Green Bay Reporter

The Green Bay Packers have nominated Lukas Van Ness, a defensive lineman, for the 2024 Salute to Service Award. This annual award honors NFL players, coaches, staff, and alumni who show dedication to supporting military and veteran communities.

Van Ness has a personal connection to the military through several family members who served, including his grandfather, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. This background instilled in him the importance of honoring servicemembers from an early age.

After being drafted by the Packers in 2023, Van Ness quickly engaged with the military community. During his rookie season, he participated in a "Huddle for Heroes" event where he interacted with local veterans and expressed gratitude for their service. He also wrote letters to active-duty military personnel to offer encouragement during their deployments. Additionally, during the Packers' 2024 Military Appreciation Week, Van Ness supported a grieving family by helping them create a flag in memory of their fallen soldier.

In his role as the spokesperson for the Packers' 2024 Salute to Service campaign, Van Ness is working to raise awareness about how fans can support military members and veterans.

Fans can vote for Van Ness as one of three finalists for this award by visiting NFL.com/SaluteFanVote until November 30. The finalists will be announced in January, and the winner will be recognized at NFL Honors during Super Bowl LIX week in February. The award includes a $25,000 donation to a charity chosen by the winner and another $25,000 donation made in their name to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches.

The Salute to Service Award reflects the NFL's ongoing commitment to honoring military and veteran communities through its initiative that brings together all 32 teams. This initiative will feature prominently during Weeks 10-12 of the regular season with on-field branding and other activities across NFL stadiums nationwide.