Charlotte, N.C. (November 1st, 2018) - The Charlotte Touchdown Club announced today Sean Williams of the United States Naval Academy, as recipient of its 2018 Defender of the Nation Award sponsored by The Independence Fund.

The Defender of the Nation Award celebrates our nation's military academies and their many outstanding student-athletes according to John Rocco Executive Director Charlotte Touchdown Club.  Rocco commented, "Sean Williams many accomplishments on and off the field are exceptional!  We look forward to honoring Sean in conjunction with The Independence Fund at December 3rd's Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet".
 
The Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet presented by ACN, will feature University of Michigan head coach, Jim Harbaugh, as the keynote speaker and the Bronko Nagurski Legends Award presented by Rolle Oral & Facial Surgery will be presented to Ohio State great from the Class of 1977, Tom Cousineau.  CBS Sports Network host Adam Zucker will serve as Master of Ceremonies and a CBS Sports Network broadcast of the event is scheduled for primetime Thursday, December 6th. 
 
Recipient of The Defender of the Nation Award was selected from the nation's (9) military academies and institutions including West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, The Citadel, Coast Guard Academy, Norwich University, Virginia Tech, Texas A&M and Virginia Military Institute and is based on exceptional leadership qualities on the field, in the classroom and in the community. The recipient must also exhibit a high standard of integrity by leading through example.
 
"The Independence Fund is ecstatic with the selection of the United States Naval Academy's Seth Williams, as this year's Defender of the Nation Award recipient," said Sarah Verardo, CEO, of The Independence Fund.  "The Independence Fund has been leading the fight for Veterans' independence for 11 years.  Our success in providing services to over 4,500 Veterans, Caregivers, and Families is based upon dedication, perseverance, leadership and integrity.  Each of these traits mirror what the Defender of the Nation award is all about.  The Independence Fund is proud to sponsor this award, as it is a symbolic representation of those we serve, The Veterans who have defended our Nation."
 
Sean Williams is a three-year starter at safety majoring in quantitative economics. Williams was elected as 2018 team co-captain by his teammates, which is one of the highest honors one can receive at the Naval Academy. A 2015 graduate of Cordova High School, Williams was a First-Team All-State (Tenn.) and All-District selection his senior year. He was also named a Liberty Bowl All-Star.  Williams has started 32 games in his career and has recorded 215 career tackles. He currently leads the nation in forced fumbles with five.
 
"Sean Williams has been not only a great football player at the Naval Academy, but a great leader as well, said Navy Head Football Coach, Ken Niumatalolo.  "Not many players have been able to come here and earn four varsity letters and start for three years like Sean has done, but what he has accomplished on the football field is only half the story.  Sean has represented Navy Football and the Naval Academy with class and dignity in everything he's done both on and off the football field. We are extremely proud of Sean for winning this award and we thank the Charlotte Touchdown Award for recognizing Sean on everything he's accomplished."