Patriots' Cannon wins courage award

New England Patriots rookie offensive lineman Marcus Cannon has been named the winner of the team's Ed Block Courage Award. Decided by the players, the award is presented to 'the player who best exemplifies the principles of courage and sportsmanship' and who also serves as an inspiration to his teammates.

Cannon, the 6'6", 348 lb rookie, has certainly done that and more during his first year with the Patriots: Initially his career was in jeopardy after he was diagnosed with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The Patriots drafted him anyway, and three months after finishing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, Cannon hit the practice field with his teammates for the first time. Three weeks later, he saw his first bit of pro football action, debuting in the fourth quarter of a nationally televised Monday Night game.

“[Marcus] did what he had to do, but at the same time he was always there for the team and was always doing what he could to help the team," said coach Bill Belichick. "I’m proud that he’s on our team and what he’s accomplished. He certainly deserves to be recognized for it.’

Source: The Boston Globe