The Associated Press
IRVING, Texas -- Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno has been named recipient of the National Football Foundation's Distinguished American Award.
The honor was announced Tuesday by the Irving-based group dedicated to promoting amateur football in developing leadership, sportsmanship and academic excellence. The former Fort Hood commander will be recognized Dec. 10 at an awards dinner in New York.
The NFL and the Army last year teamed up on a long-term program to care for and prevent concussions and head trauma, as well as other health issues. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Odierno at the time cited the common traits between soldiers and football players, especially dealing with stressful situations that can lead to injury.
Previous NFF honorees include Vince Lombardi, Tom Brokaw, Tom Osborne and Wellington Mara.
