The Miami Dolphins nominated rookie inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez for the National Football League’s 2026 Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. Rodriguez learned about the nomination from Head Coach Jeff Hafley during a team meeting. The award recognizes members of the NFL community for supporting U.S. service members, veterans and their families.
Military service is closely connected to Rodriguez’s family. His father, Joe, is a U.S. Army veteran, while his wife, Emma Rodriguez, is an active-duty U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot. Her service commitments will keep her away during Rodriguez’s rookie season, including the opportunity to attend his games.
Hafley addressed the family connection when he told Rodriguez about the nomination. “Anytime you look at service and our appreciation to all those who serve, you don’t only think of that person serving, but you think about the entire family and the effects it has on the family,” Hafley said. The coach then highlighted the shared sacrifice involved in Rodriguez’s rookie season.
“Jacob, with your wife being away, I know the sacrifice that you have made. I respect the sacrifice that she has made and we all really appreciate that. And the fact it’s his rookie year and he’s playing and she can’t even come and watch a game because she’s sacrificing for our country, in return, you’re sacrificing for our country. We all really appreciate that and we want you to be our nominee.” Hafley told Rodriguez. The Dolphins selected Rodriguez in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Rodriguez’s family connection to service
Rodriguez said Emma’s support has influenced how he approaches his first season with the Dolphins. He described her belief in him as a reason to maintain his effort throughout the week and pursue success as an NFL player. “Having somebody that supports you as much as she does, who am I to not work hard during the week? If she cares about me this much, and if she believes in me this much, it would be wrong for me not to try as hard as I can and do everything possible that I can to be successful,” Rodriguez said.
As part of his work with USAA, Rodriguez used a flight simulator while Emma guided him through the experience. He said the session gave him a closer view of the concentration and skill required in her role as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. “I got to see how she flies and see what she gets to do on a daily basis. It’s very stressful,” Rodriguez said. “To see her in her element, doing what she does, doing what she loves to do, it shows me a deeper appreciation for everything.”
Since arriving in South Florida, Rodriguez has met with members of the U.S. Southern Command and local U.S. Army recruiters. Those conversations have given him opportunities to learn about the experiences and challenges of people serving in the military. His involvement with the military community extends beyond his family’s personal connection.
Rodriguez’s work with military families
While at Texas Tech, Rodriguez appeared on ESPN’s College GameDay and hit the crossbar from 20 yards out. The feat secured a $250,000 donation for the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. The foundation provides scholarships and career support to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty.
Rodriguez and Emma also spent time with military families at the VFW in Lubbock during the holiday season. They provided gifts while continuing their connection with families affected by military service. Emma said Rodriguez’s leadership comes naturally.
“Every single book you read about leadership – Jacob has never read them – but he is those books. I’ve read a lot of those books, and any book you pick up that’s like ‘these are the key steps to being a good leader,’ he is naturally that.” Emma said. The comment came as Rodriguez’s military-related work continued from his time at Texas Tech into his rookie season with Miami.
How fans can support Rodriguez
Rodriguez was one of 32 nominees announced by the NFL and USAA on Nov. 5, 2026. Fans can vote for him at NFL.com/SaluteFanVote through Monday, Nov. 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. One vote per nominee per day is permitted.
Fan voting will help determine the award’s three finalists, who will be announced in January 2027. The recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors during the week of Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles. USAA and the NFL Foundation also have charitable contributions tied to the award.
USAA will contribute $25,000 in the recipient’s name to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL Foundation will match that contribution with a $25,000 donation to the recipient’s military nonprofit charity of choice. Salute to Service activities take place during Weeks 9-11 of the regular season.
FSB Take
Rodriguez’s nomination connects his first NFL season to a military commitment that directly affects his family. His father’s service, Emma’s active-duty role and his work with military families provide three verified parts of that connection. The fan vote through Nov. 30 gives Dolphins supporters a specific way to participate before the finalists are announced in January.
Source: Original report