Oct. 29, 2025 – Atlanta Falcons Legend Matt Bryant has been named the Atlanta Falcons' nominee for the 2025 Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. The Salute to Service Award acknowledges an individual within the NFL Family who demonstrates an outstanding dedication to honoring, empowering and connecting with the military community.
Through Bryant's extensive NFL career, he and his family made it a priority to honor the entire military community including active military service members, veterans and military families. During his time in Atlanta, Bryant honored the military community throughout the season and offseason by participating in Falcons events, hosting his own one-of-a-kind experiences for military families and traveling to visit active-duty military. He has always advocated and empowered the military through his commitment to giving back and true dedication to creating unforgettable moments for military members and their families.
Bryant participated in the most immersive and ultimate connecting point with active duty: USO Tours overseas. In June 2016, he traveled to Guam and Hawaii, and in June 2018, he traveled to Iraq and Kuwait. In addition to the USO Tours, Bryant also visited Luke Air Force Base while the team traveled to Arizona for the week prior to a game. Throughout his years at the Falcons, he personally hosted TAPS families to VIP experiences at the aquarium, zoo and even gamedays through the ticket block he purchased for over six seasons, committing tickets to military groups each home game, which provided families with exceptional experiences and allowed him to spend time with families to learn about their fallen heroes. Additionally, he was an active participant in the Falcons' annual Fishing with Falcons event, where he got the chance to fish with wounded veterans and even captained his own boat for a few years.
Once more this season, fans have an opportunity to determine the award's three finalists by voting for their favorite nominee. One vote per day for each nominee is permitted. The three finalists will be announced in January, and the recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors; a primetime awards special to air nationally during the week of Super Bowl LX. To learn more about each nominee and cast your vote for Bryant, visit NFL.com/SaluteFanVote. Voting is open now until Nov. 30.
For the past 15 seasons, the Salute to Service Award has been an integral part of the NFL's and USAA's year-round commitment to recognize the military and veteran community. As the presenting sponsor of the award, USAA, a leading provider of insurance, banking and financial services to U.S. military members, veterans and their families, will contribute $25,000 in the recipient's name to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL Foundation will match USAA's contribution by donating an additional $25,000 to the awardee's military non-profit charity of choice.
Through the league's Salute to Service initiative, the NFL and all teams from across the league unite to honor, empower and connect with service members, veterans and their families during Weeks 9-11 of the regular season. The initiative will come to life in NFL stadiums across the country through on-field branding and other game day activations. The Falcons' Salute to Service game is slated for Nov. 16 when the team takes on the Carolina Panthers. Visit NFL.com/Salute to learn more.
