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Honor
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
All 32 Ed Block
Courage Award Recipients
At the
37th Annual Ed Block
Courage Awards
Ed Block Courage Awards Drawing Near
Monday, March 16, 2015
“Commitment to Community”
The 37 th Annual Ed Block Courage Awards
Autograph session and special guests highlight annual gala
O
The Hilton Downtown Baltimore • www.EdBlock.org
f all the ventures enacted by a barber, a news-
tion took shape, and it is from those humble begin-
siding over the festivities will be former NFL player
paper editor and an NFL executive, the Ed
nings the Ed Block Courage Awards event has grown
Dhani Jones, Fox Sports personality Mike Hill, 105.7
to become one of the most prestigious in the NFL.
The Fan’s Scott Garceau and former Baltimore Colts
Block Courage Award is surely among the most successful. It’s now been 36 years since barber/stylist
Sam Lamantia, former Baltimore Colts assistant
general manager Ernie Accorsi and The Baltimore
Evening Sun assistant sports editor Larry Harris
came up with the three components to raise money
for abused children.
For the past 32 years, the NFL’s elite have traveled to Baltimore to recognize the courage of
their peers and to promote the message of
awareness and prevention of child abuse.
It has become a tradition that the Ed
an autograph session and a silent
auction of sports memorabilia.
For ticket information and
updates on the event, visit
EdBlock.org. Once again,
Accorsi suggested they honor the courage of a
be celebrating with 32 of the league’s
the event is expected to sell
Baltimore Colts player as chosen by his teammates.
most inspirational players during the
Harris felt longtime Baltimore Colts head athletic
37th edition of the event at The Hilton
trainer Ed Block should be the namesake of the
Baltimore March 16.
event to raise funds for abused children with the
Baltimore Colts. Lamantia determination to have the
East Side Athletic Club present it paid big dividends.
every NFL team will be honored
to the principles of courage and sportsmanship, while serving as
voted on by his teammates, and was in recognition of
inspirations
the player who best exemplified and displayed cour-
locker room and com-
age, both on and off the field. Erhmann dedicated
munities.
best year on the field, while having his most challenging year off of it.
From 1978-1983, the award continued as such,
y e a r ’s
include
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb,
Philadelphia
wide
Maclin,
Foundation was forced to make a decision.
Instead of abandoning its mission, the foundation
the
This
the time, change was ushered in by bright yellow
Colts to Indianapolis, the Ed Block Courage Award
in
recipients
but along with many other things in Baltimore at
Mayflower moving vans. With the departure of the
receiver
New
Eagles
Jeremy
England
Patriots tight end Rob
Gronkowski,
Detroit
Lions wide receiver Calvin
Johnson and Cincinnati
Bengals defensive tackle
letic trainer John Lopez and the Professional Football
Devon Still, among others.
Athletic Trainers Society to push the award to a
In addition to the Courage
national stage. Sister Grace Calvisi of St. Vincent’s
Award Recipients, the event will
Center, along with an inspired group of volunteers,
also honor the 2014 NFL Athletic
created the dynamics and synergy needed to take the
Training Staff of the Year -- the
awards event from one Courage Award Recipient to
Bufflao Bills.
It was at that point the true mission of the founda-
The evening’s theme will be “commitment to community.” Among those pre-
Lardarius Webb
courtesy of the ravens
turned to Lamantia, then-Baltimore Colts head ath-
28, the number of teams in the NFL at the time.
YOUR
COURAGE
for displaying commitment
Colts defensive end Joe Erhmann. The award was
cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and he had his
out. •
On that night, one player from
The first award was given in 1978 to Baltimore
that year of his life to his brother, who was dying of
SHOW
great Tom Matte. The event includes dinner,
Block Courage Award Foundation will
Courage Award, while Lamantia envisioned a sports
Cut out the poster below and post a picture holding it up to show your courage. Use #ShowYourCourage and one
lucky winner will receive two tickets, airfare and hotel accomodations for the 37th Annual Ed Block Courage Awards.
#SHOWYOURCOURAGE
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Marcus Easley -- Buffalo Bills, WR
David Quessenberry -- Houston Texans, OT
Tyrone Crawford -- Dallas Cowboys, DE
Corey Peters -- Atlanta Falcons, DT
Prior to his rookie season in 2010, Easley tore his meniscus and
was placed on injured reserve. In 2011, a discovery of an irregular
heartbeat led to him being placed on IR. Easley started 2012
on the Bills’ practice squad. He was called up for their Week 13
matchup against Jacksonville. During that game, Easley had a
55-yard kickoff return that set up a touchdown.
Quessenberry was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma June
10, 2014, and is currently undergoing treatment. The Houston
Texans, led by Quessenberry’s fellow offensive linemen, Chris
Myers and Duane Brown, set a goal of raising $100,000 for the
Lymphoma Research Foundation with the sale of “Texans for
DQ” T-shirts.
Crawford was expected to be the main backup in the Cowboys’
defensive line rotation in 2013, but he spent that entire season
rehabbing an injury. Crawford thrived no matter where he lined
up along the defensive line in 2014. He dominated the line of
scrimmage, notching 33 tackles, three sacks, six tackles for loss, a
forced fumble and a pass defended.
Peters is the Falcons’ recipient for his arduous work fighting back
from an Achilles injury he suffered during the 2013 season, and his
committed participation in numerous community projects. Peters’
dedicated attitude and relentless rehabilitation habits enabled him
to return to form for the Falcons during the 2014 season. He was
the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year for the 2011 season.
Brandon Gibson -- Miami Dolphins, WR
Dwayne Allen -- Indianapolis Colts, TE
Mark Herzlich -- New York Giants, OLB
Greg Olsen -- Carolina Panthers, TE
Gibson’s 2013 season was cut short by a devastating knee injury
against the New England Patriots in October. Gibson returned in
2014 and caught 29 passes for 295 yards and a touchdown. He
not only does it on the field, he gets it done in the community as
well. Gibson went to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
in 2014 to visit with sick children.
“This guy is a selfless guy,” Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said
of Allen. “He’s a great player, but he’s a better person. I know he
spends a great deal of time giving back and serving.” Off the field,
Allen lends his support to many charitable endeavors. As player
executive for DREAM Alive, he serves as the professional face of
the organization for at-risk youth. Herzlilch was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a form of rare bone
cancer while he was attending Boston College. Herzlich was coming off an All-American season for the Eagles when he received the
diagnosis in 2009. Not only did Herzlich survive, he returned to
football and has been a productive member for the Giants. In addition, he has also been an inspiration to others who have the disease.
Although Olsen hasn’t had to deal with a potentially debilitating
injury, he’s shown courage in the face of a more frightening situation. Olsens son, T.J. , is a happy, healthy 2-year-old now, but it’s
been a winding road to this point. He endured three open-heart
surgeries before the age of 2 to combat a rare and often fatal condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Rob Gronkowski -- New England Patriots, TE
Roy Miller -- Jacksonville Jaguars, DT
Jeremy Maclin -- Philadelphia Eagles, WR
Patrick Robinson -- New Orleans Saints, CB
Gronkowski rebounded from an injury-plagued 2013 season to
lead all tight ends in receiving yards in 2014. Gronkowski missed
all of training camp and the first six games of the regular season
with a back injury in 2013. He then suffered a season-ending knee
injury in Week 15. Gronkowski came back strong in 2014.
Miller suffered a shoulder injury during the 2013 season and played
through the injury. He waited until the conclusion of the season
to get the shoulder surgically repaired. Miller spent the offseason
rehabilitating the injury in Jacksonville and returned to full health
for the 2014 season. He was also nominated as the Jaguars’ 2014
Salute to Service nominee.
Maclin was selected for the Ed Block Courage award in a vote
by his teammates based on team effort as well as individual performance. Following an ACL tear early during training camp in
2013, Maclin spent the year rehabbing the injury to prepare for
his return. In 2014, Maclin led the Eagles with 85 receptions and
1,318 receiving yards. He also hauled in 10 touchdowns.
Robinson is the recipient based on his work ethic and perseverance in successfully rehabilitating from two major knee injuries
suffered in 2013, almost three months apart. In June 2013, he
injured his patellar tendon, then underwent surgery and an ardent
rehabilitation to return to the team in training camp.
Rontez Miles -- New York Jets, SS
Michael Griffin -- Tennessee Titans, FS
Keenan Robinson -- Washington Redskins, ILB
Vincent Jackson -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR
The two-year pro recovered from offseason hip surgery after suffering an injury during organized team activities in 2013. Despite
the injury, Miles spent 16 weeks on the Jets’ practice squad that
season, and played in one game as a member of the active roster.
In each of the last two seasons, Miles has earned his way onto the
Jets’ active roster.
Griffin grew up with parents who served more than 20 years in
the military. His father was in the U.S. Air Force, and his mother
was in the U.S. Navy. Their dedication to their country and
strong work ethic inspired Griffin. His durability has earned the
respect of his teammates.
Robinson played in 13 games for the Redskins this season. His
standout performance in 2014 comes after consecutive campaigns
during which pectoral tears ended his 2012 and 2013 seasons
prematurely. During his rookie year in 2012, Robinson’s season
ended after he tore his right pectoral. The following season, he
suffered a tear to his left pectoral in training camp. Through his performance, leadership, work ethic, professionalism and community involvement, the three-time Pro Bowl wide
receiver is a shining example of what it takes to be a star, both on
and off the field. Through his Jackson in Action 83 Foundation,
he helps provide support to military families, focusing on the
educational, emotional and physical health of the children.
Lardarius Webb -- Baltimore Ravens, CB
Chris Harris Jr. -- Denver Broncos, CB
Matt Slauson -- Chicago Bears, G
Tyrann Mathieu -- Arizona Cardinals, FS
Webb entered the 2014 season with a lingering back injury, and
missed Baltimore’s training camp, four preseason games and first
two regular-season contests. However, despite all the health concerns Webb faced in the past, he has returned and performed at
a standout level. The sixth-year cornerback embodies resiliency,
and his passion and perseverance inspires everyone around him.
Chris Harris Jr., who suffered a torn ACL in Denver’s AFC
Divisional Round game in 2013, returned to make his first career
Pro Bowl in 2014. He started every game for the Broncos in 2014,
totaling 54 tackles, a team-high 18 passes defensed, three interceptions, one sack and one fumble recovery.
Slauson played in 68 straight games including the playoffs with
the Jets and Bears, but dealt with numerous injuries in 2014. He
suffered a high ankle sprain in Chicago’s season opener. He then
suffered a pectoral muscle injury in the Bears’ matchup against
the Patriots and was lost for the season. Slauson is rehabbing the
injury and appears to be on his way back for the 2015 season.
Mathieu was injured in December 2013 returning a free kick during a Cardinals home game against the Rams. He was immediately tackled by a swarm of defenders and tore his left ACL and LCL.
Devon Still -- Cincinnati Bengals, DT
Travis Kelce -- Kansas City Chiefs, TE
Calvin Johnson -- Detroit Lions, WR
Scott Wells -- St. Louis Rams, C
Still had his world shaken this past offseason when his 4-year-old
daughter, Leah, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pediatric cancer. Still
responded to the life-changing news with an ongoing effort to
raise public awareness of the struggles all families dealing with
pediatric cancer face. The Bengals partnered in this effort for the
benefit of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
Kelce missed the entire 2013 season due to a knee injury. He
first suffered the injury during training camp and dealt with it
until October of that year, when he was forced to have a microfracture procedure to repair cartilage at the end of his femur. Kelce
bounced back in 2014, leading the Chiefs in receptions (67),
yards (862) and tied for touchdowns (five).
Statistically, 2013 was another banner season for Johnson.
Physically, it was a grind. Johnson dealt with knee and finger
injuries that cost him two games and limited him in a few others.
Both injuries required offseason surgery. He still managed to catch
84 passes for 1,492 yards and 12 touchdowns to earn his third
straight All-Pro nod.
In 2012, Wells dealt with a knee injury that limited his playing
time. He missed the last four games of the 2013 season after suffering a broken fibula against the 49ers. Wells came back strong
in 2014, starting all 16 games at center for the Rams. He has participated in numerous charity events, including hurricane relief,
autism and the March of Dimes.
Desmond Bryant -- Cleveland Browns, DE
D.J. Hayden -- Oakland Raiders CB
Jordy Nelson -- Green Bay Packers, WR
Kassim Osgood -- San Francisco 49ers, WR
At halftime of a December 2013 game against the Jacksonville
Jaguars, Bryant sat down at his locker, and something was off.
Bryant felt sick to his stomach. His heart was racing out of control. Some tests were run, and the results revealed Bryant had an
irregular heartbeat and would need to undergo surgery to repair it.
During the course of the last two seasons, Hayden has endured
his share of setbacks. To start the 2014 season, Hayden’s return
was marred with a foot injury, as he was placed on the Physically
Unable to Perform list. Despite that setback, he never gave up.
Since returning to the active roster, Hayden has seen significant
playing time.
Nelson is one of the true good guys in the NFL, both on and off
the field. On the field, he’s played in 105 games during his sevenyear career, racking up 49 touchdown receptions. He has become
one of quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ favorite targets. Off the field,
he’s even more productive. Nelson donates much of his time to
various causes in the Green Bay and Kansas areas.
The 12-year veteran symbolizes professionalism, great strength
and dedication. Osgood attended various events throughout the
2014 season and invested his time away from football by giving
back to the community. He attended Capes4Heroes and designed
superhero capes for children at the Forever Young Foundation -at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.
Sean Spence -- Pittsburgh Steelers, ILB
Malcom Floyd -- San Diego Chargers, WR
Greg Jennings -- Minnesota Vikings, WR
Russell Okung -- Seattle Seahawks, T
During his final preseason game as rookie in 2012, Spence tore
three ligaments in his knee and spent the following two years rehabbing his injury. After hard work and determination, he made his
first career regular-season start Sept. 28, 2014, against the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers. Spence recorded 53 combined tackles and one sack
during the regular season.
Floyd had an incredible bounce-back year in 2014 after suffering
a serious neck injury in September 2013. Not only did the injury
cost him his season, there was fear it may have also ended his
career. However, Floyd worked tirelessly to return to the field. He
succeeded by posting one of the finest campaigns of his 11-year
career in 2014.
The veteran wideout was recognized by teammates for his community outreach efforts in the Twin Cities and his hometown of
Kalamazoo, Mich., along with his work through the Greg Jennings
Foundation. Jennings recently received the Minneapolis Police
Community Service Award and is active with the locally owned
Starkey Hearing Foundation.
The Seahawks’ left tackle was named the recipient of the Ed
Block Courage Award after missing a portion of the 2013 season
with a turf toe injury. Okung was placed on the injured reserve/
designated to return list in mid-September. He was able to return
to the Seahawks’ lineup in November and was a key part of their
offensive line during their Super Bowl run.