Today, the NFL and USAA, an official NFL Salute to Service partner, announced the 2025 nominees for the annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford was selected as the team's nominee for the second-consecutive year for his extensive work honoring our service men and women throughout his 19 seasons in Tampa Bay.
"It is truly an honor to be nominated again for this award," said Ford. "There are so many incredible service men and women throughout our community and beyond and it has been my privilege to get to know so many of them throughout my career. There will never be ample words to express our gratitude for their and their families' service and sacrifice. I am humbled and honored to receive this nomination, but this work would not be possible without the support of the Glazer family and their commitment to honoring our service members."
Fans can participate in selecting the recipient of the NFL's Salute to Service Award. To see all the nominees and cast their vote, fans can visit the link here from now until November 30th. Finalists are scheduled to be announced in January, and the recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors, a primetime awards special to air nationally in February during the week of Super Bowl LX.
Now in his 19th season with the Buccaneers, Ford has committed much of his time to honoring service members from all branches of the military. This past year, he was awarded the U.S. Special Operations Command Medal by U.S. Army Gen. & SOCOM Commander Bryan P. Fenton, given to individuals who have made significant contributions to special operations during war or peace. In addition, he started a program at U.S. Central Command to award personalized game balls to distinguished CENTCOM service members on a quarterly basis.
Throughout his tenure, he has been instrumental in facilitating the team's Salute to Service efforts. At each home game, the team provides an exclusive experience for military members and their families. Many of those invited come from interactions Ford has throughout the community, having personally invited numerous service members over the years. In addition, Ford and the Buccaneers orchestrate annual visits to MacDill Air Force Base while also awarding the General H Norman Schwarzkopf Military Family of the Year Award annually to celebrate military families who exemplify service before self.
Ford is also a graduate of the 927th Air Refueling Wing Honorary Commander Program, which allows civilians an opportunity to experience the overall mission capability of the United States Air Force. In 2018, he was appointed an Air Force Reserve Command Civic Leader under Lt. Gen. John P. Healy and in 2023 was awarded the Air Force Public Affairs Association President's Award for phenomenal community support of military, veterans, and their families. For his commitment to the military community, he has been awarded the CENTCOM "Iron Mike" award from U.S. Army Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, one of few civic leaders to receive such praise. He is also involved with Tampa's Special Operations Forces Transition Assistance Resource (STAR), meeting monthly with Special Operators to develop a plan for their career after the service.
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.
The Salute to Service Award is part of the NFL and USAA's year-round commitment to recognize and honor the military and veteran community. Each year, the NFL and its 32 teams come together to honor, empower and connect with service members, veterans and their families as part of the NFL's Salute to Service initiative. The Buccaneers will showcase military appreciation tributes at Raymond James Stadium on November 9 when the team hosts the New England Patriots for the Buccaneers' Salute to Service Game, presented by USAA. At halftime, over 300 applicants are set to take the Oath of Enlistment into the United States Armed Forces in what serves as one of the country's most impactful recruiting efforts.
