KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson received the team’s nomination for the annual Salute to Service Award, which recognizes NFL players, coaches, personnel and alumni who demonstrate commitment to honoring and supporting the military community.
Johnson’s nomination highlights his time spent working with military-based charities and programs inspired by his father’s military service.
Wayne Johnson earned a Navy Commendation Medal for acts of heroism during the Vietnam War while a gunner stationed aboard the battleship New Jersey.
The Pro Bowl linebacker regularly visit troops at Ft. Leavenworth, including an NFL Play 60 clinic for youth living on the base. Johnson also helped support the team’s annual Red Friday efforts to benefit Ft. Riley’s Wounded Warriors Transition Battalion, whose mission is to establish conditions for healing and promote timely return to the force or transition into a productive veteran within the community.
Finalists for the award, present by USAA, along with the winner will be honored at the NFL Honors awards show in Houston on Saturday, Feb. 4, the night before Super Bowl LI.
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Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and the Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
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