Cedric Benson Is Awarded The Ed Block Courage Nomination

Ed Block was a former head athletic training of the Baltimore Colts from 1954-1977 who is often remembered for significant contributions to helping improving the lives of children, standing for "courage and championed the cause of those who displayed that characteristic."

Every year the foundation awards the Ed Block Courage Award to NFL Players, voted on by their teammates that's "dedicated to improving the lives of neglected children and ending the cycle of abuse. The purpose is to raise Awareness and Prevention of child abuse.  That objective is coupled with the Foundation's commitment to celebrating players of inspiration in the NFL."

This year, the Bengals recipient is Cedric Benson.

From the Bengals press release:

The award honors NFL players who demonstrate "commitment to the values of sportsmanship and courage." Each team selects one player for the award. Benson will be honored with the other recipients at the annual awards banquet in Baltimore following the 2010 season.

"Cedric is respected by the players, coaches, and staff, given the way he approaches his job as an NFL running back," said Paul Sparling, Bengals head athletic trainer. "He overcame a serious ankle injury while in Chicago and after being out of football for a time, focused his effort and energies into being a positive and productive member of the Bengals. He is a professional in every sense of the word."

Even with the nomination, it goes to show that some in the media struggle to get past a player's history. Case in point is Michael David Smith, who writes that the move will "surely raise some eyebrows" even though the same award was given to Michael Vick and Donte Stallworth last week.

Previous nominations of he Ed Block Courage Award from Cincinnati: