Skip to main content
Advertising

NFL Salute to Service | NFL.com

Salute_to_Service_Award_USAA_RGB_r

Salute to Service Award

hero_causes_salute_nominee_2019_DEN_jpg

Bandon Stokley (Wide Receiver)

Brandon Stokley is a former NFL wide receiver who played a total of 15 seasons, most notably with the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, and Baltimore Ravens. Stokley continues to be a role model for current Denver Broncos players, and consistently sets an example of commitment to the military community and programming. Continuing a tradition that inspired him throughout his career, Brandon annually hosts retired and wounded military veterans as VIP guests during Denver Broncos training camp practices. "When I played [having service members at practice] was always the highlight of training camp," Stokley said, as told to in 2019. "After practice you had the veterans out there and you got to thank them for their service and it reminded you of what's really important. You're going through training camp and you're in the grind, and it just helps you take a step back and reflect and just appreciate everything else that's going on and put things in perspective for you."

By working with a variety of organizations throughout this five-year tradition, Stokley has solidified himself as a dedicated volunteer and supporter of the military community. He has worked with Operation Warrior Wishes, Freedom Service Dogs, and Unstoppable Heroes, each time inviting retired and wounded veterans for an up close and personal view of practice and the ability to meet with current players after practice. Brandon's grandfather was an Army veteran and fought in the Vietnam War. To Stokley, Salute to Service means to "pay respect and honor the men and women who have sacrificed for our freedom."