Washington Redskins tight end Niles Paul has been awarded the Ed Block Courage Award, given to a player from each NFL team that exemplifies courage in the face of adversity.
Paul, 27, was placed on the injured reserve list earlier this week after suffering a shoulder injury. Despite the setback, he remained optimistic, no surprise given what’s he’s already overcome.
Paul posted 507 receiving yards in 2014, a career high and tops among Redskins tight ends, but suffered a severe fracture dislocation with cartilage damage in his left ankle in the very first preseason game of 2015, forcing him to miss the entire season.
Paul would battle through his recovery in time for the 2016 season. In eight games, Paul has two receptions for 27 yards, but he’s primarily lined up as the team’s tight end. The fact that Paul was even able to return from such an injury is nothing short of incredible.
“It was an injury where the foot and ankle specialist thought it was one of the most significant injuries he had ever seen, but with Niles’ hard work, dedication and determination to get back on the field, he was able to start the 2016 regular season and play at the high level that he is capable of playing,” said Redskins head athletic trainer Larry Hess. “It’s just a testament to how tough Niles is and how determined he was to recover from an injury of that significance.”
Please read our comment policy before commenting.