Today, the NFL and USAA, an official NFL Salute to Service partner, announced the 2024 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 his extensive work honoring our service men and women throughout his 18 seasons in Tampa Bay.
"It is an incredible honor to be nominated for this award," said Ford. "Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of meeting countless service men and women, and it is so incredibly humbling to hear their stories. We will never be able to fully express our gratitude for their selfless service, but we are immensely grateful and appreciative of their sacrifice. While I am passionate in my personal support for our military community, it is the Glazer family which provides the resources and sets the tone for our organization's longstanding commitment to honoring and celebrating these special men and women of our various military branches."
For the third consecutive year, 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 NFL.com/SaluteFanVote 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 LIX.
Now in his 18th season with the Buccaneers, Ford has committed much of his time to honoring service members from all branches of the military. 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.
In his personal time, Ford continues his efforts of supporting our troops, having graduated from 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, Ford 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 and has participated in panels during Special Operation Forces Week, led by U.S. Army Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, both of whom recommended him for this nomination. Ford received such honors for his unwavering support of the military community, one of the few civic leaders to receive such praise. In addition, he is actively 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.
As the presenting sponsor of the Salute to Service Award, USAA will contribute $25,000 in the recipient's name to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL will match USAA's contribution by donating an additional $25,000 to the awardee's military or veteran 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 10 when the team hosts the San Francisco 49ers for the Buccaneers' Salute to Service Game, presented by USAA.
