Steelers players upset over NFL's Salute to Service Award snub

[tube517]

http://pit.247sports.com/Bolt/Steelers-players-upset-over-NFLs-Salute-to-Service-Award-snub-51141818




Alejandro Villanueva's teammates were downright furious when it was announced that Villanueva was not the recipient of the NFL's Salute to Service Award, an award created to acknowledge the exceptional efforts by members of the NFL community to honor and support U.S. service members, veterans and their families.



"Coach Quinn truly embodies the spirit of our Salute to Service Award," said Vice Admiral (Retired) John Bird, USAA's senior vice president of military affairs, via the USA Today. "Though he has no direct ties to the military, he's made it his personal charge to show appreciation for their service and sacrifice."

[86WARD]

Yeah...that's kinda bullshit. No direct ties to the military?

[Mojouw]

Considering that the military pays teams for those "patriotic" displays makes this all the more of a BS award

http://deadspin.com/a-reminder-that-the-falcons-and-patriots-were-no-1-and-1792017426

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/morning_call/2016/05/nfl-to-repay-723-000-received-for-paid-patriotism.html

It is always about the money. Remember that some of the wealthiest people on the planet run these teams. They don't do anything out of the goodness of their hears. And yes, I know that a minority of NFL owners are exceptions to that rule.

[Craic]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that award about how NFL players and coaches are now involved in helping the members of the military? If so, then, as amazing as his in-service time was, it really doesn't have anything to do with the award itself.

[salamander]

Yeah, let's not give it to the guy who actually served and is apparently still actively involved with the Army Reserve.

[st33lersguy]

Sad, but not surprising

[fansince'76]

While it's disappointing that Villanueva didn't get it, it wasn't as if they just picked Quinn's name out of a hat for it either:



Last spring, Quinn hosted a "Rookie Club Olympics" for which he invited 100 military members from Fort Benning, Georgia to the Falcons' training facility to participate. He created the event as a way for NFL players and the military community to unite and work together as a team.

Quinn also stages a military day at training camp and hosts 20 military members at each Falcons home game throughout the season. He also provided an opportunity for families of fallen soldiers with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to attend the Falcons' Salute to Service game on Nov. 27. All 63 families attending were given a VIP visit at practice and were provided a one-night hotel stay in Atlanta courtesy of Quinn. Each player wore the initials of a fallen hero on his helmet during the game and during practice; the families were given a replica helmet of that player with a personalized note in honor of their hero.

Last offseason, Quinn led four Falcons players on a weeklong USO tour through the Pacific.

"The military represents team on the highest level," Quinn said last month when selected as a finalist for the award. "It's an honor to be up for this award that recognizes the standard of excellence set by our nation's military and encourages our community to give back and support service members and their families who serve our nation."

Falcons coach Dan Quinn wins Salute to Service Award (http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/02/03/falcons-coach-dan-quinn-wins-salute-to-service-award/97441716/)

[tube517]

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Villanueva-is-Salute-to-Service-Award-finalist/b4632e8e-5107-4ee8-a283-1aac1f313a71

More information on the award and AV's community role.

Rocky's on the committee w/Staubach, Hennings, Mora and Vice Admiral Bird, all veterans.

I'd say they are well represented.

[pczach]

While it's disappointing that Villanueva didn't get it, it wasn't as if they just picked Quinn's name out of a hat for it either:



Falcons coach Dan Quinn wins Salute to Service Award (http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/02/03/falcons-coach-dan-quinn-wins-salute-to-service-award/97441716/)

Yeah, I hate to make it sound like Quinn is undeserving. His support is extremely impressive.

I have a soft spot for anyone that vigorously supports the men and women who serve this country and defend our freedom.