Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Cole Christiansen is one of a select few veterans still active in the NFL. In honor of the league's 'Salute to Service' initiative and Veterans Day, Christiansen will have his Army service acknowledged during games.
New this year, current NFL players who are veterans, are serving in a reserve status, or have had their military service deferred while pursuing their NFL careers will wear helmet decals representing their respective service branches—Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps—throughout the season in recognition of their service.
"Honoring our military community means recognizing not only their service and sacrifice, but also the importance of standing alongside them and their families long after that service ends,"
said Anna Isaacson, NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. "Salute to Service brings our entire league together around that commitment. We're proud of the work we've accomplished alongside our charitable partners and remain dedicated to supporting the military community in meaningful ways throughout the year."
Cole Christiansen '20 saw his first action of 2026 last night in prime time in the @Chiefs 33-30 victory over the Colts on SNF and finished with a pair of tackles.
— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) September 21, 2026
📸 Cassie Florido / Reagan Cotten / Steve Sanders#GoArmy pic.twitter.com/C4xLvmqeDW
Christiansen played for the Army Black Knights for four seasons and has spent the last five seasons in Kansas City. He has three tackles entering Week 10 this season after being elevated from the practice squad.
For more information about Salute to Service and how to get involved, visit NFL.com/Salute.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: NFL honors Kansas City Chiefs military veteran linebacker
