Phil Dawson named to Team USA All-Fundamentals Team - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

Phil Dawson named to Team USA All-Fundamentals Team

Posted: Updated:
Phil Dawson named to Team USA All-Fundamentals Team Phil Dawson named to Team USA All-Fundamentals Team

USA Football has selected Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson as its kicker on the 2012 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team, which honors 26 NFL players – 11 offense, 11 defense and four special teams – who exhibit exemplary football techniques for youth players to emulate.

The fourth annual USA Football All-Fundamentals Team recognizes NFL players who employ proper technique, which fosters better on-field performance and inherent safety benefits.

Dawson is a kicker who combines accuracy with the ability to connect from long distance. With a solid plant foot and strong posture, he drives power through his hips to strike the ball correctly and retain precision even in the worst weather conditions.

Each player chosen for the All-Fundamentals Team will receive a $1,500 equipment grant from USA Football to donate to the youth or high school football program of his choice. USA Football, the sport's national governing body in the United States, is the official youth football development partner of the Browns, the NFL and each of the league's other 31 teams.

A fan vote will determine All-Fundamentals Team captains at www.facebook.com/usafootball. Fans may vote for one captain on offense, defense and special teams. USA Football will award each of the three captains a $3,000 equipment grant to donate and an All-Fundamentals Team helmet trophy. Voting is open through Jan. 21.

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.

The USA Football All-Fundamentals Team was assembled with guidance from a five-person selection committee:

  • TOM CARTER, NFLPA player advocate and former NFL defensive back
  • 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, USA Football board member, ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL running back
  • CARL PETERSON, USA Football chairman, former NFL team executive and assistant coach

 

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