Jalen Rivers, Guard
Cincinnati Bengals guard Jalen Rivers exemplifies the core values of the NFL's Salute to Service campaign—honoring, empowering, and connecting service members, veterans, and their families. A rookie out of the University of Miami (Fla.), Rivers has been immersed in military life since childhood. His father, Keith Rivers, his mother, Donna Daniels, and his stepfather, James Daniels, all served in the U.S. Navy.
James and Donna met in 2004 while stationed in Virginia—James aboard the USS George Washington at Naval Station Norfolk, and Donna at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach. At the time, Jalen was nearly two years old. The family later relocated to Florida, where both James and Donna continued their service at NAS Jacksonville.
Raised in a household grounded in discipline and a strong work ethic—hallmarks of military families—Jalen embraced these values early on. With his mother and stepfather frequently deployed, he was often called upon to uphold those principles at home. James eventually rose to the rank of Command Master Chief, serving in 42 different countries throughout his distinguished career.