NASHVILLE – Jacob Martin was raised in a military family, so he knows all about hard work, sacrifices, and dedication.
It's what has enabled him to have a long NFL career, now in its ninth season.
It also makes him a perfect candidate for the NFL's Salute to Service award.
On Thursday, the Titans announced Martin as the team's nominee for the 2026 Salute to Service Award, presented by USAA. The annual award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to supporting U.S. service members, veterans, and their families.
Martin, a defensive end who is in his first season in Tennessee after playing previously with the Seahawks, Texans, Jets, Broncos, Colts, Bears and Commanders, was selected as the Titans' nominee in recognition of his steadfast commitment to honoring, empowering and connecting service members, veterans and their families.
"We are proud to honor Jacob as this year's Titans Salute to Service nominee," Titans coach Robert Saleh said of Martin, who has 6.5 sacks on the season, including three in this past Sunday's game vs the Bengals.
"With family members who have also served, this cause holds a personal connection for Jacob. That connection is reflected in the way he has consistently supported military members, veterans and their families throughout his career. We're fortunate to have someone like Jacob representing our organization."
Martin's father, Jay, served in the Marines. His sister, Mikayla, currently serves in the U.S. Navy. Earlier this week, she surprised him with a video that was played in a team meeting announcing the news of his nomination.
Throughout his NFL career, Martin has participated in USO visits, Operation Finally Home initiatives and Wounded Warrior Project visits, while also showing his support by attending the annual Boots & Troops Gala and its Golf Challenge fundraiser.
Through the TAPS program, Martin has continued to honor fallen service members by wearing their initials. During his first season with the Titans, he carried on that tradition by meeting with the family of a fallen soldier and wearing their loved one's initials on his helmet on game day.
Beyond these efforts, Martin also serves as a mentor to a close friend and former service member, providing encouragement, support and empowerment as he navigates life after military service.
Through his continued involvement and personal connections, Martin uses his platform to recognize and honor the courage, dedication and sacrifices of service members, veterans and their families.
Martin is one of 32 nominees announced today by the NFL and USAA, an official NFL Salute to Service partner. Fans can show their support by voting at NFL.com/SaluteFanVote from now through Monday, November 30, 2026 at 10:59 p.m. CT. 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 award recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors, the league's annual primetime awards special, during the week of Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles.
As the award's presenting sponsor, USAA, a leading provider of insurance and banking to U.S. military members, veterans and their families, will contribute $25,000 in the recipient's name to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL Foundation will match USAA's contribution by donating an additional $25,000 to the recipient's military nonprofit charity of choice.
