The Miami Dolphins have nominated Jacob Rodriguez for the NFL's 2026 Salute to Service Award presented by USAA, an annual honor that recognizes members of the NFL community for their dedication to supporting U.S. service members, veterans and their families. 

A rookie inside linebacker selected in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Rodriguez embodies the values at the core of the Salute to Service initiative: honoring, empowering and connecting with the military community. 

Rodriguez learned of his nomination for the 2026 Salute to Service Award from Head Coach Jeff Hafley during a team meeting.

"Anytime you look at service and our appreciation to all those who serve, you don't only think of that person serving, but you think about the entire family and the effects it has on the family," Hafley said in front of the team.  

"Jacob, with your wife being away, I know the sacrifice that you have made. I respect the sacrifice that she has made and we all really appreciate that. And the fact it's his rookie year and he's playing and she can't even come and watch a game because she's sacrificing for our country, in return, you're sacrificing for our country. We all really appreciate that and we want you to be our nominee." 

Military service has long been a part of Rodriguez's life. His father, Joe, is a U.S. Army veteran, and his wife, Emma, serves as an active-duty U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot. Her service commitments will keep her away from Rodriguez's rookie season, a reminder of the sacrifices made by military families every day.

^{Photo: CPT Lexi McLellan}

In a recent interview with People magazine, Rodriguez said that Emma's unwavering support has been a driving force throughout his journey to the NFL.  

"Having somebody that supports you as much as she does, who am I to not work hard during the week? If she cares about me this much, and if she believes in me this much, it would be wrong for me not to try as hard as I can and do everything possible that I can to be successful," he said. 

As part of his work with USAA, Rodriguez tried a flight simulator with Emma guiding him through the experience. The session gave him a better understanding of the concentration and skill her role requires. 

"I got to see how she flies and see what she gets to do on a daily basis. It's very stressful," he said. "To see her in her element, doing what she does, doing what she loves to do, it shows me a deeper appreciation for everything." 

Rodriguez's appreciation for military service extends beyond his family's connection. Since arriving in South Florida, he has met with members of the U.S. Southern Command and local U.S. Army recruiters, learning firsthand about their experiences and the challenges they face while serving.

Giving back to military and veteran families was a cause Rodriguez embraced long before entering the national spotlight. While at Texas Tech, Rodriguez appeared on ESPN's College GameDay and hit the crossbar from 20 yards out to secure a $250,000 donation for the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, a nonprofit that provides scholarships and career support to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. 

He furthered his connection to military families in college through partnerships with local businesses. During the holiday season, Emma and Jacob spent time at the VFW in Lubbock with families, spreading holiday cheer and providing gifts to celebrate the season.

That commitment to others is just one example of the leadership those closest to Rodriguez say comes naturally. 

In the same interview, Emma spoke about Jacob's natural instinct. "Every single book you read about leadership – Jacob has never read them – but he is those books. I've read a lot of those books, and any book you pick up that's like 'these are the key steps to being a good leader,' he is naturally that." 

Fans Can Vote for Rodriguez

Rodriguez is one of 32 nominees announced today by the NFL and USAA, an official NFL Salute to Service partner. Fans can show their support by voting at NFL.com/SaluteFanVote from now through Monday, November 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. One vote per nominee per day is permitted. 

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

As the award's presenting sponsor, USAA, a leading provider of insurance and banking to U.S. military members, veterans and their families, will contribute $25,000 in the recipient's name to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL Foundation will match USAA's contribution by donating an additional $25,000 to the recipient's military nonprofit charity of choice. 

About Salute to Service

Through Salute to Service, USAA, the NFL and its 32 clubs honor, empower and connect with service members, veterans and their families year-round. During Weeks 9–11 of the regular season, clubs will recognize the military community through on-field branding, military appreciation activities and other game day events.  

For more information about Salute to Service, visit NFL.com/Salute.