Ravens receiver Donte’ Stallworth has been rather quiet in his first season back after a one-year league suspension.
He broke his foot before the season started, and returned in Week 10 against the Falcons. Stallworth has caught passes in four games this season and was a healthy scratch last week against the Saints.
Despite the lack of production, Stallworth has clearly made an impact in the Ravens locker room. His teammates voted him the team’s Ed Block Courage Award winner of 2010. The award is given out to a player that exemplifies a “commitment to sportsmanship and courage.”
The honor is reminiscent of when Michael Vick won the award last year in Philadelphia. Vick’s recognition caused somewhat of an uproar at the time from fans.
But this award isn’t about the fans, and that’s why it’s so unique. Stallworth is well-liked and respected by many teammates and coaches he’s worked with in his career. He’s a guy people universally root for.
Stallworth made a huge mistake in life and paid a steep price for it. The men closest to him respect how he’s handled that adversity, which says a lot.