Copley High School graduate Landon Robinson has been nominated for the 2026 NFL Salute to Service Award.
A rookie defensive tackle, Robinson is the Cincinnati Bengals' nominee. Each of the NFL's 32 teams submits a nomination.
The 23-year-old Robinson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in cyber operations. Drafted by the Bengals in the seventh round this past spring, Robinson is commissioned as a second lieutenant officer in the Marines, and he is continuing his reserve obligation.
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The Salute to Service Award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to honoring and supporting military and veteran communities.
The award’s presenting sponsor, USAA 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 $25,000 to the recipient’s military nonprofit charity of choice.
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Fans will be able to vote to help determine the award's three finalists who will be announced in January 2027. The recipient will be recognized during the NFL Honors awards show in February during the week of Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles.
In April, Robinson and his mother, Patrice Robinson, created the Landon Robinson Foundation, a mental health advocacy organization designed to address youth suicide.
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Here is more information from NFL.com about Robinson being nominated for the Salute to Service Award:
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle and U.S. Marine Corps Second Lt. Landon Robinson embodies the spirit of Salute to Service through his unique role as both an NFL player and Marine officer. A 2026 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Robinson was commissioned as a second lieutenant on May 22 and continues his reserve obligation during his rookie season. At the 2025 Army-Navy Game, Robinson honored four soldiers killed in a training flight, including former Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3 Andrew Kraus, by wearing a patch representing the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers. Since joining the Bengals, he has continued supporting the military community, arriving for his first NFL regular-season game in Marine Corps service dress and spending time with Sailors during Cincinnati Navy Week and Airmen at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. In 2026, Robinson established the Landon Robinson Foundation to raise awareness of youth suicide, help young people and families discuss suicide, and promote physical training as a positive outlet. The foundation has established partnerships with organizations supporting veteran families and children facing trauma. Robinson also plans to host disabled veterans at Bengals games and work with Recruiting Station Louisville to lead physical training for poolees and Marines, support recruiting efforts, and officiate Marine promotion ceremonies. His commitment extends beyond a single game or designated week. As a Marine officer, NFL player, and member of the Cincinnati community, Robinson carries his commitment to service with him every day.
The Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be emailed at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Bengals nominate Landon Robinson for NFL Salute to Service Award
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