Playing in the NFL is an honor that players cherish. The players and fans of the sport are afforded that privilege, and the liberty due to the sacrifices made by those who have fought for their country. The NFL holds its annual Salute to Service month during November, but in honor of Memorial Day, the NFL world took to social media in May to honor those who fought bravely for their country.
NFL World Honors Troops on Social Media with a Memorial Day Tribute
From players to coaches to teams to reporters, the entire NFL world came together to honor the troops who have fallen in battle to afford them the liberties they enjoy.
“Today we remember the service members who gave everything for this country,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre. “Their courage, their sacrifice, and the families who carry their memory forward, none of it is forgotten. Grateful beyond words.”
Favre has been a polarizing figure since entering the NFL spotlight. Still, he has always respected the bravery of the military and honored their sacrifices, making such comments on numerous occasions.
Favre is not the only quarterback to take to social media in honor of Memorial Day, with one of the most iconic players in college football history joining in.
“Freedom has a price,” said former Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. “Today we honor those who paid it.”
Freedom has a price.
Today we honor those who paid it.
🙏🇺🇸— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) May 25, 2026
Tebow is well known for his humility and faith, and it comes as no surprise that the humble star was among the NFL players who took to social media in memory of American troops. The Heisman Trophy winner is known for his touchdown celebration, later called Tebowing, in which he would get down on one knee in a prayer-like pose to express gratitude for the opportunity to play and score on the biggest stage.
“On Memorial Day, we don’t just grill and chill. We honor our services members who made the ultimate sacrifice,” added former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III. “They gave their country everything so that we can be free. They are the REAL HEROES. Let them never be forgotten.”
On Memorial Day, we don’t just grill and chill. We honor our services members who made the ultimate sacrifice. They gave their country everything so that we can be free. They are the REAL HEROES. Let them never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/Txjd7EnSVv
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 25, 2026
Griffin III broke onto the scene as a rookie, ranking as the No. 5 quarterback in the league, according to PFSN’s Quarterback Impact Metric (QBi) in 2012, completing 65.6% of his passes for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions. However, it was his rushing ability that was so game-breaking, as he rushed for 815 yards and seven touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen.
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While injuries robbed Griffin III of maintaining his status as a top-tier quarterback, he had a lengthy NFL career and has since been in sports media, with ESPN and now on his own podcast, “Outta Pocket with RGIII.” The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner understands how lucky he was to pursue that dream, and his Memorial Day tribute to the troops was his way of thanking them for the freedoms they fought for.
“Grateful for the freedom we often take for granted,” said former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey. Hold your loved ones close today and never forget those who couldn’t come home.
Grateful for the freedom we often take for granted. Hold your loved ones close today and never forget those who couldn’t come home. 🇺🇸 #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/bJeAHkhUfD
— Ed McCaffrey (@87ed) May 25, 2026
Like the rest of the players mentioned, McCaffrey had a successful NFL career, making a Pro Bowl, and winning three Super Bowls. However, unlike the rest of the players, McCaffrey may be best known as the father of current NFL superstar Christian McCaffrey, as well as Luke and Max McCaffrey, both of whom also made the NFL.
McCaffrey’s tribute to the troops is a fitting one, with him urging others to “hold [their] loved ones tight,” showing that there are tons of things American society can be grateful for, and those liberties are afforded to us because of the brave men and women who have fought for their country’s rights to those freedoms.
As the NFL gears up for another season, the whole football world set aside a day today to remember why they are here, and honor those brave troops on this Memorial Day holiday.
