EAGAN, Minn. — Aaron Jones, Sr., continues to receive much-deserved recognition for his exceptional support of U.S. military families.
The NFL on Thursday announced Jones as one of three finalists for the 15th Annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. He is joined by 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey and Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson.
Jones is being acknowledged for his exceptional efforts to honor and support members of the military community. The Salute to Service Award winner will be announced at NFL Honors on Feb. 5 during Super Bowl LX Week.
"If I was to win the Salute to Service Award, honestly, I don't have the words for it," Jones said in October upon his initial nomination. "Heartwarming. Joy. I don't really have the words to articulate it, but I would feel it embodies who I am to be recognized for that — especially off the field.
"I feel like that's the true test of a person — how do you use your platform when you're in a position [to do so]? I didn't set out to be recognized for this, but I said my goal was to make an impact in this avenue," Jones continued. "And it's being recognized, so I'm proud of myself. It wouldn't feel like just me winning; it would be my whole (A&A All the Way) foundation winning. It's not just me; there's a whole team behind me and my family, and the Vikings [Social Impact] staff, as well.
"It takes people behind you who care about you, who love you and who want to see you do good," he added.
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell had the pleasure of notifying Jones he's been named a finalist.
"Aaron is one of those rare people who leaves a positive mark on everything he's around," O'Connell said. "His leadership, generosity and commitment to the military community are unmatched. He's a finalist for the Salute to Service Award for all the right reasons, and I can't think of anyone more deserving to win this award."
USAA will contribute $25,000 in the winning recipient's name to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL Foundation will match the contribution with an additional $25,000 donation to the recipient's nonprofit of choice.
Jones' family has an extensive history of military service. His late father, Alvin Sr., served 29 years in the U.S. Army, while his mother, Vurgess, served 27 years in the Army.
Jones and his twin brother, Alvin Jones, Jr., launched their family's foundation in 2020, emphasizing the support of military family youth. Motivated by their own childhood experiences, which included both parents serving overseas deployments, the brothers formed A&A All the Way to connect families and young people who have experienced the difficulties of deployment, regular change and relocation and the uncertainties that often accompany military life.
Since signing with the Vikings in 2024, Jones has taken part in visits to the local United Heroes League and connected with young people and military members. Throughout the 2025 season, he hosted a U.S. military family at each home game, offering them a memorable game-day experience at U.S. Bank Stadium and a personal visit to express his gratitude while connecting over shared experiences.
A panel of judges, consisting of representatives from the U.S. military community, the NFL and USAA, will determine the final Salute to Service Award recipient. The judging panel includes the following:
- Major General (Ret.) Bob Whittle, USAA Senior Vice President, Head of Military Affairs and Army veteran
- George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers tight end and 2024 Salute to Service Award recipient
- Chad Hennings, Air Force Academy graduate and three-time Super Bowl champion
- Jim Mora, Sr., Marine Corps veteran and former NFL head coach
- Christina Dorfler, NFL Chief Financial Officer and Army veteran
Through the league's Salute to Service initiative, the NFL and its teams unite to honor, empower and connect with service members, veterans and their families. To learn more about the Salute to Service Award presented by USAA, please visit NFL.com/Salute.
