USA Football, the sport's national governing body, and the NFL Players Association have selected Pittsburgh Steelers linebackerLaMARR WOODLEY to the 2010 USA Football/NFL Players Association All-Fundamentals Team.
Twenty-six (26) NFL players (11 offense, 11 defense, 4 special teams) are chosen for this annual distinction based on an ability to consistently execute the fundamentals of their positions and for making a positive impact in their communities. The USA Football/NFLPA All-Fundamentals Team gives youth football players examples of how to properly play the sport and show concern for others off the field. USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the NFL and NFLPA.
Employing core football fundamentals advances a youth player's performance and safety, particularly in the areas of blocking and tackling. USA Football teaches the game's fundamentals and inherent values through more than 80 annual training events and innovative football training resources employed by its members who reside in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
It is a linebacker's job to bring down ball-carriers, and Woodley excels at that because of his ability to shed blocks. That skill landed the fourth-year pro out of Michigan on the All-Fundamentals Team. Woodley's Sack Attack program raises money to support disadvantaged children in Pittsburgh and Michigan. Woodley donates $500 for each of his sacks, which is then matched by sponsors and distributed to Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, Heroes for Kids and other groups.
The 2010 USA Football/NFLPA All-Fundamentals Team was chosen by a seven-person selection committee:
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Game-action clips supplied by NFL Films and related video from USA Football's drills library found at www.allfundamentalsteam.com spotlight All-Fundamentals Team players' techniques. The video is accompanied by teaching points offering youth coaches and players instruction for every position.
As part of this honor, All-Fundamentals Team players will designate a youth or high school football program that will receive a $1,500 equipment grant from USA Football. Each player also receives an All-Fundamentals Team helmet trophy produced by Riddell, the official protective equipment partner of USA Football and the official helmet of the NFL.
