The Houston Texans have selected second-year safety Justin Reid as the 2019 Ed Block Courage Award winner.
Reid’s teammates voted to recognize his efforts both on and off the field and for his ability to overcome great adversity.
“I feel blessed and honored to be voted the winner of the Ed Block Courage Award, especially since it’s voted on purely by my teammates,” Reid said. “It means a lot to be able to represent them and the Houston Texans organization with this honor.”
Reid has played with wrist and shoulder injuries since coming into the NFL as a third-round pick from Stanford in 2018. The Prairieville, La., native has started in 25 of his 29 career games with 153 total tackles, four interceptions, a pick-six, 14 pass breakups, two quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss.
Coach Bill O’Brien says that Reid’s “team-first attitude” is what made him a great selection for the award.
“For a young player, he has a great understanding of what it means to be a professional in order to have success at this level,” O’Brien said. “Everyone sees the plays he makes on Sundays, but it’s his dedication to doing whatever it takes throughout the week to get his body ready to go in the training room that has earned the respect of his teammates.”
Established in 1984, the Ed Block Courage Award is given to one player from every NFL team and honors players who exemplify commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. The award is also the only one that is chosen solely by their peers.
Reid and other winners from the other 31 teams will travel to Baltimore to receive their trophies at a gala in their honor and to visit the Ed Block Courage House, which provides support and quality care for abused children and their families in the community.
Block, a longtime athletic trainer for the Baltimore Colts, was passionate towards causes that helped children.
Texans’ Ed Block Courage Award Winners
2019 S Justin Reid
2018 S Andre Hal
2017 OT Derek Newton
2016 OT Duane Brown
2015 DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney
2014 OG David Quessenberry
2013 ILB Brian Cushing
2012 QB Matt Schaub
2011 ILB DeMeco Ryans
2010 TE Joel Dreessen
2009 LB Zac Diles
2008 WR Harry Williams
2007 DE Anthony Weaver
2006 LB Kailee Wong
2005 WR Jabar Gaffney
2004 DT Seth Payne
2003 CB Aaron Glenn
2002 CB Jason Bell