Foxborough, Mass. -- The National Football League will recognize the New England Patriots with the 2009-2010 Outstanding Overall Player Development Award during a ceremony prior to the Patriots versus Jets game on Monday, December 6.

At the NFL's annual meetings earlier this year, awards were given to NFL Player Development departments in the areas of financial education, continuing education, career development and life skills, with the Outstanding Overall Player Development Award honoring the club that excels in programming in all four areas of player development.

In a pregame ceremony, Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft will present the award to Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Harold Nash and Football Operations Manager Kevin Anderson - who oversee the Patriots' player development program - for providing excellent opportunities for players in various areas of interest.

"One of the greatest gifts that God gave us is the ability to serve others," said Nash. "When you have that desire in you it is really special. When I see these players excel, do well, become well-rounded individuals, this helps people understand they are intelligent, working family men, and I am honored to be a part of it."

The NFL Player Development Department identified a few of the Patriots' recent initiatives as strengths of the program, including financial education, life skills seminars, career development activities through a Strong Interest Inventory and a safe boating program that was designed to raise awareness of risks after the boating tragedy that claimed the lives of two NFL players in the Gulf of Mexico last year.

In 2009, 2007 and 2006 the Patriots were awarded the Outstanding Financial Education Program award. The Patriots' financial education program includes 14 detailed financial seminars for rookies and veterans. Additionally, in 2006 the Patriots were recognized with the Outstanding Player Assistance Services award.