The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Q&A on the News
I noticed NFL people on the sidelines wearing military green clothing. Drew Brees was also wearing a ballcap in this color when he wasn’t wearing his helmet. Could you shed some light on this? SARAH WESTBROOK, CUMMING
A: November kicked off the NFL’s Salute to Service, a year-round effort that recognizes service members, veterans and their families that has raised more than $26 million for military and veteran nonprofit organizations since 2011. The Salute to Service is part of NFL games in weeks 9 through 11 and other special events, according to a press release.
Starting last Sunday, clubs designate one home game as their Salute to Service game. Brees’ team, the New Orleans Saints, had an honorary military captain and recognized other members of the military and their families.
Camouflage equipment for players includes caps and knits, quarterback towels, Gatorade towels, captain’s patches and apparel. Decals on player helmets honor military branches.
For example, during the Atlanta Falcons’ game against the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 18, each player will wear a special helmet decal with the initials of one of 64 fallen heroes that will be represented on the field.
The NFL also said in the press release that it will donate $5 — up to $5 million — to its nonprofit partners every time #SaluteToService is used through Nov. 19, and on Veterans Day, the NFL’s donation will increase to $25 for each use of the hashtag.
The NFL supports the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the Pat Tillman Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, the USO and Wounded Warrior Project, and it partners with USAA for military appreciation events.
Special camouflage merchandise is available at NFLShop.com and in some stadium retail stores. Salute to Service merchandise and footballs used during games will be auctioned at NFL. com/Auction. Q&A on the News runs Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404222-2002 or email q&a@ajc. com (include name, phone and city).