Beyond the Field: NFL Player Devin Lloyd Honors Military Roots

Growing up with two Navy veterans as parents, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd didn’t just learn about discipline and hard work — he lived it.

Devin’s journey to the NFL was grounded in lessons of sacrifice, resilience, and a commitment to serving others. These military values didn’t just make him a better football player; they molded him into a leader who believes in giving back to the community, especially to veterans like his parents and to military kids like himself.

Getting to Know Devin Lloyd

Devin’s parents met in the U.S. Navy and have 40 years of combined service. His dad served for 30 years and his mom for 10, getting out while she was pregnant with Devin.

Devin had a strong sense of responsibility and service from an early age, not just because he watched his parents live these values but because they were instilled in him through everyday life.

“Growing up in a military household, [my parents] were very strict in terms of discipline when it came to having good grades and being on top of my schoolwork,” Devin said.

Devin recalls getting up on Saturday mornings to mow the lawn and making his bed and cleaning his room without having to be told.

“It got me to the point where I was able to manage myself at an early age,” Devin said.

But beyond the discipline, Devin also learned about sacrifice. From age 12-17, Devin lived with his dad and dealt with what many military kids must deal with – his dad deployed for months at a time.

“I had my uncle, so sometimes I'd stay over at his house, and my neighbors would look after me, but for the most part, it was just me, so I had to be really responsible in terms of getting up and going to school every day and taking care of myself,” Devin said. “I think that just taught me how to be self-disciplined and responsible and do the right things when nobody's watching.”

This perspective drives his involvement in various charitable efforts. Devin regularly hosts football camps for children of military service members around the Jacksonville, Florida, area and understands the importance of connection for military kids, whose experiences are often different from their peers.

“I think it's good to show [military kids] that even though you are going to face challenges growing up in a military household, if you follow the instructions of your parents, there's going to be structure in that household. It could take you a long way in life,” Devin said.

Devin connects personally to the kids in his football camps and understands the challenges of military life from a child’s perspective, especially missing a parent while deployed. He also knows the impact of connection and appreciates the joy and camaraderie military kids get at the camps.

“I was in their shoes, so they can relate to me in that way,” Devin said. “It's always good to be an example, whether they aspire to make it to the NFL or even if they don't, I think it’s cool for them to experience a camp. It's something I never did growing up, but I remember my first time meeting an NFL player, and that was so cool to me. Those are the things you never forget, and I definitely want to provide that for other kids.”

Playing With Purpose

The NFL prioritizes honoring veterans, as highlighted by its Salute to Service campaign and dedication to supporting veteran families.

Salute to Service is the NFL’s year-round effort to honor, empower, and connect our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families. Since 2011, this campaign has contributed over $73 million to its Salute to Service partners, including Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP).

The partnership between the NFL and Wounded Warrior Project spans more than a decade and helps WWP™ deliver life-changing programs and services to wounded warriors and their families. Over the years, several NFL players, including Devin, have chosen WWP and other veterans service organizations as their charity of choice during the NFL’s annual My Cause, My Cleats campaign.

For Devin, supporting veterans and their families isn’t just a way to honor his parents; it’s a way to show gratitude for the freedoms veterans and service members allow us to enjoy.

“There are benefits to joining the military, but at the end of the day, it's really hard work,” Devin said. “Those are selfless people who are truly serving the greater good. They're serving their country, and that means something to them.”

Devin often reflects on what his parents taught him about leadership, which plays a role in how he approaches football.

Devin, who played college football at the University of Utah, earned numerous honors and accolades during his career as a Ute, even amid the tragic loss of two teammates. The Jaguars selected him as a first-round draft pick in 2022, and Devin quickly rose to become a leader on the Jaguars’ defense.

“When I found football, I had the same principles – getting up and working hard without anybody having to tell me; just having that work ethic,” he said.

In a world where pro athletes are often seen as larger-than-life figures, Devin remains grounded, thanks to his military upbringing. His parents may have worn different uniforms than he does, but the values they taught him – hard work, sacrifice, and service – continue to define who he is both on and off the field.

“It's really important to honor [veterans] because they truly sacrifice their lives. Not everybody in the military is going to be on the battlefield, but everybody's serving the country. I'm just proud to be part of the U.S.,” Devin said. “The sacrifices they make are so we can all be safe and protected.”

Learn more about WWP’s programs and services that support wounded veterans and their families.

Contact: Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910

About Wounded Warrior Project 

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.