Anmelden » Atlanta Falcons guard Ben Garland and former Detroit

Eric Hipple are the finalists for the NFL’s Salute To Service Award.The recipient of the award Jachai Polite Jersey , presented by USAA, will be revealed on Feb. 2 during the NFL Honors show when The Associated Press announces its annual league awards, including MVP.Garland and Hipple were selected for their efforts to support members of the military community.USAA, a provider of insurance and other services to U.S. military members, veterans and their families, will contribute $25,000 in the award recipient’s honor to the official aid societies representing all five military branches. The NFL will match USAA’s donation to the award recipient’s military charity of choice.Garland attended the Air Force Academy and just completed his fifth pro season. He recently was selected to become a major in the Colorado Air National Guard.Garland is involved with helping veterans adjust to life after service and helping to raise awareness for PTSD. Last year, he participated in the Armed Forces Mission’s Georgia LOSS Walk, when he walked alongside veterans, service members and families for a program called “Turning the Tide on Veteran Suicide.”Participating in the military taught Garland lessons that have helped him as an athlete and vice versa.“Serving in the Air National Guard has been paramount to my development as a football player,” he said. “It has helped my leadership skills, mental toughness, how to work under pressure, and establish an Air Force core values mindset of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. I also believe my NFL career has made me a better officer. Over my career, I have had the opportunity to play for some of the best coaches in the world and in doing so was able to study their leadership methods.”Garland works year-round with a number of military nonprofits: Merging Vets and Players, Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, Shepherd Center SHARE Initiative and TAPS. He works with Pigskin Patriots to help raise funds and donate time for camps for military children and with Children of the Fallen Patriots Foundation on granting college scholarship funds.Hipple retired following the 1989 season after 10 seasons in the NFL. Since his 15-year-old son Jeff’s suicide, Hipple has worked to build awareness and break down the stigma surrounding depressive illnesses.In conjunction with NAVY U.S. Fleet Forces, Hipple has conducted workshops on suicide and destructive behavior prevention during the last decade, focusing on mental fitness. His book “Real Men Do Cry” received a publisher Presidential Award.After retiring from the University of Michigan’s Comprehensive Depression Center, where he spent 11 years in outreach, Hipple serves as outreach specialist for Eisenhower Center’s “After The Impact” program, a neuro-behavioral residential treatment facility serving military veterans and former NFL players.“There are many similarities when working with military and NFL players in regards to their mental health,” he said. “Pressure of training, stress, performance, winning and the mission comes first and at all costs, risk of injury. Most of all, it is retaining their identity and locker room camaraderie after a career is over. Some of the pitfalls are depression, PTSD and substance abuse.”Hipple does suicide prevention workshops for U.S. Fleet Forces on Navy bases and Naval Air stations on the East Coast, in Europe and the Middle East. He has been involved with the planning of the Real Warrior Campaign of Army suicide prevention and organized public service announcements with players supporting service members. In 2008, Hipple helped organize with the players’ union for NFL Legends to speak at Army bases throughout Texas, New York, Georgia and Mississippi during the NFL playoffs, and for the Real Warrior Campaign’s presentations place at Okinawa Marine base in Japan.Last October, the 32 NFL clubs nominated coaches, active and retired players, and team executives and personnel who best demonstrated support for the military community. Submissions were evaluated by a panel of judges, including last year’s award recipient, former Atlanta Falcons and current New York Jets receiver Andre Roberts, a 2018 All-Pro kick returner.Other previous winners were Falcons coach Dan Quinn Chuma Edoga Jersey , Buccaneers receiver Vincent Jackson, Bears defensive end Jared Allen, Ravens coach John Harbaugh, Bears defensive back Charles Tillman and Titans owner Bud Adams. A thumbnail look at the players selected in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night (x-denotes early entry).1. Arizona (3-13)x-Kyler Murray, QB, 5-10, 205, Oklahoma.Strengths: Athletic with a strong arm, nice touch and solid accuracy.Weaknesses: Kyler Murray is small. You might have heard.Fact: First player taken in the first rounds of both the NFL and MLB drafts. Follows former teammate Baker Mayfield as the No. 1 overall choice, making Oklahoma the first school since Southern California in 1968-69 to produce the top pick in back-to-back years.2. San Francisco (4-12)x-Nick Bosa, DE, 6-4, 266 pounds, Ohio State.Strengths: Quick off the edge and relentless, just like his brother, Chargers star Joey Bosa.Weaknesses: Maybe some durability concerns because last year’s season-ending injury cut short the one season in which Bosa would have gotten a large volume of snaps.Fact: He’s Ohio State’s highest draft pick since offensive tackle Orlando Pace went No. 1 to the St. Louis Rams in 1997.3. New York Jets (4-12)x-Quinnen Williams, DL, 6-6, 303, Alabama.Strengths: Nearly unblockable last season with a combination of quickness, power and strong handsWeaknesses: Could nitpick about his weight as he might be more comfortable playing in the 290s. That’s about it.Fact: One-year starter who made a case as the best player in college football in 2018 and now the highest-drafted Alabama defensive player since Cornelius Bennett in 1987.4. Oakland Raiders (4-12)Clelin Ferrell, DE, 6-4, 264, Clemson.Strengths: Solid in most areas and good at getting off blocks to finish plays.Weaknesses: Sort of the opposite of Rashan Gary; not quite the athlete but plenty of production.Fact: All-American last season with 21 sacks in his final two years.5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)x-Devin White, LB, 6-0, 237, LSU.Strengths: Covers lots of ground and crushes ball carriers when he arrives.Weaknesses: Can get out of position. More fast than instinctual.Fact: Butkus Award winner as nation’s best linebacker in 2018 led the SEC with 123 tackles.6. New York Giants (5-11)Daniel Jones, QB, 6-5, 231, Duke.Strengths: Combo of size and athleticism is top level.Weaknesses: Decision-making was often questionable and release needs to be sped up.Fact: Three years as a starter under coach David Cutcliffe, aka the guy who coached Peyton and Eli Manning in college.7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)Josh Allen, DE, 6-5, 262, Kentucky.Strengths: Size, speed, athleticism are all ideal. Even some room to add a few pounds if necessary.Weaknesses: Some technique could use polishing, but not much to complain about.Fact: Won Bednarik Award and Nagurski Trophy as top defensive player in college football last season.8. Detroit Lions (6-10)x-T.J. Hockenson, TE, 6-5 Trevon Wesco Jersey , 251, Iowa.Strengths: Best combination of athleticism, receiving skills and blocking in the class.Weaknesses: Needs to fill out and become a more reliable blocker to reach star status.Fact: John Mackey Award winner as nation’s best tight end last year.9. Buffalo Bills (6-10)x-Ed Oliver, DT, 6-2, 287, Houston.Strengths: Lateral quickness, burst and ability to finish plays like a linebacker.Weaknesses: Short and was allowed to roam and slant in college.Fact: Knee problem cut junior season short, but won Outland Trophy as nation’s top lineman as sophomore.10. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)x-Devin Bush, LB, 5-11, 234, Michigan.Strengths: Fast and reliable in pass coverage.Weaknesses: Undersized, with a frame that might be maxed out, unlike Devin White.Fact: Led Michigan in tackles the past two seasons.Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)11. Jonah Williams, OT, 6-4, 302, Alabama.Strengths: Sound technician and good athlete.Weaknesses: Shorter than ideal arms and relatively small frame for tackle could necessitate move to guard.Fact: Three-year starter who moved to left tackle as a sophomore and was an All-American as a junior.12. Green Bay Packers (6-9-1)x-Rashan Gary, DE, 6-4, 277, Michigan.Strengths: Top-flight athlete with good power, long arms and sturdy against the run.Weaknesses: Pass-rush production was spotty. Had 10½ sacks in three seasons, though was often used to tie up blockers.Fact: Consensus No. 1 overall recruit coming out of high school in 2016.13. Miami Dolphins (7-9)Christian Wilkins, DT, 6-3, 315, Clemson.Strengths: Team leader, with position versatility and good athleticism.Weaknesses: Length and point-of-attack strength are less-than-ideal.Fact: First Clemson scholarship football player to earn a degree in 2½ years.14. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)Chris Lindstrom, OG, 6-4, 308, Boston College.Strengths: Good bloodlines. Father Chris Lindstrom Sr. is in the BC Hall of Fame and played three years in the NFL. Uncle and brother also played at BC.Weaknesses: Needs to work on screen blocking.Fact: He joins a Falcons offensive line that needs help after giving up 108 quarterback hits and was 31st in runs for no gain or losses.15. Washington Redskins (7-9)x-Dwayne Haskins, QB, 6-3, 230, Ohio State.Strengths: Big guy with a big arm who commands his offense.Weaknesses: Heavy-footed and prone to fall back against pressure. Only 14 career starts.Fact: Led the nation with 4,831 yards passing and 50 touchdowns last season.16. Carolina Panthers (7-9)x-Brian Burns, DE, 6-5, 249, Florida State.Strengths: Super quick and agile.Weaknesses: Light Shareef Miller Jersey , with thin frame. Could be more of a third-down pass rusher than every-down player.Fact: Seven forced fumbles and three blocked kicks in his three-year career.17. New York Giants (5-11)x-Dexter Lawrence, DT, 6-4, 342, Clemson.Strengths: Massive, but pretty light on his feet.Weaknesses: Limited pass-rush potential, could slow him in pass-happy NFL.Fact: Suspended for last season’s College Football Playoff for failing an NCAA test for performance-enhancing drugs. Has said he had no idea why he failed the test.18. Minnesota VikingsGarrett Bradbury, C, 6-3, 306, North Carolina State.Strengths: Strong, lean and instinctive.Weaknesses: Better in pass protection than drive blocking for the run.Fact: High school tight end who developed into All-America center.19. Tennessee Titans (9-7)x-Jeffery Simmons, DT, 6-4, 301, Mississippi State.Strengths: Big, perfectly proportioned athlete who consistently produces.Weaknesses: Tore a ligament in his left knee in pre-draft workouts.Fact: Was involved in a fight with a woman, whom he punched several times, while still in high school. Pleaded no contest to simple assault charge.20. Denver Broncos (6-10)x-Noah Fant, TE, 6-4, 249, Iowa.Strengths: Speed and athleticism aplenty.Weaknesses: Might be more of a slot receiver, motion-type tight end.Fact: Fant was the hyped Iowa tight end going into last season, but Hockenson’s emergence probably held down some of his production. Fant had 39 catches for 519 yards and seven touchdowns.21. Green Bay Packers (6-9-1)Darnell Savage, S, 5-11, 198, Maryland.Strengths: Playmaking ability and athleticism.Weaknesses: Not ideal size for a safety and he needs to polish his open-field tackling.Fact: Ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine and moved up draft boards after that.22. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)Andre Dillard, OT, 6-5, 315, Washington State.Strengths: Excellent athleticism and carries his weight comfortably.Weaknesses: Needs to show more power as a run blocker.Fact: Former two-star recruit who redshirted as a freshman and became a three-year starter at tackle.23. Houston Texas (11-5)Tytus Howard, OT, 6-5, 322, Alabama StateStrengths: Athletic and hard-working, he transitioned from playing quarterback in high school and gained 87 pounds and grew 2 inches in college.Weaknesses: Raw physically and needs to raise his offensive line play IQ.Fact: First Alabama State player to go in the first round.24. Oakland Raiders (4-12)x-Josh Jacobs, RB, 5-10, 220, Alabama.Strengths: Bursts through holes and knocks tacklers back. Complete back who can block and catch.Weaknesses: Will need to be better at avoiding contact at the next level.Fact: Thanks to Alabama’s wealth of talent, Jacobs left college with only 299 touches from scrimmage.25. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)x-Marquise Brown Zach Brown Jersey , WR, 5-9, 166, Oklahoma.Strengths: Explosive speed and elusiveness.Weaknesses: Skinny and short.Fact: Cousin of Antonio Brown is nicknamed “Hollywood” for his Florida hometown and star qualities.26. Washington Redskins (7-9)Montez Sweat, DE, 6-6, 260, Mississippi State.Strengths: Among freaky athletes, Sweat might be the freakiest with his 4.4 speed.Weaknesses: A little top heavy means he needs to upgrade against the run.Fact: Two-time first-team all-Southeastern Conference and second-team All-American last season.27. Oakland Raiders (4-12)Johnathan Abram, S, 5-11, 205, Mississippi State.Strengths: Tough against the run.Weaknesses: Could be limited to playing close to the line of scrimmage.Fact: Mississippi high school product who signed with Georgia originally, but transferred to the Bulldogs after a stop in junior college.28. Los Angeles Chargers (12-4)Jerry Tillery, DT, 6-6, 295, Notre Dame.Strengths: Long, quick and agile pass rusher.Weaknesses: Plays tall and inconsistent against the run.Fact: Was suspended for bowl game as a freshman and was caught on camera kicking a USC player as a sophomore, but seemed to mature as an upperclassman.29. Seattle Seahawks (10-6)L.J. Collier, DE, 6-2, 283, TCUStrengths: Excellent size and aggressiveness.Weaknesses: Lacks explosiveness.Fact: Did not get much recruiting attention coming out of high school and didn’t start until his senior season at TCU.30. New York Giants (5-11)Deandre Baker, 5-11, 193, Georgia.Strengths: Steady, tough and disruptive.Weaknesses: On the small side and left some potential turnovers on the field.Fact: Jim Thorpe Award winner as nation’s best defensive back last year.31. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)Kaleb Mcgary, OT, 6-7, 317, WashingtonStrengths: Remarkable and agility and size.Weaknesses: He could struggle against edge rushers because of mediocre footwork.Fact: He and his family have battled illnesses, his family lost its farm when he was in high school and a fire burned down their home, according to his draft profile on NFL.com.32. New England Patriots (11-5)x-N’Keal Harry, WR, 6-2, 228, Arizona StateStrengths: Physical route runner, great hands.Weaknesses: Change of direction.Fact: Born on the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent and moved to Arizona with his grandmother.