Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cory Trice Jr. is the recipient of the Steelers 2024 Ed Block Courage Award, the team announced on Monday.
Trice perceived and worked his way back after suffering a season-ending ACL injury early in training camp last year. 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.
“It’s special to win something like this,” Trice said, via the team’s official website. “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 recorded a key interception in the Steelers’ Week 2 win over the Denver Broncos. It also was Trice’s first career INT.
“Cory stepped up in the moment,” defensive tackle Cam Heyward said after the win. “What a heck of a way for a guy who was hurt all last year to be ready for that moment and make a big play for us and keep seven (points) off the board.”
Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt was also proud of Trice.
“How about Cory Trice? All that he’s been able overcome. Just seeing all the work he puts in, to see him get that interception is huge,” Watt said.
Trice had another setback this season, as he was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury following the Steelers’ Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Steelers can open Trice’s 21-day practice period at anytime but that has yet to occur. It appears it could be another lost season for Trice.