New England wide receiver Wes Welker is being honored tonight by Pop Warner Little Scholars Inc. (PWLS), the largest national youth football and cheerleading organization in the U.S.

Welker is receiving the 2008 Pop Warner Inspiration to Youth Award for his record-breaking season with the Patriots and his commitment to working with youth through his 83 Foundation, which he established to provide underprivileged children in his hometown of Oklahoma City the opportunity to play football.

“We’re honored to present Wes with the 2008 Pop Warner Inspiration to Youth Award. His commitment to the game of football and the way he plays the game is inspiring to all Pop Warner participants,” said Jon Butler, Executive Director of Pop Warner Little Scholars, in a release. “What’s more impressive is his commitment to youth off-the-field with his work with the New England Patriots and his 83 Foundation. The New England Patriots, the NFL, and Pop Warner are all fortunate to have athletes like Wes as role models for today’s youth.”

Past Inspiration to Youth winners include Drew Bledsoe, honored in 2001, and Junior Seau, who was honored in 1994.