Cleveland Browns offensive tackle JOE THOMASwill donate a $1,000 equipment grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County through USA Football, the official youth football development partner of the Browns and the NFL, to help support youth football program development at their site.
Thomas was named to USA Football's 2014 All-Fundamentals Team in December, honoring 26 NFL players – 11 offense, 11 defense and four special teams – who employ proper techniques, particularly when blocking and tackling, that fosters inherent safety benefits and better on-field performance. As an All-Fundamentals Team player, Thomas received an equipment grant valued at $1,000 from USA Football to donate to the youth organization or high school program of his choice.
USA Football, the sport's national governing body, trains more high school and youth football coaches combined than any organization in the U.S. More than 5,500 youth leagues and 750 high schools participated in USA Football’s Heads Up Football program in 2014, benefiting nearly 1 million young athletes.
The 2014 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team was assembled with direction from a five-person selection committee:
- CHARLES DAVIS, USA Football spokesperson, football analyst for NFL Network and FOX Sports
- HERM EDWARDS, ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL head coach
- MERRIL HOGE, ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL running back
- CARL PETERSON, USA Football chairman, former NFL team executive and assistant coach
- BILL POLIAN, Pro Football Hall of Famer, ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL general manager
More on the 2014 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team players is available at:
http://usafootball.com/blogs/fundamentals-and-performance/post/9658/26-nfl-players-named-to-usa-football's-2014-all-fundamentals-team
2014 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Offense:
*POSITION *
NAME, TEAM
* *
Quarterback
Peyton Manning, Broncos*
Running back
Matt Forte, Bears
Fullback
John Kuhn, Packers
Wide receiver
Golden Tate, Lions
Reggie Wayne, Colts
Tight end
Rob Gronkowski, Patriots
Tackle
Jason Peters, Eagles
Joe Thomas, Browns
Guard
Zack Martin, Cowboys
Marshal Yanda, Ravens
Center
Ryan Kalil, Panthers
2014 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Defense:
*POSITION *
NAME, TEAM
* *
End
Cameron Wake, Dolphins
Sheldon Richardson, Jets
Tackle
Gerald McCoy, Buccaneers
Kyle Williams, Bills
Linebacker
Khalil Mack, Raiders
Luke Kuechly, Panthers
Tamba Hali, Chiefs
Cornerback
Vontae Davis, Colts
Terence Newman, Bengals
Safety
Ryan Clark, Redskins
Earl Thomas, Seahawks*
2014 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Special Teams:
*POSITION *
NAME, TEAM
Return specialist
Jacoby Jones, Ravens
Kicker
Chandler Catanzaro, Cardinals
Punter
Jon Ryan, Seahawks*
Long snapper
Cullen Loeffler, Vikings
*indicates captains
The 2014 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team captains were selected by a fan vote, learn more about the captains here.
About USA Football: Indianapolis-based USA Football (www.usafootball.com) is the sport's national governing body, leading the game's development for youth, high school and other amateur players. The independent nonprofit partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and sport to establish important standards rooted in education. USA Football advances coaching education and player skill development for safer play and positive experiences through athletics. Follow USA Football at www.facebook.com/usafootball or on Twitter @USAFootball.
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