Wounded Warrior Project and the NFL Celebrate a Decade of Partnership
The NFL has never sat on the sidelines while helping Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) serve our nation’s veterans. In a decade of partnership, the NFL has assisted WWP in providing much-needed services — and some fun surprises — to wounded warriors.
In 2021, WWP recognized the NFL for its efforts to serve veterans and WWP alumni, particularly during the pandemic.
“When Wounded Warrior Project expresses a need, the NFL answers the call,” said Brea Kratzert Todd, WWP vice president of Business Development. “The experiences they’ve provided warriors and their families have been life-changing and their support throughout our entire partnership has impacted countless warriors’ lives.”
Here are just some of the ways the NFL has supported WWP’s mission since 2011, and the warriors it serves:
- Salute to Service: The NFL’s year-round effort to honor, empower and connect our nation’s service members, veterans and their families, which has contributed more than $51 million to its Salute to Service partners, including Wounded Warrior Project, helping us support the mental and physical well-being of post-9/11 veterans.
- Soldier Ride: In 2019, the NFL donated $500,000 to replace the entire fleet of WWP’s adaptive cycling equipment, enabling more than 1,200 warriors to participate in Soldier Ride®, a multi-day riding event that helps warriors bond and connect through physical activity and is open to all warriors from all skill levels.
- Recognition at NFL Draft: Finding out which college standouts each NFL club will pick on draft day is always a big deal, and, more than once, WWP alumni have been able to be a part of the show. From being invited to the stage during the National Anthem to announcing club picks, warriors have been given a special opportunity to represent WWP in front of a large national audience, as well as shine a spotlight on their own extraordinary service to the country.
- Pro Bowl Participation: While the NFL’s biggest stars and most successful players get to showcase their talents at the annual event, the league and players have been more than willing to share the spotlight with WWP warriors. The 2020 Pro Bowl in Orlando marked the third year in a row that warriors and their families were invited to lace up and play a scrimmage against the NFL’s top talent. The connection surrounding the flag football game gives warriors the opportunity to see the players perform on the football field, and the players a chance to learn about the sacrifices warriors made on the battlefield.
- Super Bowl Surprises: There’s no harder ticket to get in professional sports than a seat at the Super Bowl, and the NFL has provided several WWP warriors with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The NFL commissioner has invited warriors to the Super Bowl. As part of the festivities of Super Bowl week, warriors have participated in an ultimate fan experience event in addition to participating in NFL-USAA led events leading up to the big game. Hall of Fame Legend Jerome Bettis invited one community-minded warrior, who served as honorary captain and participated in the coin toss at Super Bowl LV in Tampa, Florida.
- #MyCauseMyCleats: This annual NFL campaign allows players to support a cause close to their hearts by wearing a charity’s logo on their cleats. Harrison Butker (Kansas City Chiefs), Michael Purcell (Denver Broncos), Walker Little (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Jason Sanders (Miami Dolphins) were among the players in 2021 to show their support for WWP on their cleats.
“Military appreciation is part of our DNA at the NFL – we know how important it is to use our platform to honor, empower, and connect our extraordinary service members, veterans, and their families,” said Anna Isaacson, senior vice president of Social Responsibility for the NFL. “We are incredibly proud to partner with Wounded Warrior Project to continue to provide experiences and programs for our nation’s warriors. We cannot express our gratitude to them enough for their service.”
While the 2021-2022 NFL season concludes with Super Bowl LVI on Feb. 13, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the support the league provides Wounded Warrior Project continues all year long. With the support of its donors and partners like the NFL, WWP continues to provide free programs and services to warriors in its efforts to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.
Now that is a winning formula.
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.