NFL Stars Vince Wilfork and Aaron Jones Use Football as Icebreaker on USO Trips

The players, newly named USO Global Ambassadors, open up about connecting with service members overseas

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Former New England Patriots star Vince Wilfork and current Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones have been named USO Global Ambassadors. Both players say that while talking football is the initial icebreaker, the real impact comes from the deeper conversations that follow as they connect with service members overseas. Wilfork recalls a moment when a Seattle Seahawks fan gave him the team's '12th Man' flag, which now hangs in his son's room. Jones, who grew up in a military family, says he appreciates the continuity a sports team can provide for those facing sudden deployments.

Why it matters

Wilfork and Jones are using their celebrity status to honor and support military service members, who they see as the 'true patriots.' Their visits provide a welcome reprieve for troops facing difficult circumstances, while also allowing the players to gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by those serving.

The details

Wilfork and Jones were recently named USO Global Ambassadors as the organization marks its 85th anniversary supporting military service members. On their USO trips overseas, the players say that talking football is merely the icebreaker, with the real impact coming from the deeper conversations that follow. Wilfork recalls a moment when a Seattle Seahawks fan gave him the team's '12th Man' flag, which now hangs in his son's room. For Jones, the connection to the military is rooted in his childhood, as both of his parents were Army sergeants who served a combined 56 years. On a 2025 USO tour, Jones traveled to the same base in Kuwait where his mother had once been stationed, calling it a 'full circle moment.'

  • Wilfork and Jones were recently named USO Global Ambassadors.
  • On a 2025 USO tour, Jones traveled to Camp Arifjan in Kuwait.

The players

Vince Wilfork

A retired defensive lineman who played for the New England Patriots.

Aaron Jones

A current running back for the Minnesota Vikings.

Michael Linnington

The president and CEO of the USO.

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What they’re saying

“Until you see it firsthand, and you can actually feel the vibe and see these soldiers, that's when it really hits you. Everything they do to sacrifice and dedicate their lives for our freedom, in a place that's far away from everybody they know — they're the true patriots.”

— Vince Wilfork (PEOPLE)

“One day, you go into work and you get deployment papers: You're being deployed in this many days, and you don't have an option. Just like that. These people make that sacrifice for the country; they're the most selfless people I've been around.”

— Aaron Jones (PEOPLE)

The takeaway

Wilfork and Jones are using their platform as NFL stars to honor and support military service members, recognizing them as the 'true patriots' and providing a welcome respite for troops facing difficult circumstances overseas.