Ed Block Courage Awards
Today is the ceremony for the Ed Block Courage Awards. I am unfortunately not attending the event, but I did interview Baltimore Ravens recipient Corey Ivy who had one of the most intriguing stories in this year’s class. I won’t tell you about him until I post the podcast of that interview. What I wanted to focus on was the award itself because not a lot of people know what it is.
The Ed Block Courage Award is named in honor of Ed Block, the longtime head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts who was a pioneer in his profession and a respected humanitarian. The Award was the vision of Sam Lamantia and centered originally around the Baltimore Colts. Ernie Accorsi, a highly respected NFL executive who, at the time, was Assistant General Manager of the Colts, initiated the concept surrounding courage. An Assistant Sports Editor at The Baltimore Sun, Larry Harris, recommended Ed Block as the award’s namesake. These elements culminated in the Eastside Athletic Club’s presentation of the first Ed Block Courage Award to Baltimore Colts’ defensive end Joe Ehrmann in 1978.
From 1978 to 1983, the Award was exclusive to the Baltimore Colts. However, following the Colts departure from Baltimore in 1984, the scope of the Award expanded to include the entire NFL. That expansion was successful due to the resourcefulness and support of the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS), led by final Head Athletic Trainer of the Baltimore Colts, John Lopez. Predicated upon Lopez’s direction and PFATS’ involvement, the Award evolved to honor one player from each NFL team who, in the eyes of his teammates, exemplified a commitment to sportsmanship and courage.
Each March in Baltimore, the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation honors those recipients from every team in the NFL who have been chosen for this distinguished honor. Courage Award recipients embody everything that is positive about professional athletes as they serve as inspirations in their locker rooms and constructive role models in their communities. They are often players who have overcome devastating injuries or tragedies in their personal lives to return to the top level of competition that is the NFL.
The Ed Block Courage Award has become one of the most esteemed honors bestowed upon a player in the NFL, primarily because his selection is based upon a vote of his peers. Through this honor, the Courage Award recipient enters into an association and becomes an ambassador of the Foundation’s Courage House National Support Network for Kids. He becomes a crusader for children of abuse, violence and neglect.
To date, more than 500 players have earned distinction as Courage Award recipients, including Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Peyton Manning and the late Reggie White. In addition to Corey Ivy, the rest of this year’s winners include: Takeo Spikes (Bills), Zach Thomas (Dolphins), Rodney Harrison (Patriots), Chris Baker (Jets), Carson Palmer (Bengals), Phil Dawson (Browns), Travis Kirschke (Steelers), Kailee Wong (Texans), Reggie Wayne (Colts), Jorge Cordova (Jags), Brandon Jones (Titans), Louis Green (Broncos), Benny Sapp (Chiefs), Ronald Curry (Raiders), Carlos Polk (Chargers), Flozell Adams (Cowboys), Carlos Emmons (Giants), Jerome McDougle (Eagles), Randy Thomas (Redskins), Rex Grossman (Bears), Ricky Sandoval (Lions), Jon Ryan (Packers), Matt Birk (Vikings), Kevin Mathis (Falcons), Colin Branch (Panthers), Deuce McAllister (Saints), Shelton Quarles (Bucs), Kurt Warner (Cards), Pisa Tinoisamoa (Rams), Frank Gore (49ers), and Ken Hamlin (Seahawks).
Tags: Baltimore Ravens, corey-ivy, Ed Block Courage Awards, ed-blockRelated Stories
POSTED IN: NFL - NFL
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