Legendary Steeler recognized as team’s Salute to Service nominee

A legendary Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman is the team’s nominee for the 2026 Salute to Service Award.

Jon Kolb, an Army National Guard veteran, was selected for his work with Adventures in Training with a Purpose, a non-profit organization he founded to support veterans.

Adventures in Training with a Purpose focuses on improving the lives of military members, veterans and first responders through targeted physical training. The organization provides services free of charge to help clients regain physical movement and carry out daily tasks independently.

Steelers Vice President of Strategy Dan Rooney commended Kolb’s ongoing impact on the military community.

“We selected Jon to represent the Steelers because his work with ATP reflects the value we place on supporting our military community,” Rooney said. “Through ATP, Jon combines his master’s degree in exercise science with the extensive strength and conditioning knowledge he developed as a professional athlete to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We applaud his leadership and dedication to helping service members, veterans and first responders improve their health and quality of life.”

Kolb expressed gratitude for the recognition.

“It is an honor to be nominated for doing work that I am so passionate about,” Kolb said. “There are individuals who, in many ways, feel trapped by their own bodies because they no longer have the freedom to move. Through ATP, we help give them their freedom back, often making a life-changing difference in their circumstances, independence and overall quality of life. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to make that kind of impact, especially for members of the military community.”

The annual award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to supporting military members, veterans and their families.

Kolb is one of 32 nominees. Fans can vote for nominees online through Nov. 30, with a limit of one vote per nominee per day.

Fan voting will help determine three finalists, who will be announced in January 2027. The recipient will be recognized during Super Bowl LXI week in Los Angeles at NFL Honors, the league’s annual primetime awards special.

USAA will contribute $25,000 in the award recipient’s name to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL Foundation will match USAA’s donation with an additional $25,000 contribution to the recipient’s military non-profit charity of choice.

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