Samuel honored for his ability to battle back

Spinal fusion surgery.

The mere mention of it truthfully can send chills up and down your spine.

Now imagine dealing with that as a professional football player.

And coming back from it.

That is exactly what Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. did.

And that is why his teammates voted him the Steelers 2026 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award. The award is voted on by the players and given to a player who has shown courage either coming back from an injury or a life-altering situation.

"It's just an honor for them to see me in that way," said Samuel "I just come and try to do my best every day and stay consistent. It truly is an honor."

Samuel, who received the award at the 2026 Arthur J.…