As Shaun Huls, Browns Director of High Performance, walked into head coach Kevin Stefanski's office, Stefanski had a special message for him.
Stefanski handed Huls a tablet and showed Huls a video of his wife Minisa Huls and their two children sharing the news that he was nominated by the Browns for the NFL's Salute to Service Award.
"What I love about you, Coach Huls, is I know you weren't in the military, but you worked closely with the military," Stefanski said. "And I admire how close you are to your friends that are still there, the support that you give all the former SEALS that you work with. So, congratulations on this honor."
Stefanski then handed Huls a 'Salute to Service' themed football and a Browns jersey with "STS Nominee" on the back of the jersey with the number 24 to signify the year 2024.
The Browns have nominated Huls for the NFL's Salute to Service Award, which recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni with demonstrable commitment to honoring and supporting military and veteran communities, as nominated by NFL clubs.
The Salute to Service Award is part of the NFL and the USAA's year-round commitment to recognize and honor the military and veteran community. The NFL and its 32 teams work to honor, empower and connect service members, veterans and their families as part of the NFL's Salute to Service initiative. Their efforts culminate with the NFL Salute to Service games and other events.
The Browns hosted their 'Salute to Service' game on Nov. 3, when they faced the Chargers in Week 9, and Huls was honored during the first quarter.
"It was an honor for me to be a part of that organization and contribute to them as little as I did. And for all they gave to me, it means a lot," Huls said. "I try and be the quiet professional about what we did there, but I also am honored to be a part of it and then also being recognized for it."
Service holds a level of significance to Huls, as he comes from a long line of family members in service-oriented jobs. His father, uncles and grandfather were all volunteer firefighters. On his mother's side, his uncles were in in the military, ranging from short periods to career soldiers.
Huls spent eight years as the head strength and conditioning and injury prevention programs' coordinator with U.S. Navy SEAL teams. He also served as the combatives coordinator for the U.S. Naval Special Warfare from 2006-13.
Before he started, though, he was training in martial arts and MMA at a training facility where a number of people who worked for the U.S. Navy SEAL teams. They were looking for someone with his professional skillset in strength conditioning and training in their efforts to create specific programs, and Huls helped get their combatives program off the ground and headed the program.
"My opportunity to work there was like you're working with the best of the best," Huls said. "And in many ways, it's much like the NFL – where it's high stakes, high reward. But the sacrifice that you see everyone make for each other, you're putting the mission, and then, the personnel and then yourself last. So being able to be a part of that was the most rewarding for me."
Huls is currently a partner and advisor with Applied Performance Sciences (APS). Founded by U.S. Navy SEALs and developed in conjunction with Olympic and professional sports coaches, APS delivers content and training that are applicable to any environment in which peak performance is desired. Huls and the team have worked alongside experts from the NFL, NCAA, Olympic sport and military special operations to examine factors that lead to and maximize performance.
He also continues to contribute to the military and Naval Special Warfare community through leadership opportunities, as he currently serves on the board of Mission Critical Teams Institute as a named faculty member – focused on understanding and improving how individuals and teams learn to navigate uncertainty.
"The kids and I couldn't be prouder of Shaun and his nomination for the Salute to Service Award," Minisa Huls said. "His commitment to Naval Special Warfare SEAL Teams is something he carries in his heart and brings into his work at the Cleveland Browns every day. His respect for the NSW community is a defining part of who he is—someone who values sacrifice, resilience, and teamwork. Even years after his time with the SEAL teams, he continues to support their advancement through contributions to the Mission Critical Teams Institute and other projects."
He continues to stay in touch with people he's met as well, as Huls said the small-knit community checks in with one another and gets together when they are in the same area. The personal bonds he built with people through his time have continued to last.
Minisa Huls said team people still reach out to Shaun for personal and professional support, and they're always eager to show their appreciation. They continue to bring him coins — military tokens of appreciation and connection, often carrying the insignia of a team or mission — as well as combat flags, which are flown on missions and later given in honor of someone's service or support.
Huls said he's collected a number of different tokens, flags and gear from people, which he has displayed in his house. They remind him of specific memories of being with a team or a certain individual and the relationships he has built over time.
"He has a deep bond with them, forged through their often hard, complex work and the sad reality of losing brothers along the way," Minisa Huls said. "While Shaun may shy away from the spotlight, I know he's grateful that this recognition really honors the community he holds in such high regard and is immensely proud to represent. With strong military ties on both sides of our family — my father and uncles, his grandfather and uncles — we sometimes think of it as just part of his work. Still, for our family, it's incredibly meaningful to see him recognized, knowing the quiet yet profound impact he has made."
Fans are able to vote for winner of the 2024 NFL Salute to Service Award. Click here to cast a vote.
