The New York Giants will have the family of fallen Army Major Paul C. Voelke announce their first-round pick at the 2026 NFL draft. This event honors Major Voelke, a dedicated Giants fan who died in Afghanistan in 2012.
Key points
New York Giants' first-round pick to be announced by Gold Star family
Family of Army Major Paul C. Voelke will reveal the selection
Major Voelke died in Afghanistan in 2012
Event is part of the NFL's Salute to Service initiative
Announcement scheduled for April 23, 2026
Mentioned in this story
New York GiantsPaul C. VoelkeTragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
Gold Star family will announce New York Giants' first-round pick
The New York Giants have partnered with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to allow the family of fallen Army Major Paul C. Voelke to announce the team's fifth overall pick at the 2026 NFL draft on April 23.
This honor recognizes Major Voelke, a lifelong Giants fan and New York native who died in Afghanistan in 2012.
Major Voelke shared his passion for the team with his family. His widow, Traci Voelke, and sons, Second Lieutenant Andrew Voelke and Benjamin Voelke, will take the stage to reveal the selection as part of the NFL's Salute to Service initiative.
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Q&A
Who is announcing the New York Giants' first-round pick in 2026?
The family of fallen Army Major Paul C. Voelke will announce the pick.
What is the significance of Major Paul C. Voelke's announcement at the NFL draft?
It honors Major Voelke's legacy as a lifelong Giants fan and recognizes his sacrifice.
When will the New York Giants' first-round pick be announced?
The announcement will take place on April 23, 2026, during the NFL draft.
What organization is partnering with the New York Giants for this event?
The Giants are partnering with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
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TAPS, a national nonprofit supporting military survivors, has partnered with the league for a decade.
"Our dad was a Giants super fan his whole life and passed down that fandom to our family," Benjamin Voelke said in a statement. "It is a privilege to honor our father and represent the New York Giants at the NFL draft this year."
Traci Voelke recalled her husband's dedication.
"Paul was a huge fan his whole life," she said. "When he was in Afghanistan, Paul had a rug made with the NY Giants logo.
"He deployed for the last time in January 2012; the Giants won the Super Bowl that year. While we were sad we couldn't watch it together, we were so happy the Giants won, and Paul got to see it. He died just a few months later."
A West Point graduate, Major Voelke served 14 years as an infantry officer with five deployments in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The family has engaged with TAPS since 2012, with Traci serving as a peer mentor and advocate for Gold Star spouses.
"The NFL draft is about possibility," said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS president and founder. "It is also about something deeper, because behind every name called tonight is a story of sacrifice."
