INDIANAPOLIS —Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle has been selected by his teammates as the recipient of the 2018 Ed Block Courage Award.
The award is an annual recognition for courageous play by an individual, and Doyle is one of 32 National Football League players who earned the accolade. The players of each member club nominate an individual annually and those chosen are honored at a banquet in Baltimore each March.
"It truly is an honor to receive the Ed Block Courage Award," said Doyle. "Anytime you are voted on by your peers, it brings a whole new meaning to the award. I am thankful for the Colts organization and its dedication to the community, which has impacted me in my ability to give back. Knowing who the prior recipients are and to be viewed in that group is something I will always cherish."
"Any award that's voted on by your peers is a huge award," said Colts safety Clayton Geathers, the team's 2017 Ed Block Courage Award selection. "The award is well deserved. Jack Doyle displays it day in and day out on and off the field. His leadership, sportsmanship, perseverance and his ability to work with others and lead this team says a lot. I think I can speak for everybody here – how can we be more like Jack?"
Doyle has played in 84 career games (42 starts) in six seasons (2013-18) with the Colts and has totaled 200 receptions for 1,728 yards and 14 touchdowns. In 2017, he was selected to his first career Pro Bowl after establishing single-season career highs in receptions (80) and receiving yards (690) while adding four touchdown receptions.
The Indianapolis native has dedicated himself to giving back to the community that he grew up in. In 2018, Doyle and his wife established the Jack and Casie Doyle Tuition Assistance Grant at his alma mater Cathedral High School to provide half scholarships for two incoming Cathedral freshman. This past October, Doyle hosted a birthday party for homeless youth from the Dayspring Center. He has participated in the Colts Community Ticket Block and has donated tickets to the Catholic Youth Organization. Doyle has visited patients at Riley Hospital, participated in multiple Read Across America events and volunteered at the Gleaners Food Bank. He has served as a Fuel Up to PLAY 60 ambassador and helped with the opening of a Colts Fitness Park in 2016 as part of the program.
The award is named after Ed Block who was the head athletic trainer for the Baltimore Colts from 1954-1977. He served as trainer emeritus with the club until he passed away in 1983.
Past winners of the award dating back to 2000, include: S-Clayton Geathers (2017), QB-Andrew Luck (2016), G/T-Joe Reitz (2015), TE-Dwayne Allen (2014), DE-Cory Redding (2013), S-Antoine Bethea (2012), DE-Robert Mathis (2011), DE-Dwight Freeney (2010), DB-Marlin Jackson (2009), C-Jeff Saturday (2008), OG-Ryan Lilja (2007), WR-Reggie Wayne (2006), LB-Cato June (2005), LB-Gary Brackett (2004), DE-Chad Bratzke (2003), LB-Rob Morris (2002), QB-Peyton Manning (2001) and DT-Bernard Whittington (2000).
The 41st annual Ed Block Courage Award dinner is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 2019 in Baltimore. Proceeds from the affair benefit the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation in Baltimore. The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation's objective is to establish homes for abused children in each NFL city. Indianapolis established an Ed Block Courage home (Children's Bureau) in October of 2000. The home is part of a national support network for abused children
