Champ Bailey, Ryan Clady Named to All-Fundamentals Team
By Editorial Staff
Ryan Clady (78) before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)
When you look at a winning team, it all goes back to fundamentals.
USA Football has selected Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey and offensive tackle Ryan Clady to the 2012 USA All-Fundamentals Team, which honors 26 NFL players (11 on offense, 11 on defense, and 4 on special teams) who exhibit exemplary football techniques for youth players to emulate.
The award recognizes NFL players who employ proper technique, particularly when blocking and tackling, which fosters better on-field performance and inherent safety benefits.
Bailey and Clady will each receive a $1,500 equipment grant from USA Football to donate to the youth or high school football program of his choice. USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the Broncos, 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.
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 |
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