The Buffalo Bills have announced that wide receiver Khalil Shakir is their nominee for the 2025 Salute to Service Award, an honor presented annually by the NFL and USAA. The award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff, and alumni who demonstrate significant efforts in supporting military and veteran communities.
Shakir is currently leading the team in receiving yards and is tied for the lead in touchdowns as the season enters Week 9. This marks his fourth year in the league but his first nomination for this particular award. Shakir’s connection to military service runs deep; his father, Attiyah Shakir, served 24 years in the United States Marine Corps.
Fans are encouraged to participate in selecting the three finalists by voting daily for their preferred nominee at NFL.com/SaluteFanVote until November 30. The finalists will be announced in January, with the recipient being honored during NFL Honors, a nationally televised awards special held during Super Bowl LX week.
USAA, which provides financial services to U.S. military members and veterans, sponsors the award and will donate $25,000 to official aid societies of all U.S. military branches on behalf of the winner. The NFL Foundation will match this contribution with another $25,000 directed toward a military non-profit charity chosen by the recipient.
The Salute to Service initiative will be visible throughout Weeks 9-11 of the regular season with branding and activities at stadiums nationwide. For Buffalo fans, these tributes will take center stage on November 2 when the Bills host their Salute to Service game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium. More information about nominees and initiatives can be found at NFL.com/Salute.
