GREEN BAY – Green Bay Packers linebacker Lukas Van Ness is the team's nominee for the NFL's Salute to Service Award.
The award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community.
Several Van Ness family members served in the military, including his grandfather, who retired as a lieutenant colonel after a 27-year career in the U.S. Army. He is the Packers’ 2024 Salute to Service campaign spokesperson, helping to raise awareness of the initiative and ways fans can support military members and veterans.
During his rookie season in 2023, Van Ness connected with local veterans through a “Huddle for Heroes” event, answering questions and spending time with the veterans to thank them for their service, and he wrote letters to active-duty military members while on deployment.