NEW YORK — Wisconsin alum and Dallas Cowboys star Jake Ferguson is a finalist for the NFL’s Salute to Service Award, the league announced Thursday.
The award highlights players who go above and beyond to honor and support active-duty service members, veterans and their families. The winner will receive $25,000 for the military non-profit charity of their choice, and USAA will make a $25,000 donation in the winner’s name to official aid societies for all branches of the U.S. military.
Ferguson was named a finalist for his work supporting the National Medal of Honor Museum. He also works with USAA to visit military bases and spend time with those serving.
On the field, the former Badgers tight end just wrapped another strong season with the Cowboys. He hauled in a career-high 82 catches for 600 yards. He also posted a career-high 8 touchdown receptions.
Unfortunately for Barry Alvarez’s grandson, the rest of the Cowboys couldn’t match his success as they finished 7-9-1 and missed the playoffs.
Ferguson is a finalist alongside 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey and former Packers running back Aaron Jones.
McCaffrey’s foundation raises thousands of dollars to provide health resources for special operations veterans. Jones’ A&A All the Way Foundation supports military families, and he was part of the NFL-USO Tour that visited bases in the Middle East last spring.
The award will be voted on by a panel of judges including USAA Senior Vice President Major General (Ret.) Bob Whittle, former head coach and veteran Jim Mora and 49ers tight end George Kittle, who won the 2024 Salute to Service Award.