Matt Bryant Named Falcons’ Nominee for 2025 Salute to Service Award

Atlanta Falcons legend Matt Bryant has been named the team’s nominee for the 2025 Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. The annual honor recognizes an individual within the NFL family who demonstrates exceptional dedication to honoring, empowering, and connecting with the military community.

Throughout his storied NFL career, Bryant and his family made it a personal mission to support and celebrate the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces — including active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. During his time in Atlanta, the former kicker went above and beyond, taking part in team-led military initiatives while also creating his own unique experiences to give back.

Bryant’s commitment was more than symbolic — it was hands-on. He joined multiple USO Tours overseas, one of the most direct ways NFL players can connect with active-duty troops. In 2016, he traveled to Guam and Hawaii, and in 2018, he visited Iraq and Kuwait to spend time with service members stationed abroad. He also visited Luke Air Force Base in Arizona when the Falcons were on the road, continuing his tradition of meeting and supporting those in uniform wherever he could.

Back home in Atlanta, Bryant turned his generosity into lasting memories for military families. Over six seasons, he personally purchased and donated a block of tickets for every home game, allowing veterans and military families to enjoy Falcons football up close. He also hosted TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) families for VIP experiences at the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, and game days, taking time to listen to their stories and honor their fallen heroes.

Bryant was also a fixture at the team’s annual Fishing with Falcons event, pairing up with wounded veterans for a day on the water — even captaining his own boat for several years. His genuine care and continued connection to the military community have made a lasting impact, both in Atlanta and beyond.

Fans now have the opportunity to help determine this year’s Salute to Service finalists by casting their votes at NFL.com/SaluteFanVote. Voting is open through November 30, with one vote per nominee allowed each day. The three finalists will be announced in January, and the 2025 recipient will be honored at NFL Honors — a nationally televised event during Super Bowl LX week.

For the past 15 seasons, the Salute to Service Award has stood as a powerful symbol of the NFL’s year-round commitment to recognizing the military and veteran community. As presenting sponsor, USAA — a leading financial services provider for military members and their families — will contribute $25,000 in the recipient’s name to official aid societies representing each U.S. military branch. The NFL Foundation will match that contribution with an additional $25,000 donation to the winner’s military nonprofit of choice.

The Falcons will celebrate their Salute to Service game on November 16, when they host the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Through the league-wide initiative, every NFL team will honor, empower, and connect with service members, veterans, and their families through special in-game tributes and community outreach.

To learn more about the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative, visit NFL.com/Salute.