Bills DT Kyle Williams was named the defensive captain for USA Football's 2013 All-Fundamentals Team following a national fan vote conducted throughout January.
The fifth annual USA Football All-Fundamentals Team, which honors 26 NFL players – 11 offense, 11 defense and four on 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. Williams stays low off the ball, keeping his pads below blockers to provide a small target. After exploding off the line on the snap, he gains ground quickly across the line through quick feet and proper hand placement.
Votes were cast at the All-Fundamentals Team site to determine the team's three captains – one for each phase of the game. Joining Williams as captains are Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning on offense and Philadelphia Eagles long snapper Jon Dorenbos on special teams.
As captains, Dorenbos, Manning and Williams will each receive an equipment grant valued at $3,000 from USA Football to donate to the youth or high school football programs of their choice. Williams has selected his high school alma mater, Ruston High School in Ruston, LA, as the recipient of his grant.
"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. "Kyle has demonstrated exemplary fundamentals throughout his career. We're proud to recognize him as an All-Fundamentals Team captain."
USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the Bills, the NFL and each of the league's other 31 teams. 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 made up of: Charles Davis, USA Football spokesperson and 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; and Bill Polian, ESPN NFL analyst and former Bills and Colts general manager.
More on the USA Football All-Fundamentals Team and players' techniques is available here.
