Courage. Compassion. Commitment.
In cooperation with the NFL, the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation assists thousands of abused, neglected and at-risk youth across the National Courage House Support Network for Kids.
Each of the 27 partnered facilities are provided with monetary and in-kind donations along with various needed services to help advance their mission from the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation. They are also provided unique opportunities through the partnership with their NFL team including events, fundraising, donations and much more.
Financial Statements Available Upon Request
Who We Are
The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1978 by founder, Sam Lamantia, in cooperation with the Baltimore Colts and Maryland-based children’s residential treatment center, St. Vincent’s Villa.
In 1984, the NFL and the Professional Football Athletic Trainer Society ( PFATS) began collaborating with the Foundation with the intent to match each football team across the country to a child abuse and/or at-risk youth facility, known as a Courage House, in their respective city and state. The goal is to create and maintain a support network assisting with the long-term growth of each Courage House and the well-being of the children.
ED BLOCK COURAGE AWARDS
The first Ed Block Courage Award recipient was created in partnership with the Baltimore Colts 1978, honoring defensive lineman Joe Ehrmann, who lost his brother to cancer that season. After the team left for Indianapolis in 1983, members of PFATS, the NFL and NFLPA worked together to make the award a league-wide initiative.
Since 1984, one player from each NFL team is voted by their teammates to be honored for their courage and inspiration throughout the season. The recipients stand as role models for their ability to overcome adversity while also serving their respective communities.
Those recipients then travel to Baltimore, MD to be honored and presented with the most unique trophy in all of sports during our ceremonies. They participate in a local community outreach program, visiting the abused, neglected and at-risk youth of the Baltimore Ravens Courage House, St. Vincent’s Villa.
Before the event, the children perform a special program for the players before they present the Ed Block Courage Award to each of the recipients on stage.
Featured Media
Courage Award Spotlight: Jordan Fuller
Early Career Jordan Fuller started out at Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan in New Jersey. Like many other future NFL athletes, Jordan played multiple positions on his […]
Courage Award Spotlight: Eddie Jackson
EARLY CAREER Eddie Jackson began his ascent to the NFL at Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Eddie would play both wide receiver and defensive back on […]
Courage Award Spotlight: Nick Gates
EARLY CAREER Nick Gates started out at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was a well rounded athlete that played both baseball and football. Nick was ranked […]
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Social Media Trivia
Guess The Player:
(9/29/23): Troy Vincent
(8/31/23): Eddie Kennison
(8/28/23): Rosevelt Colvin
(8/22/23): Robert Smith
(8/21/23): Nat Moore
(8/20/23): Joe Spagnola
Support Our Mission
The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation is truly grateful for all of the support that we receive. If you would like to help us with our mission, please consider making a donation.
Upcoming Events & Online Auctions
2023 Block Friday Auction
November 24 @ 9:00 am
2023 Block Friday AUCTION The holiday season is near and give your family and friends a special gift with authentic Memorabilia from around the NFL! SILENT AUCTION OPEN: Friday, November […]
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