Eden Prairie, MN (December 29, 2016) –Vikings QBTeddy Bridgewaterhas been selected as the club's 2016 Ed Block Courage Award recipient by his teammates. The young signal-caller quickly earned the respect of his teammates for his leadership on the field and commitment to the community. Bridgewater has taken a special interest in breast cancer causes as his mother, Rose, is a breast cancer survivor. Teddy is a regular at the Vikings Survivor's Luncheon during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The 24-year old QB suffered a season-long knee injury during the preseason and has been dedicated to his rehabilitation in 2016.
*"It's an honor to win this award. Especially as my teammates made the selection. 2016 has been amazing for me. Everyone looks at an injury as a negative. It has helped me spiritually and mentally even with me already being an extremely positive person. My injury was a new challenge and I love challenges. With the help of many people we have attacked this challenge head on and expect great success in the future. A special thanks to the Vikings training staff and all those that support me along my journey." *
Since 1984 the Ed Block Courage Awards annually honors one player from every NFL team who exemplifies commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. Recipients are selected by a vote of their teammates to recognize both on and off the field extra efforts and their ability to overcome great adversity, whether it be personal or professional. The Ed Block Courage Award is named in honor of Ed Block, the longtime head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts. Winners travel to Baltimore every March to receive their trophy at a gala in their honor and spend time at the local Courage House at St. Vincent's Center, a facility specializing in working with abused children. This visit, and the time spent with the children, allows each recipient to fully comprehend the true meaning of the award.
For more information on the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation, visit www.edblock.org.
Vikings Ed Block Courage Honorees
Teddy Bridgewater | 2016
Phil Loadholt | 2015
Greg Jennings | 2014
Kevin Williams | 2013
Adrian Peterson | 2012
Anthony Herrera | 2011
Cedric Griffin | 2010
E.J. Henderson | 2009
Kenechi Udeze | 2008
Chad Greenway | 2007
Matt Birk | 2006
Koren Robinson | 2005
Corey Chavous | 2004
Eric Kelly | 2003
Lewis Kelly | 2002
Daunte Culpepper | 2001
Gary Anderson | 2000
Robert Griffith | 1999
Randall Cunningham | 1998
Robert Smith | 1997
Scottie Graham | 1996
John Randle | 1995
Cris Carter | 1994
Henry Thomas | 1993
Darrin Nelson | 1992
Terry Allen | 1991
Gary Zimmerman | 1990
Jim Gustafson | 1989
Leo Lewis | 1988
Scott Studwell | 1987
Walker Lee Ashley | 1986
Keith Nord | 1985
Steve Riley | 1984
