Ed Block Courage Award

The Ed Block Courage Award is an annual award presented to selected players in the National Football League (NFL), who are voted by their teammates as role models of inspiration, sportsmanship, and courage. Named in memory of Ed Block, a much-beloved humanitarian and trainer for the Baltimore Colts, the award is administered by the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation. Sponsorship proceeds promote the prevention of child abuse by raising awareness of the epidemic and assisting agencies who provide for the care and treatment of abused children.

Purpose and development
Ed Block was Head Athletic Trainer of the Baltimore Colts 1954–1977. He had earned a master's degree from the University of Missouri in 1937 and, following service as an Army officer in World War II, a doctorate in rehabilitation and physical therapy from Columbia University. Block was also a physical therapist at a Baltimore, Maryland, hospital for disabled children. Following his retirement as Colts' trainer, local community leaders led by Baltimore businessman Sam Lamantia Jr. began an annual award in Block's honor in 1978, recognizing a Colts player for outstanding character. In 1984, the award was expanded when players on other NFL teams began to be similarly recognized. In 1986, the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation was incorporated as a charitable organization with Sam Lamantia Jr. as its CEO. The Ed Block Courage Award has since expanded to all 32 NFL teams.

The Baltimore-based foundation's twin objectives are to celebrate players of inspiration in the NFL and to raise public awareness and support prevention of child abuse. Radio public service announcements, along with televised programs, internet, and print media, are used by the foundation in furtherance of its mission.

Award selection and presentation
Every year, active players on each of the 32 teams in the National Football League vote for one member of their team who, in their eyes, "exemplify commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage". Those players selected are announced in late December.

Each March, the 32 selected players receive their Ed Block Courage Award at a banquet held in Baltimore. Past recipients include Joe Montana, Peyton Manning, and Dan Marino. The award trophy itself is a pewtered football helmet with the recipient's team logo and engraved with the player's name, team and year.

"Courage Houses" and other endeavors
The foundation has also developed a national network of "Courage Houses" that help abused children in NFL cities. As of 2009, these cities are: Pittsburgh, Chicago, Miami, Detroit, Dallas, Baltimore, New York, Oakland, Seattle, Carolina, Cleveland, Atlanta, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Buffalo, San Francisco, Green Bay, Tampa Bay, and Washington.

The Foundation also sponsors the Baltimore Sports Media Hall of Fame Award and the Professional Football Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award.