The New Orleans Saints have announced Dr. W. Stephen Choate as their nominee for the 2026 Salute to Service Award. The award is presented annually by USAA and the NFL and honors a league member who demonstrates an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community.
Currently in his ninth season with the Saints, Dr. Choate is also an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute. Before joining the organization, he proudly served four years
in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Major and deploying overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During his military service, Dr. Choate served as Chief of the Orthopedic Department and Medical Director of Surgical Services for the 56th Medical Group, earning the Air Force Commendation Medal for his meritorious service. Under his leadership, the medical group also received multiple awards for excellence in patient care and safety.
Dr. Choate’s dedication to serving those he calls “warrior athletes” continues to shape his approach to sports medicine, bringing the same commitment, discipline and compassion to the professional athletes he cares for today.
One of his favorite mottos comes from the U.S. Military Academy Cadet Prayer, “Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong and never to be content with a half-truth when the whole truth can be won.”
Finalists for the 2026 Salute to Service Award will be announced in January with the recipient recognized at NFL Honors in February.
Congratulations to Dr. Choate on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your service.
