JON RHATTIGAN, LINEBACKER
Jon Rhattigan, Seahawks Linebacker, embodies each tenant of the NFL's Salute to Service campaign to honor, empower and connect service members, veterans, and their families. Rhattigan was signed by the Seahawks in 2021 as an undrafted free agent, and is the first West Point graduate to play for the Seahawks. At West Point, Rhattigan played in 25 games from 2018-20. As a senior he was named a second-team All-America by USA Today, and was Army's first-ever semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation's top linebacker. Following graduation, Rhattigan received special approval from the Army to defer his service while he joined the NFL. "After my playing career, whenever that may be, I will require five years of active duty or service in some capacity," he told The Tacoma News Tribune during his rookie season. Although his service has been deferred while he's in the league, his time with the Seahawks has been dedicated to supporting the local military community. During 2023 Seahawks Training Camp, Rhattigan personally met with more the more than 150 active-duty service members who attended the team's special "Military Day" practice. He also joined the team's recent Call of Duty Gaming event, where he spent time with members of the Seattle Recruiting Battalion and future soldiers who would soon be departing for basic training. He engaged with more than 75 veterans as part of a Merging Vets & Players workout, and was a leader in a team fundraising campaign for Brigadoon Service Dogs, which raised more than $14,000 to connect service dogs with veterans. This November, as part of the team's Salute to Service campaign, Rhattigan will visit Joint Base Lewis McChord to spend time with the First Special Forces Unit to learn about their training and leadership. In November, Rhattigan will be supporting the military once again through the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign, where his cleats will support Mission 22, a non-profit focusing on mental health and wellness support for Veterans