Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson has been named one of two finalists for this year's prestigious Salute to Service Award. To Jackson, that alone is a major victory, whether or not the award eventually goes to him or fellow finalist Jared Allen of the Chicago Bears, because it brings significant attention to the cause that is so close to his heart.

"I want to thank the NFL and USAA for their continued efforts to bring awareness to the sacrifices of our service members and their families," said Jackson in a statement released by the NFL and USAA on Wednesday. "I am humbled to even be considered for such a distinction, and I hope that this award will continue to inspire support for those who serve and protect us, both home and abroad."

USAA is the Official Military Appreciation Sponsor of the NFL and it has been naming a Salute to Service award-winner each season since 2011. This year's winner will be announced during the "4th Annual NFL Honors" awards show on NBC on Jan. 31, the eve of Super Bowl XLIX. Each of the NFL's 32 teams nominated a player, coach or team representative to be considered for the award, with Jackson and Allen chosen as finalists for their "exceptional efforts to honor and support members of the military community." USAA will make a donation of $25,000 in the winner's name to military aid societies.