Falcons CEO Steve Cannon named recipient of the NFL’s Salute to Service Award

The Atlanta Falcons organization gained a positive reputation reputation for how they honor the military community, with that being an organizational focus and a passion for former head coach Dan Quinn. As recognition for that, it was announced last month that Steve Cannon, the Chief Executive Officer for the Atlanta Falcons/AMB Group, had been selected as a finalist for the 10th Annual NFL Salute to Service Award. The award honors a member of the NFL who demonstrates a commitment to supporting the military community.

On Wednesday morning, it was revealed during a conference call with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that after being a finalist in each of the last two years, Cannon has officially been named the recipient of this year’s award.

“It’s not a coincidence the Atlanta Falcons have earned the Salute to Service Award four out of the last five years,” Cannon said via the Atlanta Falcons website. “That’s just an incredible thing. Whenever you are selected for anything four out of the last five years, that means you’re really committed to it. You’re not paying lip service to it. To see all that we’ve done as an organization and then to pick up an award like that, that’s just gravy. Couldn’t be more thrilled about it.”

Overall, Cannon taking home the award only further displays the Falcons’ organizations unwavering commitment to the military and their families. As mentioned in Cannon’s statement, four of the last five Salute to Service Award recipients were all members of the Falcons organization: Dan Quinn (2016), Andre Roberts (2017), Ben Garland (2018) and Steven Cannon (2020).

Cannon, who graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1986, was Airborne Ranger qualified and served as 1st Lieutenant in West Germany during the fall of the Iron Curtain. During his time in the Army he also served five years as an artillery officer. Through Cannon’s countless hours of service to multiple military non-profits over the years, his constant “military first” mindset and utilization of the NFL’s platform has provided active duty service members, veterans and military families with first class experiences and support.

On Feb. 6, 2021 during the annual NFL Honors ceremony, Cannon will officially be recognized as the 2020 Salute to Service Award recipient. USAA, a leading provider of insurance and other services to U.S. military members, veterans, and their families, will contribute $25,000 in the award recipients honor to the official aid societies representing all five military branches. The NFL will match the USAA’s donation of $25,000 to the Johnny Mac Soldier’s Fund, and Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank will match with an additional $25,000 from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.