PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. has been selected as the club's 2024 Ed Block Courage Award recipient.
"It's special to win something like this," said Trice. "But going through what I did wasn't as bad as what most people on the outside think and what it looked like to them. I was just so focused the whole time on making sure when I came back, I was going to make plays and show them that I belong."
Trice Jr. has overcome injuries time and time again throughout his collegiate and professional career. During his time at Purdue, Trice saw three of five seasons cut short due to lower body injuries. Trice still managed 106 tackles, five interceptions and two touchdowns as a Boilermaker before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a rookie, Trice again found himself battling injury, as he tore his ACL during his first Training Camp in Latrobe. He returned in 2024 and recorded two tackles, one pass breakup and an athletic interception in the endzone of the Steelers Week 2 game at Denver before exiting their home opener against the L.A. Chargers with a hamstring injury.
Since 1984, the Ed Block Courage Award annually honors one player from every NFL team who exemplifies commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. Recipients are selected by a vote of their teammates to recognize both on- and off-the-field extra efforts along with their ability to overcome great adversity, whether it be personal or professional. The award is named in honor of Ed Block, the long-time head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts.