2022 Courage Award Winner

Romeo Okwara

2022 Ed Block Courage Award Winner

Romeo Okwara was selected by his teammates as the Detroit Lions Courage Award Recipient for 2022.

Okwara continued to be a disruptive force on defense for the Lions in the 2020 season, recording a career-high 10 sacks and earning Second-Team All-Pro honors. He signed a three-year contract extension with the Lions in March 2021, solidifying his place on the team’s defense for the foreseeable future.

Off the field, he is known for his philanthropic work including his Romeo Okwara Foundation that focuses on promoting education and supporting underserved communities. In 2020, Okwara was also a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award that recognizes NFL players for their excellence on and off the field.

Position DE
Height 6'4"
Weight 255 lbs
College Notre Dame
NFL Experience 7 years

Past Winners

  • 2021 - Trey Flowers
  • 2020 - Marvin Jones Jr.
  • 2019 - Kenny Golladay
  • 2018 - Kerry Hyder Jr.
  • 2017 - Ameer Abdullah
  • 2016 - Matthew Stafford
  • 2015 - Joique Bell
  • 2014 - Calvin Johnson
  • 2013 - Nate Burleson
  • 2012 - Jahvid Best
  • 2011 - Shaun Hill
  • 2010 - Jason Hanson
  • 2009 - Jeff Backus
  • 2008 - Daniel Bullocks
  • 2007 - Kevin Jones
  • 2006 - Ricky Sandoval
  • 2005 - Boss Bailey
  • 2004 - Jared DeVries
  • 2003 - Robert Porcher
  • 2002 - Cory Schlesinger
  • 2001 - Charlie Batch
  • 1999 - Dan Owens
  • 1998 - George Jamison
  • 1997 - Ray Roberts
  • 1996 - Horatio “Bennie” Blades
  • 1995 - Aubrey Matthews
  • 1994 - Victor Jones
  • 1993 - Kevin Glover
  • 1992 - Ken Dallafior
  • 1991 - Mike Utley
  • 1990 - Bruce McNorton
  • 1989 - Jimmy Williams
  • 1988 - Carl Bland
  • 1987 - Duane Galloway
  • 1986 - Keith Dorney
  • 1985 - Steve Mott
  • 1984 - Ken Fantetti

Supporting the National Courage House Network

The Detroit Lions are proud to support Haven of Oakland County, a member of the National Courage House Network.