National Football League

NFL stars to visit US troops

Published Mar. 11, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

NFL stars J.J. Watt, Von Miller and Champ Bailey will take part in a weeklong visit to U.S. troops at military bases throughout the Middle East.

The league said Monday that Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith, Cleveland Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson and Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Davin Joseph will also be on the trip.

The NFL and USO have been organizing overseas visits with players for more than 45 years.

Watt, the Houston Texans defensive end, is the reigning Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year. Miller, the Broncos linebacker, joined him on the All-Pro first team. Bailey, Miller's Denver teammate, was a second-team cornerback.

This is the first NFL-USO tour abroad for all six players.