Captains on the football field embody many admirable traits, and their title is one taken seriously by coaches and players alike.

It takes a lot to be called a captain on the gridiron. It's an even bigger challenge to uphold the values that the title represents off the field.

Throughout the summer, USA Football introduced its Values Captains program at the National Development Games with the goal of recognizing the many important qualities that football helps instill in young athletes:

• Loyal
• Honest
• Dependable
• Accountable
• Respectful
• Coachable
• Unselfish
• Self-aware
• Perseverant
• Honorable
• Disciplined

During the National Development Games, coaches were given the opportunity to identify and recognize athletes who exhibited one of these values.

Picking up a teammate when he was down. Being the first person to hustle onto the field. Helping to clean up after a long day. Being the last person off the field.

When coaches noticed a player demonstrating one of the virtues that football teaches, they recognized it by awarding that player a red USA Football wrist band and explained to the athlete why he or she was being acknowledged.

At the end of the week, all players who received a wrist band gathered together to identify the teammate among them who best demonstrated loyalty, dependability, self-awareness and all of the other great values taught and learned in football.

That person was the team's Values Captain.

Selected by his or her peers, the Values Captain is not necessarily the most talented player or gifted athlete. Rather, the Values Captain best embodies the positive attributes that America’s Game imparts.

Throughout the fall, USA Football will recognize Values Captains from the National Development Games and tell the story of the young men and women who lead selflessly through action, not words.