George Kittle gets 49ers nomination for 2022 Salute to Service award

The 49ers named George Kittle as their nominee for the 2022 Salute to Service award, presented by USAA, and Kittle has done work here before.

San Francisco 49ers All-Pro tight end George Kittle does far more than just perform at a high level on the football field.

Kittle has been an active member of the community, and he has taken a particular appreciation for giving back to members of the military and their families. A year ago, Kittle partnered with USAA on the Salute to Service sweepstakes to offer up a once-in-a-lifetime virtual fan experience, which was pretty amazing itself.

Now, Kittle is being recognized as the Niners’ nominee for the 2022 Salute to Service Award.

Here’s what was said about Kittle in the nomination announcement:

"George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers Tight End, has exemplified what it means to honor, empower, and connect with military members, veterans and their families since entering the league. Kittle’s appreciation for the military community is rooted in family with his Uncle Pat, Grandfather Carl, and other loved ones who have served. He honors the sacrifices of service members and the efforts of military nonprofits through the My Cause My Cleats initiative, recognizing the Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF) in 2018, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) from 2019 to 2021, and Merging Vets & Players (MVP) in 2022. In the 2021 season, Kittle purchased over 150 tickets to donate to the National Guard. This year, he will host service members at every 49ers home and away game, extending his displays of appreciation nationwide. In 2020, Kittle and his family founded the Hidden Pearls Podcast (HPP) to connect with military veterans to unite the world through storytelling. Recently, HPP joined “Diving With Heroes” in Cozumel to reflect on the benefits of scuba diving by veterans, especially those with physical disabilities. Kittle donated over $25,000 to charities selected by hosted veterans on the podcast last season. Kittle empowers service members and their loved ones by using his passion for football and teamwork to encourage others to overcome adversity. Since building a relationship with TAPS at the 2018 Pro Bowl, Kittle has sustained long term relationships with families who have lost a loved one to service. After gifting the family of fallen Army Sergeant Martin LaMar tickets to Super Bowl LIV, Kittle has spent multiple seasons reconnecting with the LaMars by hosting them at Training Camp practices. LaMar’s purple heart medal, gifted to Kittle by LaMar’s family in 2020, still hangs in Kittle’s locker as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes."

Fans can now vote for George Kittle to receive Salute to Service award

A new part of the 2022 USAA Salute to Service award is that fans can now vote for their favorite players who have contributed so much back to the community.

This will help determine the award’s three finalists, and fans can head over to this link to vote for their favorite players, including Kittle.

For more information on the high-profile accolade and associated initiatives, be sure to check out NFL.com/causes/salute or visit USAA.com.

The 2022 USAA Salute to Service award winner will be announced at the NFL Honors show, which will take place the week of the Super Bowl.