The Green Bay Packers have nominated defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness as their 2024 Salute to Service Award nominee. Each year, the award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni who have demonstrated a commitment to honoring and supporting to the military and veteran communities.

Growing up with several members of his family who served in the military, including his grandfather, who earned the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army during his 27-year career, Van Ness instilled the importance of honoring and thanking to service members from an early age.

Van Ness began making an impact on the military community shortly after the Packers selected him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, he connected with local veterans through a “Huddle” event. for Heroes,” answering questions and spending time with veterans to personally thank them for their service. He also wrote letters to send to active duty military members to encourage and empower them during their deployment. During the Packers’ 2024 Military Appreciation Week, Van Ness helped a family grieving the loss of a loved one who served. He joined them to gather and paint a flag in honor of their fallen soldier.

Van Ness is also a spokesperson for the Packers’ Salute to Service 2024 campaign, helping to raise awareness about the initiative and ways fans can get involved to support military members and veterans.

Fans have the opportunity to vote and help determine the three finalists for the award. To cast your vote for Van Ness, visit NFL.com/SaluteFanVote. From now until November 30, fans can submit one vote per day. Finalists for the award will be announced in January and the winner will be recognized at NFL Honors, a primetime awards special that will air nationally in February during Super Bowl LIX week. The award winner will be honored with a $25,000 donation to a military or veterans charity of their choice, as well as a $25,000 donation in their name to official aid societies representing all branches of the U.S. military. .

The Salute to Service Award is part of the NFL’s annual commitment to recognize and honor the military and veteran community. Through the Salute to Service initiative, the NFL and its 32 teams come together to honor, empower and connect with service members, veterans and their families. Salute to Service will come to life at NFL stadiums across the country during Weeks 10-12 of the regular season through on-field branding and other game-day activations. Visit NFL.com/Salute to learn more.