2008 Ed Block Courage Award Recipients

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed was a dominant force on the Ravens defense throughout the entire 2008 season. He put together a remarkable season by any standard. What’s even more incredible is that he did it while suffering from a nerve impingement in his neck. Overcoming this adversity earned Ed the admiration of his teammates, and their vote for the Ed Block Courage Award.

Ed is just one of many incredible stories of courage in this year’s class. Minnesota Vikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze was diagnosed with leukemia after the 2007 season. Kenechi received a bone marrow transplant from his brother, Thomas Barnes, and his leukemia is now in remission. He has vowed to return to the NFL and could play as early as 2009. Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman played through 2008 while his daughter Tiana Rene battled cardiomyopathy. And Tampa Bay Bucs kicker Matt Bryant fought through the tragedy of losing his 3-month old son Tryson.

This year’s class also features headline players who overcame adversity to lead their teams on the field. Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme returned from Tommy John Surgery to lead the Panthers back to the playoffs. Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown returned from a torn ACL to help lead the Dolphins to the playoffs. And safety Ryan Clark returned to the Steelers line-up after suffering a near fatal spleen injury. Ryan is an integral part of the best defense in the NFL.

Click here to download the entire list of winners for the 2008 season.

Source: EdBlock.org