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NFL and USAA Announce Finalists for the 12th Annual Salute to Service Award

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2023 NFL Honors nominees. Image: NFL.
2023 NFL Honors nominees. Image: NFL.

NEW YORK — The NFL and USAA, an official NFL Salute to Service Partner, announced Cincinnati Bengals Tight End HAYDEN HURST, San Francisco 49ers Tight End GEORGE KITTLE, and Washington Commanders Head Coach RON RIVERA as finalists for the 12th annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA.

Hurst, Kittle and Rivera demonstrated exceptional effort to honor and support members of the military community. The Salute to Service Award recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors, a primetime awards show airing live Thursday, Feb. 9 at 9 PM ET / 8 PM CT on NBC, NFL Network and Peacock from Symphony Hall in Phoenix, Arizona.

“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. “From caring for the mental health of veterans, to connecting with military families, and the unwavering support of active-duty servicemembers, USAA thanks and salutes Hayden, George, and Coach Rivera for their commitment to our military, veterans and their families, and to all NFL fans for helping determine this year’s worthy finalists.”

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.

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.

New this year, fans helped determine the three finalists by voting for their favorite nominees. Finalists were determined by a consensus vote of fans, an NFL internal committee and USAA. Nominees were evaluated on the positive effect of their efforts on the military community, the type of service conducted, the thoroughness of the program and level of commitment.

A panel of judges, consisting of representatives from the U.S. military community, the NFL and USAA, will determine the Salute to Service Award recipient, and includes:

  • VICE ADMIRAL JOHN BIRD (Ret.), U.S. Navy veteran, USAA Senior Vice President of Military Affairs
  • LENNY BANDY, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and NFL Vice President of Security
  • CHAD HENNINGS, U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, three-time Super Bowl champion
  • JIM MORA, SR., U.S. Marine Corps veteran, former NFL head coach
  • ANDREW BECK, Denver Broncos Tight End and 2021 Salute to Service Award recipient

Since 2011, USAA has used its sponsorship to honor and appreciate service members, veterans and their families by creating unique opportunities that bring the military community and the NFL closer together.

Below is an overview on the three finalists. To learn more about the Salute to Service Award presented by USAA, please visit www.nfl.com/salute.

HAYDEN HURST (Tight End, Cincinnati Bengals)
Cincinnati Bengals Tight End Hayden Hurst has been a growing national voice in the mental health treatment, awareness and advocacy community since sharing his story of battling depression and anxiety in 2020. That year, he and his family produced a video with a message to Marines in support of Suicide Prevention Month, which helped introduce Hurst to the mental, emotional and psychological challenges faced by current and former military members. Since then, he has remained dedicated to veteran outreach, working with several organizations around the country through the Hayden Hurst Family Foundation. Hurst pledged $20,000 to Top Dogg K9 Foundation, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that trains and pairs service dogs with disabled veterans struggling with mental health challenges post-deployment. At the third annual Hayden Hurst Family Foundation Golf Tournament held in February, Hurst and his mother, Cathy, worked with Acadia Healthcare to fly in a foursome of military patients that were honored before participating in the event. Proceeds from the tournament benefited the Youth Crisis Center, an organization that helps children with depression and anxiety in Hurst’s hometown of Jacksonville, FL. In August, Hurst partnered with the Cincinnati-based Armed Forces Tickets Association to provide four tickets for an active-duty service member and their family to watch the Bengals’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Paycor Stadium. The Hayden Hurst Family Foundation is actively collaborating with Acadia Healthcare to host military-appreciation events in the Greater Cincinnati area, while also working with the behavioral health science department at the University of South Carolina, Hurst’s alma mater, on military engagement projects.

GEORGE KITTLE (Tight End, San Francisco 49ers)
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers Tight End, has exemplified what it means to honor, empower, and connect with military members, veterans and their families since entering the league. Kittle’s appreciation for the military community is rooted in family with his Uncle Pat, Grandfather Carl, and other loved ones who have served. He honors the sacrifices of service members and the efforts of military nonprofits through the My Cause My Cleats initiative, recognizing the Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF) in 2018, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) from 2019 to 2021, and Merging Vets & Players (MVP) in 2022. Since building a relationship with TAPS at the 2018 Pro Bowl, Kittle has sustained long term relationships with families who have lost a loved one to service. After gifting the family of fallen Army Sergeant Martin LaMar tickets to Super Bowl LIV, Kittle has spent multiple seasons reconnecting with the LaMars by hosting them at Training Camp practices. LaMar’s purple heart medal, gifted to Kittle by LaMar’s family in 2020, still hangs in Kittle’s locker as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes. In the 2021 season, Kittle purchased over 150 tickets to donate to the National Guard. This year, he hosted service members at every 49ers game, extending his displays of appreciation nationwide. Kittle and his family founded the Hidden Pearls Podcast (HPP) to connect with military veterans through storytelling. Recently, HPP joined “Diving With Heroes” in Cozumel to reflect on the benefits of scuba diving by veterans, especially those with physical disabilities. Kittle donated over $25,000 to charities selected by hosted veterans on the podcast last season.

RON RIVERA (Head Coach, Washington Commanders)
Through every hardship and challenge, Coach Rivera credits his success in the face of adversity to his military upbringing and the values instilled in him growing up the son of a 32-year-career Warrant Officer of the U. S. Army, Eugenio Rivera. Rivera has spent the entirety of his 12-year career as a Head Coach giving back to a military community that has defined his success as a leader in the league. He has continued his great work with the military by joining in a number of initiatives this year. In May, Rivera, Commanders players Jonathan Allen and Jamin Davis, and Co-Owner and Co-CEO Tanya Snyder surprised departing troops with a visit at BWI Airport where the team passed out care packages to troops as they waited to board their planes. Rivera also took time in training camp to visit with over 250 active and former members of the military at the club’s Salute to Service Day. Additionally, he brought the entire team to Joint Base Andrews for a practice in front of the troops before the first preseason game and hosted nine wounded/paralyzed veterans at Operation Warrior Wishes in Training Camp. Rivera hosted Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) families at the OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park for the second year in a row. He is also donating all the proceeds from his appearances on the league-wide SiriusXM NFL Radio channel to the United Service Organizations (USO).

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Jacksonville

Jaguars Lose to the Bills 27-24 in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs

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Jaguars vs. Bills in the AFC Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (13-5) lost to the Buffalo Bills (13-5) 27-24 at EverBank Stadium today in the AFC Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs. The Jaguars finished with nine more victories than last season, but fans are still disappointed that the miracle season has come to an end.

On Jacksonville’s second drive of the game, QB Trevor Lawrence threw a pass intended for WR Parker Washington that was intercepted by Bills LB Shaq Thompson. A couple of plays later, Bills QB Josh Allen was tacked by Jaguars DE Josh Hines-Allen, and Allen went to the Bills’ blue tent to be evaluated for a concussion, but was cleared to return. On the fourth down, K Matt Prater kicked a 50 yard field goal to put the Bills on the board 3-0, which was the score at the end of the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, Trevor Lawrence completed a 3 yard touchdown pass to WR Brian Thomas Jr. and K Cam Little added the extra point, putting the Jaguars ahead 7-3. On the kickoff, the Jaguars benefited from a fumble by Bills RB Ray Davis that LB Devin Lloyd recovered. The Jaguars were on Buffalo’s 9 yard line when Trevor Lawrence tried to dive for a first down on 4th and 2, but came up a little short on the officials’ review. The Bills took possession and ended up scoring on Josh Allen’s two yard touchdown run, followed by Prater’s XP. The Jaguars managed to get into field goal position just before the half, but Cam Little missed a 54 yard field goal that hit the left upright, ending his streak of 20 consecutive field goals made, including a 67 yarder just last week which set the NFL outdoor record. The Bills were up 10-7 at halftime.

Matt Prater kicked a 47 yard field goal on the Bills’ first drive of the third quarter, extending their lead to 13-7. Cam Little redeemed himself with a 43 yard field goal on the Jaguars’ next drive, to narrow the Jags’ deficit to 13-10, which remained the score at the end of the third quarter.

Early in the fourth, Trevor Lawrence found Parker Washington in the end zone for a 6 yard touchdown pass, and after Cam Little’s XP, the Jags were ahead 17-13. But Josh Allen’s 15 yard touchdown pass to TE Dalton Kincaid, followed by Matt Prater’s XP, put the Bills up 20-17. The Jags responded with a 14 yard Lawrence touchdown pass to RB Travis Etienne Jr., and a Little XP, to put the Jaguars ahead 24-20. Josh Allen ran into the end zone for another Bills touchdown, followed by Prater’s XP with just over a minute left in the game, putting the Bills up 27-24. Trevor Lawrence threw a pass that was intercepted by Bills S Cole Bishop, effectively ending the season for the Jaguars.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 207 passing yards and 3 TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 67 yards. Parker Washington was the leading receiver with 107 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 70,250.

Today marked the Jaguars’ 17th playoff game in history. With today’s loss, they are now 5-3 in the Wild Card round, and 4-2 at home in the playoffs. Jacksonville beat the Bills in the 1996 AFC Wild Card round to win their first playoff game in franchise history.

The AFC Divisional Playoff schedule will be announced after the completion of this weekend’s playoff games. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

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Jacksonville

Jaguars Topple the Titans 41-7

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Jaguars Topple the Titans (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) beat the Tennessee Titans (3-14) 41-7 at EverBank Stadium today. With today’s victory, Jacksonville won a 13th game for only the second time in franchise history. Head Coach Liam Coen also became the seventh first-year coach in NFL history to win at least 13 games.

The Titans were the first to score, as rookie QB Cam Ward ran 7 yards for a touchdown, followed by the extra point from K Joey Slye. Ward injured his right shoulder on that play and was ruled out for the remainder of the game, and was replaced by QB Brandon Allen. The Jaguars responded on their next drive, with a 23 yard touchdown pass from QB Trevor Lawrence to WR Parker Washington, followed by the XP from K Cam Little, to tie the game at 7-7, which remained the score at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, WR Brian Thomas Jr. left the game after a defensive pass interference, and was evaluated for a concussion. Fortunately, Thomas cleared concussion protocol and returned later in the game. On the next play, Lawrence completed a 7 yard touchdown pass to TE Brenton Strange, with Little providing the XP. The Titans next drive ended as S Antonio Johnson intercepted a Brandon Allen pass intended for WR Elic Ayomanor, returning it 59 yards for a touchdown, followed by Little’s XP, extending the Jaguars lead to 21-7. Lawrence added another TD pass for 5 yards to TE Quinton Morris, followed by Little’s XP. Little also added a 67 yard field goal as the clock expired heading into halftime, to put the Jaguars ahead 31-7. With those three points, Cam Little also broke the franchise record for most points in a season, which had previously been held by K Mike Hollis with 134 points in 1997.

Late in the third quarter, Cam Little added another field goal, this one for 52 yards, extending the Jaguars lead to 34-7, the only points scored in the quarter.

Early in the 4th quarter, Trevor Lawrence reached more than 4,000 passing yards for the season with a 23 yard pass to Parker Washington. The Jaguars replaced Lawrence with QB Nick Mullens for the remainder of the game, to ensure Trevor would be healthy for the playoffs. Midway through the quarter, Travis Etienne Jr. also surpassed 1400 scrimmage yards for the third season in his career. RB Bhayshul Tuten later added a 5 yard touchdown run, and Little kicked the XP, to put the Jaguars ahead 41-7. After the two minute warning, the Titans attempted, but missed, a 52 yard field goal by Joey Slye. The Jags then ran down the clock to secure their victory.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 255 passing yards and 3 TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 32 yards. Parker Washington was the leading receiver with 87 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 66,015.

Trevor Lawrence breaks the franchise record for total touchdowns in a single season. (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

Trevor Lawrence also set the Jaguars franchise record for the most single season touchdowns with 38, breaking the previous record of 37 set by Blake Bortles in 2015. Since the beginning of the Jaguars win streak in week 11, Lawrence has led the league with 24 total touchdowns. Lawrence also moved into second place in passing yards in franchise history, exceeding Blake Bortles’ mark of 17,646 yards. First place is held by Mark Brunell with 25,698 yards.

The Jaguars will advance to the AFC Playoffs, which begin next weekend. The schedule will be announced after the completion of week 18 games. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.comfor more.

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Jacksonville

Jaguars Down the Jets 48-20 in Jacksonville

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) beat the New York Jets (3-11) 48-20 at EverBank Stadium today. Jets QB Brady Cook made the first start of his career. Cook was the first undrafted rookie QB to start for the Jets in 50 years.

On the first drive of the game, QB Trevor Lawrence found WR Brian Thomas Jr. in the end zone for a 4 yard touchdown pass, followed by the extra point from Cam Little, giving the Jaguars an early 7-0 lead. The Jaguars second drive ended with a 15 yard touchdown run by Lawrence, followed by another Little XP, to put the Jags up 14-0. But Brady Cook completed his first career TD pass to WR Adonai Mitchell for 9 yards, followed by the XP by K Nick Folk, to put the Jets on the board. At the end of the first quarter, the Jaguars were ahead 14-7.

Early in the second quarter, Trevor Lawrence completed a 16 yard touchdown pass to RB Bhayshul Tuten, and Little added the XP to put the Jags up 21-7. Several minutes later, Jets WR Isaiah Williams appeared to score a touchdown returning Logan Cooke’s punt, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty nullified that TD. Several plays later, the Jets settled for a 41 yard Nick Folk field goal, to narrow the Jets deficit to 21-10. Cam Little added a 33 yard field goal for the Jags shortly before the half, extending their lead to 24-10. Just two downs later, CB Montaric Brown intercepted a Brady Cook pass intended for Adonai Mitchell, and the Jags moved the ball down the field, with Lawrence ultimately hitting RB Travis Etienne Jr. in the end zone for a 20 yard touchdown pass, followed by Little’s XP. This completion put Trevor Lawrence ahead of David Garrard for third place on the Jaguars all-time franchise record for passing TDs with 90. The Jaguars went into halftime up 31-10.

Nick Folk kicked a 51 yard field goal on the Jets’ first drive of the third quarter. The Jaguars responded with another touchdown pass by Lawrence to Etienne, this one for 8 yards. After Little’s XP, the Jaguars led 38-13. This was Travis Etienne Jr.’s 30th touchdown of his career. Late in the third, Cam Little added a 22 yard field goal, which was the 50th of his career, making him the youngest player in NFL history to kick 50 field goals. The Jaguars were up 41-13 at the end of the third quarter.

The Jets scored early in the fourth on a 24 yard touchdown run by RB Isaiah Davis, followed by Folk’s XP, to make the score 41-20. Two plays later, the Jaguars added another Lawrence to Etienne touchdown pass, this time for 45 yards, followed by Little’s XP, extending their lead to 48-20. The Jaguars brought QB Nick Mullen in to relieve Lawrence soon after as a precautionary move. Midway through the fourth, the Jets were threatening to score, but Jags LB Ventrell Miller intercepted a Brady Cook pass intended for WR Allen Lazard in the end zone. Late in the fourth, Brady Cook was once again picked off, this time by S Antonio Johnson. The final score remained 48-20.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 330 passing yards and 5 TDs. Trevor Lawrence also led the Jaguars’ rushing with 51 yards and 1 TD. Travis Etienne Jr. was the leading receiver with 73 yards and 3 TDs. Today’s attendance was 60,815.

Trevor Lawrence reached 3,000 passing yards for the fourth time in his five year career. In Jaguars franchise history, only Mark Brunell has had more such seasons, with five.

The Jaguars have two games on the road against the Denver Broncos on Dec. 21 and the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 28, before returning home for the final game of the season against the Tennessee Titans. That game will be held either Jan. 3 or 4, but the date and time have not yet been confirmed. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

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