Posted by coltsindianapolis on January 23, 2013 – 10:43 am

National fan vote also selects Bears cornerback Charles Tillman and Browns kicker Phil Dawson as Captains

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver REGGIE WAYNE was named the offensive captain for USA Football’s 2012 All-Fundamentals Team through a national fan vote conducted Jan. 7-21.

The fourth annual USA Football All-Fundamentals Team, which honors 26 NFL players – 11 offense, 11 defense and four special teams – recognizes NFL players who exhibit exemplary football techniques for youth players to emulate. Playing fundamentally-sound football fosters better on-field performance and inherent safety benefits.

More than 10,000 fan votes were cast via www.facebook.com/usafootball to determine the team’s three captains – one for each phase of the game. Joining Wayne as captains are Chicago Bears cornerback CHARLES TILLMAN (defense) and Cleveland Browns kicker PHIL DAWSON (special teams).

Wayne is one of the best route runners in the NFL. By properly identifying and reading defensive coverages, he can run away from man-to-man or find the holes and sit down against a zone. Whether in traffic or in space, the 12-year NFL veteran also is highly skilled in securing the ball safely and turning upfield after the catch.

By being voted a captain, Wayne, Tillman and Dawson each will receive an equipment grant valued at $3,000 from USA Football to donate to the youth or high school football programs of their choice. USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the Colts, the NFL and each of the league’s other 31 teams.

“Football never stands still, yet strong fundamentals are timeless,” said CARL PETERSON, USA Football’s chairman and longtime NFL executive who helped select the team. “Reggie has demonstrated extraordinary fundamentals throughout his career. We’re proud to recognize him as an All-Fundamentals Team captain.”

Employing core football fundamentals advances a youth player’s performance and safety, particularly in the areas of blocking and tackling. USA Football has educated more than 100,000 youth football coaches in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., through its online courses and single-day coaching clinics. Approximately 3 million American children age 6-14 play organized tackle football, placing it among the country’s most popular youth sports.

2012 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Offense:

POSITION NAME, TEAM Quarterback Matt Ryan, Falcons Running back Arian Foster, Texans Fullback Henry Hynoski, Giants Wide receiver (2) Davone Bess, Dolphins Reggie Wayne, Colts* Tight end Tony Gonzalez, Falcons Tackle (2) Ryan Clady, Broncos Nate Solder, Patriots Guard (2) Mike Iupati, 49ers Carl Nicks, Buccaneers Center Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers

2012 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Defense:

POSITION NAME, TEAM End (2) Chris Long, Rams J.J. Watt, Texans Tackle (2) Haloti Ngata, Ravens Vince Wilfork, Patriots Linebacker (3) London Fletcher, Redskins Chad Greenway, Vikings Aldon Smith, 49ers Cornerback (2) Champ Bailey, Broncos Charles Tillman, Bears* Safety (2) Thomas DeCoud, Falcons Earl Thomas, Seahawks

2012 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Special Teams:

POSITION NAME, TEAM Return specialist Leodis McKelvin, Bills Kicker Phil Dawson, Browns* Punter Andy Lee, 49ers Long snapper Greg Warren, Steelers

* – denotes All-Fundamentals Team Captain

About USA Football: USA Football recommends national standards for America’s youth football community. As the sport’s national governing body in the United States, USA Football hosts dozens of football training events annually offering education for coaches, skill development for players and resources for youth football league commissioners. The independent non-profit is the official youth football development partner of the NFL and its 32 teams as well as the Atlantic Coast Conference. USA Football manages U.S. national teams within the sport for international competition and awards $1 million annually in equipment grants to youth and high school football programs based on merit and need. USA Football is chaired by former NFL team executive Carl Peterson.

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