Josh Blackwell, Defensive Back
Josh Blackwell, a Chicago Bears defensive back and special teams standout, embodies the spirit of Salute to Service through his continued commitment to service members and military families. For the past two years, Josh has participated in the Bears' annual Naval Station Great Lakes visit in partnership with USAA. During his visits, he toured the installation, learned what daily life looks like on base, and spent time with recruits and sailors experiencing the demands of boot camp and military training. What stood out most was Josh's ability to connect with the recruits by sharing both his successes and the obstacles he overcame to become the NFL player and person he is today. By speaking openly about his journey and making his experiences relatable, he encouraged recruits to push through the challenges they faced during training. Josh also spent time signing autographs, taking photos, and meeting with military members and their families. Even as the line grew, he remained engaged with each family, taking the time to create a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone who came to meet the players. Through his continued involvement at Naval Station Great Lakes, Josh has shown genuine respect for those who serve while using his experiences to encourage recruits and build personal connections with service members and military families. He continues to be a strong advocate for our nation's veterans and service members.