Keenan Robinson was named the Washington Redskins’ recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award on Tuesday for his return from a torn pectoral muscle in each of the last two seasons.
Robinson, the starting mike linebacker, played in 11 games as a rookie in 2012 when he tore his right pectoral in the Redskins’ victory at Dallas on Thanksgiving. After spending much of the next eight months recovering, Robinson tore his left pectoral on the first day of training camp the following July, forcing him to miss the entire 2013 season.
“This is definitely an honor to be chosen by my teammates,” Robinson said in a statement. “I put a lot of work in during the last two seasons to get back from these two injuries. I’m just glad I’m now able to contribute to this team.”
Having recovered by the start of training camp this past July, Robinson has started all nine games this season and leads the Redskins with 75 tackles, including 14 in a victory over Tennessee on Oct. 19 that led to his selection as the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. He also has been credited with 1.5 sacks, has forced a fumble, has recovered a fumble and has one interception.
“After his second surgery in two years, Keenan knew what it took to work hard since he had just gotten done rehabbing from his right pec and was disappointed to tear his left pec,” head athletic trainer Larry Hess said in that statement. “He continues to work hard and just really showed a lot of dedication and determination coming back on the field after sustaining two season-ending injuries back-to-back.”
The award is given annually to a player on each team who, according to The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation, “exemplifies commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.” Named after a former Baltimore Colts athletic trainer, a banquet is held in Baltimore each year to recognize league-wide winners and to select one recipient.
Players voted for the award last week. Quarterback Robert Griffin III, center Kory Lichtensteiger and defensive end Stephen Bowen received the award each of the last three years.
• Zac Boyer can be reached at zboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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