New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai has dealt with a lot during the 2025 season.
Tavai missed the team’s Week 12 win vs. the Cincinnati Bengals as the 29-year-old’s wife, Kalei, battled a rare blood infection that resulted in her being placed in a medically induced coma for six days. The couple lost their unborn daughter, Ka ua, due to the ordeal.
Additionally, Tavai was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease while battling an injury over the summer and missed the first four games of the campaign.
The former second-round pick was recognized for his fight through the adversity on Friday, earning the Patriots’ Ed Block Courage Award.
“A guy who showed plenty of strength during times of adversity. Your Ed Block Courage Award Winner is Jahlani Tavai,” the team’s official account posted on X.
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The award is given annually to “a player or players who best exemplify the principles of courage and sportsmanship while also serving as a symbol of professionalism and dedication,” according to the team’s website.
On the field, Tavai has recorded 42 tackles, four tackles for loss and one forced fumble across 12 contests this season.
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Previous Patriots winners of the honor include Tom Brady (2009), Wes Welker (2010), Rob Gronkowski (2014), Jerod Mayo (2015), Matthew Slater (2017), Devin McCourty and James White (2020) and Cole Strange (2024), among others.
Featured image via Eric Canha/Imagn Images
