Andrew Luck Earns Ed Block Courage Award Honors
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has been named by his teammates as the recipient of the annual ‘Ed Block Courage Award’.
According to the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation, the annual award is bestowed on one member of each NFL team, who best exemplifies the following attributes:
"Nov 6, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) walks off the field after the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Colts beat the Packers 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports“The Ed Block Courage Award recipient symbolizes professionalism, great strength and dedication. He is also a community role model. With this honor, he enters into an association which contrasts his fierce profession by becoming a major component of the Courage House National Support Network for Kids. He becomes an Ambassador of Courage for victims of abuse, violence and neglect.The Ed Block Courage Award recipient will be identified as a team player in helping abused children and families in crisis.The Courage Award has become one of the most esteemed honors bestowed upon a player in the NFL, especially since the recipient is selected by his peers.”"
Of course, Luck along with some of his other Colts teammates has been heavily involved in contributions to Riley’s Children’s Hospital, as well as other off-the-field service activities (per Colts.com):
"“Luck is passionate about impacting the lives of the children of Indiana and is a strong supporter of Riley Hospital For Children at Indiana University in Indianapolis. He frequently visits with patients at the hospital and serves as a spokesperson for Riley Hospital Change the Play, which encourages kids to challenge themselves to make better choices when it comes to food and exercise. A voracious reader, Luck also started the Andrew Luck Book Club in April of 2016 to spread the importance of reading. He periodically recommends a book for younger readers and a book for adult readers and hosts a live Q&A via social media to discuss the readings. Luck has also taken his philanthropic endeavors abroad and participated in the 2015 Winter USO Tour, where he visited US servicemen and servicewomen in different stops around the world.”"
Obviously, it’s a tremendous honor and recognition for Luck to be nominated by his teammates as the newest recipient of the annual award. Last season, Joe Reitz earned the honor, and Luck will join a long list of high character Colts to have won the award in previous years.
It’s worth noting that the 39th annual Ed Block Courage Award dinner is scheduled for March 11, 2017, in Baltimore with proceeds going to the foundation in the hopes of establishing homes for abused children in each NFL city.