GREEN BAY, Wis. – Lukas Van Ness is the Green Bay Packers’ Salute to Service candidate for the 2024 season.

Van Ness was nominated for his “commitment to honoring, empowering and connecting service members, veterans and their families.”

Van Ness began making an impact on the military community upon entering the league as the team’s first-round pick in 2023. As a rookie, he reached out to local veterans at a Huddle for event. Heroes, answering questions and spending time. with veterans to thank them for their service. He wrote letters that were sent to active duty military personnel to encourage them during their deployment.

He discussed the nomination in the locker room Friday, two days before the Packers’ big game against the Detroit Lions.

What does it mean to you to be nominated for the Salute to Service Award?

My grandfather, Donald Van Ness, served as a lieutenant colonel for 27 years. I’ve always believed that this platform that we have, there are many brave men and women who are currently serving or who have served, and who are risking their lives. They do a lot for us to enjoy and play this beautiful game. So it’s an honor for me to have the opportunity to be nominated for this and it’s truly an awesome opportunity.

Did you talk to your grandfather about applying and what did he say?

I talked to him about it the other night and he had tears in his eyes because the army means a lot to him. I think it’s cool, being the eldest grandson in the family, to show my support. I think it means a lot to him that I care about him as much as I do.

I understand family ties but why is it so important to you? You are busy. I’m sure he would understand if you didn’t have time.

I think it also comes from being a part of three programs from high school to college and obviously now in the NFL, but Coach (Kirk) Ferentz at Iowa was a big advocate and supporter of the army. We had a lot of speakers and we also had a military appreciation game. It always brought a lot of awareness.

And also, I was just really interested. When I was going to college, some of my biggest offers came from the service academies. It’s a path I almost ended up taking before committing to Iowa. So, from a very young age, I always had a great appreciation and interest in the military. And then as I grow my platform and have the opportunity to get here in the NFL, I wanted to continue on that path.

Army, Navy, Air Force, what would you have chosen?

I was looking at the Navy just because there was a guy a few years older than me, Jackson Perkins, who had a pipeline to the Naval Academy. So, I was kind of going that route, but, obviously, I’m glad I ended up going to Iowa. But I always thought it would be super cool if it didn’t work.

Looks like everything went well for you.

Exactly.

***

During the 2024 Packers Military Appreciation Week, Van Ness will help a family grieving the loss of a service member assemble and paint a memorial flag to honor their fallen soldier. At the end of the event, he will present the family with a gift on behalf of the Packers.

He grew up with several family members who served in the military, including his grandfather, Donald, who achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel in the United States Army during his 27-year career. Van Ness learned from a young age how important it is to honor the men and women who give so much to our country. He continues to use his platform to salute the courage and sacrifice of military personnel, veterans and their families.

For more information, visit NFL.com.

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