Veteran center Justin Britt was named the Texans' annual Ed Block Courage Award winnerThursday morning.
Signed to a one-year, $5 million contract this offseason, Britt battled through a lingering knee injury and was activated from injured reserve to regain his role as a starter. Britt established himself as a strong leader who provided a gritty, technically sound presence for an overhauled offense.
Britt missed the entire 2020 season to recover from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered with the Seattle Seahawks in 2019.
The voting is from teammates to recognize extra efforts on and off the field and an ability to overcome adversity.
“It’s an honor and privilege," Britt said. "It’s voted on from my peers, so to be able to sit here and be recognized by them is a huge accomplishment. This award means a lot to me. You come into the league and you see that award and you’re like, ‘That’s not going to be me. I’m not going to have adversity go through my career.’ For the most part I didn’t and then just to be out last year and to be away from football and then have scratch and claw to get back and get the opportunity to come here and then have more stuff happen, it makes me feel nice and appreciated and loved at the same time to be recognized on my hard work and dedication I’ve put in."
Past winners includeDylan Cole (2020), Justin Reid (2019), Andre Hal (2018), Derek Newton (2017), Duane Brown (2016), Jadeveon Clowney (2015), David Quessenberry (2014), Brian Cushing (2013), Matt Schaub (2012), DeMeco Ryans (2011), Joel Dreessen (2010), Zac Diles (2009), Harry Williams (2008), Anthony Weaver (2007), Kailee Wong (2006), Jabar Gaffney (2005), Seth Payne (2004), Aaron Glenn (2003) and Jason Bell (2002).
"I can’t sit here and say other guys aren’t deserving," Britt said. "Guys like Lane Taylor, Kamu Grugier-Hill, (Christian) Kirksey, you can go on and on. Guys have had their own adversity they have had to battle through at some point this season or before to get back to where they are. I’m very honored and privileged to represent this team, this group of guys in this way. It means a lot.”
Meanwhile, the Texans honored three players with IMPACT awards given out by director of team development Dylan Thompson and his team for players' work in the community.
That includes naming tight end Jeff Driskel the Newcomer of the Year, linebacker Garret Wallow named Rookie of the Year and quarterback Tyrod Taylor was named the Community MVP. The Texans' strength and conditioning staff was given the staff award for their department's work in the community.
Driskel completed the most community service hours on the team, including visiting schools, handing out meals to veterans and visiting the Boys & Girls Club and often brought his family with him.
Taylor, who grew up a Boys & Girls Club kid in Hampton, Va., purchased 40 tickets and parking passes for all Texans home games this season for Boys & Girls Club families, distributing turkeys and Thanksgiving sides to more than 200 Boys & Girls Club and YMCA families and giving 75 Boys & Girls Club kids a holiday party complete with ginger bread house making kits, gift cards and raffles for his game worn gear.
Wallow volunteered to create care packages and notes of encouragement to those undergoing breast cancer treatment at the Houston area American Cancer Society Hope Lodge and representing his Nana who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2014 on his cleats for a Week 14 matchup against the Seahawks for My Cause My Cleats.
The strength and conditioning staff annually purchases Halloween costumes for those in need at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, as well as fulfilling Christmas gift wish lists for youth from the Houston Texans YMCA.
“It was definitely an honor," Wallow said. "I was definitely really excited about it because I’m very passionate about helping out in the community. I’ve met a lot of great people while working with the IMPACT team, going to the Boys & Girls Club and just all types of events that we’ve done. It’s been exciting, it’s definitely been an honor. That’s one thing I always want to bring to the table, is community service, and the fact that I’m able to do that is definitely a blessing.”
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