Minnesota Vikings
2023 Courage Award Winner
- Position OT
- Height 6-7
- Weight 310 lbs
- NFL Exp. 6 yrs
Brian O’Neill is an offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings who was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Brian is a native of Wilmington, Delaware and played college football at The University of Pittsburgh declaring for the NFL Draft following his redshirt junior season in 2017. After moving into the starting lineup for the final 11 games of the 2018 season Brian has started every game he has been active for the Minnesota Vikings. However, in week 17 of the 2022 season Brian was running and felt a pop in the back of his ankle and was diagnosed with a torn Achilles. The injury would sideline Brain for the final regular season game as well as the wild card playoff game against the Giants. Brian worked tirelessly throughout the off-season and into training camp to rehab his Achilles and return to the field Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the starting right tackle.
Brian brought energy and excitement to the athletic training room each day attacking his rehab with the same approach he does on gameday protecting his QB. He encouraged his fellow teammates who were rehabbing alongside him through his positive spirit and contagious energy. Brian has always been active in the Minnesota community since he was drafted in 2018. Biran works with the Autism Society of Minnesota as well as the Autism Society of Delaware during the off-season. Brian’s ability to overcome adversity on the field while continuing to make a positive impact in his community made him the perfect recipient of the 2023 Ed Block Courage Award.
Brian O’Neill
2023 Ed Block Courage Award Winner
Brian O’Neill is an offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings who was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Brian is a native of Wilmington, Delaware and played college football at The University of Pittsburgh declaring for the NFL Draft following his redshirt junior season in 2017. After moving into the starting lineup for the final 11 games of the 2018 season Brian has started every game he has been active for the Minnesota Vikings. However, in week 17 of the 2022 season Brian was running and felt a pop in the back of his ankle and was diagnosed with a torn Achilles. The injury would sideline Brain for the final regular season game as well as the wild card playoff game against the Giants. Brian worked tirelessly throughout the off-season and into training camp to rehab his Achilles and return to the field Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the starting right tackle.
Brian brought energy and excitement to the athletic training room each day attacking his rehab with the same approach he does on gameday protecting his QB. He encouraged his fellow teammates who were rehabbing alongside him through his positive spirit and contagious energy. Brian has always been active in the Minnesota community since he was drafted in 2018. Biran works with the Autism Society of Minnesota as well as the Autism Society of Delaware during the off-season. Brian’s ability to overcome adversity on the field while continuing to make a positive impact in his community made him the perfect recipient of the 2023 Ed Block Courage Award.
| Position | OT |
|---|---|
| Height | 6-7 |
| Weight | 310 lbs |
| College | Pittsburgh |
| NFL Experience | 6 years |
Past Winners
- 2022 - Blake Proehl
- 2021 - Anthony Barr
- 2020 - Cameron Smith
- 2019 - Linval Joseph
- 2018 - Everson Griffen
- 2017 - Kyle Rudolph
- 2016 - Teddy Bridgewater
- 2015 - Phil Loadholt
- 2014 - Greg Jennings
- 2013 - Kevin Williams
- 2012 - Adrian Peterson
- 2011 - Anthony Herrera
- 2010 - Cedric Griffin
- 2009 - E.J. Henderson
- 2008 - Kenechi Udeze
- 2007 - Chad Greenway
- 2006 - Matt Birk
- 2005 - Koren Robinson
- 2004 - Corey Chavous
- 2003 - Eric Kelly
- 2002 - Lewis Kelly
- 2001 - Daunte Culpepper
- 2000 - Gary Anderson
- 1999 - Robert Griffith
- 1998 - Randall Cunningham
- 1997 - Robert Smith
- 1996 - Scottie Graham
- 1995 - John Randle
- 1994 - Cris Carter
- 1993 - Henry Thomas
- 1992 - Darrin Nelson
- 1991 - Terry Allen
- 1990 - Gary Zimmerman
- 1989 - Jim Gustafson
- 1988 - Leo Lewis
- 1987 - Scott Studwell
- 1986 - Walker Lee Ashley
- 1985 - Keith Nord
- 1984 - Steve Riley
Supporting the National Courage House Network
The Minnesota Vikings are proud to support Northside Child Development Center, a member of the National Courage House Network.
