The Houston Texans have selected T Derek Newton as the 2017 Ed Block Courage Award winner. Recipients are selected by a vote of their teammates to recognize extra efforts both on and off the field and their ability to overcome great adversity.
Newton ruptured the patellar tendon in both knees in a Monday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos in Week 7 last season. The seven-year NFL veteran has since undergone 14 months of grueling rehab consisting of eight-hour days in an unprecedented attempt to return to the football field in 2018.
“From the beginning, Derek has been an inspiration to all of his teammates and everyone in the building,” said Senior Director of Sports Medicine and Head Athletic Trainer Geoff Kaplan.