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 Mike Nugent.
From the Bengals press release:
The Bengals have named kicker Mike Nugent as the recipient of this year’s Ed Block Courage Award.
The award honors players who demonstrate commitment to the values of sportsmanship and courage. Each NFL team selects one player as its nominee. Nugent will be honored with other teams’ recipients at the annual awards banquet in Baltimore after the 2011 season.Mike Nugent tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the 2010 season, having to go on injured-reserve. Per Paul Sparling, the teams Head Athletic Trainer, "Mike showed focus and tenacity as he rehabilitated his knee following his torn anterior cruciate injury on his kicking leg from 2010." To complicate matters further, the NFL lockout prevented Nugent from working with team doctors and trainers, and had to finish his rehabilitation on his own. Despite this he has bounced back to have a stellar season with the Cincinnati Bengals and looks to have a bright future with the organization.
Previous nominations of he Ed Block Courage Award from Cincinnati:
2011 | Mike Nugent |
2010 | Cedric Benson |
2009 | Bobbie Williams |
2008 | Rashard Jeanty |
2007 | Reggie Kelly |
2006 | Carson Palmer |
2005 | Rashad Bauman |
2004 | Willie Anderson |
2003 | Glen Steele |
2002 | Richmond Webb |
2001 | Rich Braham |
2000 | John Jackson |
1999 | Tom Tumulty |
1998 | Ki-Jana Carter |
1997 | Scott Brumfield |
1996 | James Francis |
1995 | David Klingler |
1994 | Ricardo McDonald |
1993 | Bruce Kozerski |
1992 | Kevin Walker |
1991 | Bruce Reimers |
1990 | Joe Walter |
1989 | Boomer Esiason |
1988 | Eddie Edwards |
1987 | Rodney A. Holman |
1986 | Dave Rimingon |
1985 | Tim Krumrie |
1984 | Brian Pillman |