Brady’s return from a devastating knee injury in Week 1 of the 2008 season was a major storyline for both the quarterback and the team this season, and Brady has indeed returned to form. Through 15 games, Brady has completed 65.7 percent of his passes — his second-highest total in his career, trailing only the 68.9 mark in 2007. He’s also thrown for 28 touchdowns, which ties the second-highest such mark of his career.
Now, the Patriots are AFC East champions for the seventh time in Brady’s eight seasons as a starter, and the quarterback is headed to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time. He’s also been named AFC Offensive Player of the Week three separate times this season.
The Ed Block Courage Award is named after Ed Block, former trainer for the Baltimore Colts who dedicated much of his life to helping children. Recipients of the award are often players who have overcome obstacles in their football or personal lives to return to the NFL. Other 2009 recipients include Brian Dawkins, Michael Vick and Cadillac Williams, to name a few. The complete list can be found on the award’s official Web site.
