New England Patriots chose teammate Stephen Neal for the 2007 Ed Block Courage Award. This award is named after Ed Block who was head trainer for the Baltimore Colts and a humanitarian who has set his heart on helping children. This award is usually given to players who have come out victorious over injuries or personal tragedies and have returned in the NFL with excellent performance and tough competition. Neal became part of the Patriots in July 23, 2001 after he retired from wrestling. He was then released by the Patriots, so he spent the rest of the season on the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles. In December 12, 2001, he was back in the Patriots’ active roster. However, he sustained shoulder injuries in 2002 and 2003 that largely hindered his performance. Then in 2004, having had just two games in his first three seasons as a professional football player, he started 17 of 19 games. Neal started the Patriots’ three playoff games in 2004, and that year the Patriots finished 17-2 as Super Bowl Champions. In the 2007 season, Neal also dealt with shoulder injuries. He started each game but missed the last four games. He continued to be active, though, and started each of playoff game of the Patriots. The award will be given to Neal along with 31 other awardees on the 29th Annual Ed Block Courage Awards Banquet.

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