Washington Commanders head athletic trainer Al Bellamy was named as an honorary recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award.
Bellamy was nominated by Commanders head coach Dan Quinn after receiving a cancer diagnosis early last year. It was a year-long battle for Bellamy, but despite his diagnosis and treatment, he "continued to work tirelessly to help the team find success," the Ed Block Foundation wrote in a social media post announcing him as the awardee.
"His dedication and commitment to the Washington Commanders was evident, as the team is proud to honor him with the Honorary Ed Block Courage Award for his perseverance in the face of the harshest battle," the post continued.
Bellamy started his NFL career as an assistant trainer in Washington in 1988. He was a member of Washington's medical staff when the team won Super Bowl XXVI at the end of the 1991 season. Bellamy worked with 21 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame including Morten Anderson, Champ Bailey, Bobby Beathard, Fred Dean, Edward DeBartolo, Joe Gibbs and Darrell Green.
The Courage Award is named after Ed Block, the longtime head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts who was a pioneer in his profession and a respected humanitarian. The foundation honors National Football League players who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage each year.
