Ed Block Courage Awards Celebrate NFL Stars On And Off The Field
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- NFL stars from across the country are in Baltimore at the black-tie gala known as the Ed Block Courage Awards. The players honored are voted by their teammates for sportsmanship and bravery.
Christie Ileto was there.
From the auction, the trophies, to the stories--those are the sights and sounds of the annual Ed Block Courage Awards.
It's the only award in professional football where the teammates select the winner.
"It's about courage, it's about inspiration, overcoming adversity, being a great community person," said Paul Mittermeier, Ed Block Foundation.
Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb was Baltimore's recipient.
The foundation, which raises awareness to end child abuse, also celebrates players inspiring others on and off the field.
Webb's own foundation also focuses on helping underprivileged children.
"Lardarius is a perfect recipient. I could sit here and talk to you for 20 minutes about everything Lardarius does in the community. He is an amazing recipient," said Mittermeier.
They're named for Ed Block, the former Baltimore Colts trainer who worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of area children.
It's an annual event in Baltimore which draws some of the biggest stars in the NFL. The Ed Block Courage Awards raise money to help prevent child abuse.
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And Ron Matz reports before Monday night's banquet, the players were busy taking time to meet with some Baltimore area-children.
The IND cheerleaders got it started and the NFL players kept it going. It's the Outreach Day for the Ed Block courage Awards, where some Baltimore-area kids got to meet some of the biggest names in football.
"It means a lot to be here. We can leave a lasting impression. I do this with my foundation, as well, so I know all the impact it has," said Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions.
Each NFL team selects a player to be honored. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says what's happening here sets an example.
"You take a look at these players and they don't have to do this but they have such a spirit of compassion and giving and they're just wonderful guys to be around," she said. "I love having the opportunity to show off Baltimore. When you get to do it with NFL players who give back so much for their community, there's a great energy and it makes me very proud that the event is back in Baltimore and will be downtown."
An opportunity for Cowboys honoree Tyrone Crawford.
"I love being out here with these kids, giving back what I can. It means the most," he said. "Being in the NFL, people place us on a high pedestal. I don't feel that way but because we're NFL players, people look up to us. I love to come and give back; it's just great."
For the first time in 15 years, the Ed Block Courage Awards returned to the city. Monday night's banquet was at the Hilton in Baltimore.
"These kids idolize these guys. On any given Sunday, they get to see these guys out on the field. To know they're being recognized for giving back and caring about kids is a great opportunity," Rawlings-Blake said.
This is the 37th year for the Ed Block Courage Award.