Nick Gates is the New York Giants 2022 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award. Since suffering a career and limb threatening leg fracture in September 2021, Nick has endured seven surgeries and a full year of rehabilitation to return to playing football at a high level. Nick’s perseverance, courage, dedication to his rehab and his consistent positive attitude epitomize what the Ed Block Courage Award stands for.
Nick’s contributions off the field are numerous. He is an annual supporter of the NY Giants Crucial Catch efforts with the American Cancer Society in honor of his grandmother. Nick also frequents the Hope Lodge in New York City to serve and have dinner with patients from around the country who are visiting New York City for cancer care that are unable to receive it in their home state.
Nick has also partnered with the Bronx Community Foundation to support their four pillars of sustainability; Community, Equity & Justice, Economic Security and Health. Furthermore, Nick is an annual supporter of the St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation through his My Cause My Cleats.
Nick’s teammates have selected him for this prestigious award for his unwavering commitment and perseverance to returning to the sport of football. Since suffering an injury that could have cost him his leg and his career, Nick has been the consummate professional. He has displayed all of the characteristics that the Ed Block Foundation typifies and his story is the embodiment of the Ed Block Courage Award.
