The Washington Redskins on Wednesday hosted the 57th annual Welcome Home Luncheon at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Washington, D.C.
The Welcome Home Luncheon is the largest fundraiser of the year and all of the proceeds support the efforts of the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation (WRCF), which strives to make a positive and measurable impact in the lives of children in the Washington, D.C., area.
The event highlights the work the team does both in the community and on the field. It is the only event where fans and corporate partners alike get to spend time with the organization, including players, the coaching staff, cheerleaders and the alumni.
Joining the Redskins at this year's Welcome Home Luncheon was Washington D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, who spoke briefly about the Redskins' impact on the city.
The team also announced annual award winners at the event, highlighting their on-field performances and contributions. Those taking home awards were:
RYAN KERRIGAN
SAM HUFF DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, presented by WashingtonFirst Youth Foundation
For the seventh consecutive season, Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan started all 16 games – becoming the first player in franchise history to do so since the NFL's adaption of a 16-game schedule in 1978 – en route to a 13-sack season that ended with his third Pro Bowl selection. Along with his 13 sacks, the Muncie, Ind., native recorded 46 tackles along with one pass defensed and three fumbles forced.
For his efforts, Kerrigan has been named the Redskins' 2017 Sam Huff Defensive Player of the Year.
Kerrigan reached 13 sacks in a single season for the second time in his career (13.5 in 2014), joining Dexter Manley (three) as the only players in Redskins history to record multiple seasons with 13 or more sacks. He reached the feat during the last game of the year against the New York Giants, in which he recorded two sacks for the second time in as many games, the first time accomplishing that in his career. In Week 1, Kerrigan recorded his third career touchdown with an interception return off Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.
Kerrigan is a mainstay in the community, as he participates in events on behalf of the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and through his own Blitz for the Better Foundation, which provides support to seriously ill, special needs and physically challenged children in the Washington, D.C., area. The Redskins' 2015 Walter Payton Man of the Year, Kerrigan participated in the 2017 Redskins Read Bookfair, which collected more than 3,000 new books that were donated to children through WRCF's literacy programs, as well as the Redskins Charity Golf Classic and his own charity golf event that aids the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Last summer Ryan also unveiled his seventh "Kerrigan's Korner" at Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital, which was sponsored by the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation.
MORGAN MOSES
BOBBY MITCHELL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, presented STS
For the first time, Washington Redskins right tackle Morgan Moses has been named the team's Bobby Mitchell Offensive Player of the Year. After a breakout season during the 2015 season – his first as a full-time starter in the NFL – Moses has shown consistency and durability over the last two years, as the 27-year old has become a model of stability along the offensive line.
The Redskins received every ounce of effort from the Virginia product during a year in which the offensive line, along with key members on offense and defense, suffered injuries. Moses, despite injuring both ankles throughout the season, managed to start all 16 games for the third consecutive season, protecting quarterback Kirk Cousins en route to another 4,000-yard passing season. The team rewarded his efforts before the start of last year with a multi-year contract extension.
Moses continued to impact the lives of those in the Washington, D.C., area in 2017. In November, the week of Thanksgiving, Moses partnered with Central Union Mission to provide food for the homeless. He also continues to make a difference with his Morgan Moses Foundation, which is dedicated to motivating children through educational activities, and serves as an ambassador for the Fuel Up to Play 60 Program, which encourages children to lead healthier lives through proper nutrition and physical activity.
DESHAZOR EVERETT
MARK MOSELEY SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR, presented by Five Guys
While Deshazor Everett began last season starting at strong safety, he continued to make an impact on special teams, where he initially earned his roster spot in Washington at the start of 2015. For his efforts, Everett has been named the Washington Redskins' 2017 Mark Moseley Special Teams Player of the Year.
For the past three seasons, Everett has been a core special teams leader, often serving in a gunner role and making the first point of contact on an opposing punt returner and downing punts from Tress Way.
Everett recorded a team-high 10 tackles on special teams in 2017 and made two stops on punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. His play prompted the Redskins to give him a multi-year contract extension earlier this offseason.