FOXBORO  –  Wes Welker was honored Thursday morning at Gillette Stadium for his fundamentally sound work on and off the grid iron.

USA Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels, and the NFL Players Association have selected wide receiver WES WELKER of the New England Patriots and 25 other NFL players to the inaugural USA Football/NFLPA “All-Fundamentals” Team. This 26-man roster honors the NFL’s most fundamentally-sound players who also commit themselves to service in their communities.

This honor recognizes Welker as an example for youth players – particularly wide receivers – to emulate due to his ability to properly catch the ball with his hands. More from the USA Football organization is included in their press release below.

The USA Football/NFLPA “All-Fundamentals” Team was selected by a six-person selection committee:

 JASON BELSER, former NFL player, USA Football board member, and NFLPA senior regional director

 TOM CARTER, former NFL player and NFLPA regional director

 HERMAN EDWARDS, former NFL head coach and player, ESPN NFL analyst

 SCOTTIE GRAHAM, former NFL player and NFLPA regional director

 LARRY KENNAN, former NFL assistant coach and NFL Coaches Association executive director

 CARL PETERSON, USA Football chairman, former NFL team executive and assistant coach

In addition to his fundamentally-strong play, Welker does exemplary work in his hometown of Oklahoma City. The six-year NFL veteran created the 83 Foundation, which provides underprivileged children of Oklahoma City to reach their full potential through values and mentoring relationships gained through football.

As part of this honor, Welker will designate a youth or high school football program to receive a $1,500 equipment grant from USA Football.  USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the NFLPA, the NFL, the New England Patriots and the league’s 31 other teams. Each player also receives a pewter-dipped “All-Fundamentals” Team helmet trophy produced by Riddell, USA Football’s official helmet and equipment partner.

A video clip of each of the 26 players, spotlighting their sound football technique for young players to emulate, resides at AllFundamentalsTeam.com. These exciting game-action clips offer visual instruction for youth players and coaches alike.

The USA Football/NFLPA “All-Fundamentals” Team consists of:

 All 11 offensive positions

 All 11 defensive positions

 Four (4) special teams positions (LS, K, P, KR/PR)

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.