The Colts on Wednesday announced long snapper Luke Rhodes as the team's 2025 Salute to Service Award nominee.
Rhodes, over his 10 seasons in the NFL, has consistently honored, empowered and connected with service members, veterans and their families.
Rhodes was raised in a military household; his late father, Doug, attended the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Marines as a helicopter pilot for 22 years, and Rhodes credits his father's military service for teaching him the sort of discipline and responsibility that helped launch his NFL career. Rhodes has used the Colts' ticket blocks to bring active duty servicemembers and veterans, along with their families, to Lucas Oil Stadium for special game day experiences to honor their sacrifices.
Rhodes, too, has supported initiatives such as Children of Fallen Patriots through the NFL's "My Cause, My Cleats" program. In addition, he has planned special field visits for military members to thank them, in person, for their service, connecting with servicemembers and veterans on a personal level. Through those visits, Rhodes has consistently strived to empower veterans and their families who may be struggling by letting them know resources exist, and he is someone who loves and cares about them.
Rhodes, too, annually completes the Murph Challenge in the offseason, an intense workout that honors the legacy of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, helping grow an initiative close to the hearts of many servicemembers and veterans.
The NFL for the last 15 years has recognized players, coaches, staff members and alumni who make exceptional efforts to honor and support active duty servicemembers, veterans and their families. All 32 teams select a nominee, and you can vote for Rhodes here; three finalists for the award will be announced in January, and the recipient of the Salute to Service Award will be announced at NFL Honors prior to Super Bowl LX.
