GREEN BAY – Packers running back Aaron Jones has been named one of three finalists for the NFL's 13th annual Salute to Service Award.
The 32 nominees from each NFL team were announced in November and recognize team personnel who best demonstrate support for the military community.
That list has now been whittled down to three finalists – Jones, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, and New England Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona.
The recipient of the award, presented by USAA, will be announced at NFL Honors, the primetime awards special airing on CBS on Thursday, Feb. 8.
This year represented Jones' second time as the Packers' nominee (also 2018), but this is his first time advancing to the finalist stage.
Jones' parents, Vurgess and the late Alvin Sr., both retired as sergeants major in the U.S. Army after serving their country for 27 and 29 years, respectively. Jones' brother, Xavier, is an active member of the Air Force.
Jones knows firsthand the sacrifices involved with serving, and he has made giving back to active-duty military and veterans a special focus of his community involvement. Jones serves as a spokesperson for the Packers' Salute to Service initiative and takes part in every opportunity to honor veterans.
In the last several years, Jones has sent videos to veterans, spoken with youth at military academies and taken part in events like the team's Huddle for Heroes, where veterans are thanked and letters are written to active-duty military. Vurgess also participated with her son in the most recent Huddle for Heroes in Green Bay.
In November 2022, Jones spent time promoting Patriot K9s of Wisconsin, a nonprofit devoted to connecting veterans with trained service dogs. He's also visited service members in the hospital and visited military bases, including Fort Bliss in his native town of El Paso, Texas.
Jones' A&A All the Way Foundation, which he founded with his twin brother, Alvin Jr., helps those in need with a special focus on honoring and empowering military families. They provide special, joy-filled experiences to children who have parents serving in the military, honoring the sacrifice these families make. The Foundation's annual gala also raises money for military families, aimed at connecting them with the resources and care they need.
"With the military, we always try to find different ways to get involved," Jones said when his initial nomination was announced in November. "Anytime the Packers have anything that involves the military, I try to get involved as much as I can because that's near and dear to my heart.
