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Pat McAfee Chosen by Colts as Salute to Service Award Nominee

ByLuke Schultheis|
Sep 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee (1) signs a jersey and gives it to a member of the United States Military after the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Titans 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee (1) signs a jersey and gives it to a member of the United States Military after the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Titans 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee has been chosen by his team for the NFL’s Salute to Service Award respectively.

This prestigious annual award “was created to acknowledge the exceptional efforts by members of the NFL community to honor and support U.S. service members, veterans, and their families” (via NFL.com).

Oct 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee (1) on the sidelines against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee (1) on the sidelines against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

This is the 3rd straight year that McAfee has been named the Colts nominee for the award, as he finished last season as a finalist.

Regarding his service to military personnel and their families, McAfee has consistently embodied the spirit of the award (via Colts.com’s Kevin Bowen):

"“McAfee was nominated for his continued commitment to the military and their families. Through his foundation, McAfee has provided more than $250,000 in scholarships to the sons and daughters of U.S. military. In addition, he regularly provides assistance to military families who are going through hardships through his work with Wish for Our Heroes, a non-profit organization based in Indianapolis.”“Earlier this year, the USO and the NFL celebrated its 50-year partnership and McAfee joined Head Coach Chuck Pagano and teammates for the first USO/NFL team-themed tour. The group visited eight military bases and traveled aboard a naval ship during a week-long trip to Japan. Along with visiting hundreds of servicemen and women, he toured the newly opened USO Camp Kisner and participated in a 75th anniversary celebration at USO Camp Hanson.”“For the fifth consecutive year, McAfee has also sponsored a Community Ticket Block at all of the Colts games, providing 20 tickets and meal vouchers to military for each game. Additionally, he gives of his time to several military organizations, speaking at events and meeting individually with men and women of the Armed Forces. Later this year, Pat is hosting the Wish For Our Heroes G3 Holiday Bash and has guaranteed $100,000 to help 100 military families purchase gifts for the holiday season.”"
Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A view of the cleats worn by Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee (1) prior to the game of the Detroit Lions against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A view of the cleats worn by Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee (1) prior to the game of the Detroit Lions against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Obviously, it’s a tremendous honor for McAfee and speaks to his high character and ability to make a positive impact both on and off the field–regardless of whether he actually wins the award.

It’s worth noting that former Colts inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman was also named as a nominee for the Chicago Bears.

The winner of the award will be announced on NFL Honors Night on February 4, 2017. It’ll be interesting to see whether McAfee ultimately wins the award.

Whatever the outcome may be, we’ll definitely be rooting for him:

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