lloyd is shown playing on the field during a game.

NFL Player Honors Military Roots

Growing up with two Navy veterans as parents, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd didn’t just learn about discipline and hard work — he lived it.

Former NFL player Brian Dawkins wears a white hat and black t-shirt before the San Antonio Carry Forward 5K.

NFL Hall of Famer Partners with USAA in WWP Carry Forward

Former Eagle Brian Dawkins carried a rucksack and walked alongside warriors in San Antonio, TX, supporting the Face the Fight initiative.

Warrior Arnulfo Dauto holds two Super Bowl tickets given to him by host Kay Adams and NFL player Trey McBride.

The NFL Honors, Empowers, and Connects Warriors

Warrior Arnulfo Dauto was surprised with Super Bowl LVIII tickets after helping Up & Adams host Kay Adams and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride tested the media’s knowledge of military trivia the week of the Super Bowl.

Wounded warrior Antoinette Wallace stands with retired New York Giants player Kevin Boothe holding two oversized Super Bowl tickets.

Super Bowl LVIII Surprise - New York

Wounded warrior Antoinette Wallace was lighting the Empire State Building red, white, and blue for Veteran’s Day when the NFL made a special dream come true. 

2022 NFL Salute to Service Year-in-Review

The NFL has supported WWP through its year-round Salute to Service campaign since 2011. Learn about how the League and its players honored warriors during the 2022 season.

New York Jets DT Solomon Thomas and wounded warrior Tim McDonough walk together on the field at MetLife Stadium to discuss mental health.

Warrior and NFL Star Share Meaningful Conversation about Mental Health

New York Jets DT Solomon Thomas and wounded warrior Tim McDonough both went through unimaginable loss. They connected during the 2022 season at MetLife Stadium.

Warriors Michael Carasquillo, Lisa Crutch, and another male warrior hold their team jerseys at the Super Bowl Experience.

Military Day at the Super Bowl Experience

Each year, the NFL hosts active military and veterans for an unforgettable day at the Super Bowl Experience. 

Wounded warrior Barry Pettit stands on stage during the 2021 NFL Draft.

Warriors Participate in the NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is memorable to the players selected, but also to the wounded warriors who are chosen each year to announce one of the picks.