Former Longhorn Cedric Griffin Wins Award For Courage, Sportsmanship

By alcalde in Blog on February 15, 2011 at 10:55 am | 2 Comments

Former Longhorn defensive back Cedric Griffin has been named a 2010 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award given to an especially brave member of each NFL team annually.

The Minnesota Vikings cornerback suffered a season-ending knee injury in last January’s NFC Championship game but impressed his teammates with how he dealt with a grueling rehab to get ready for the 2010 season.

“His positive approach, goal-setting mentality, and strong work ethic were examples of how attitude can help during the healing process,” the Ed Block Courage Foundation wrote in a profile of Griffin. “Never discouraged throughout the months of rehab, Griffin served as a major support system to teammates who were also coming back from injury.”

For fans who remember Griffin at Texas, it should come as no surprise that he would win an award for courage and sportsmanship. If you’ve never read Chip Brown’s classic article on Griffin’s remarkable personal story, read it here.

Griffin was an integral part of the 2005 team that won the national championship, making game-changing plays in the games against Ohio State, Oklahoma, and USC (see a highlight reel below). He was a fearless tackler who loved to put a big hit on receivers.

The Vikings drafted him in the second round in 2006. He has since played in 67 career games (including 56 starts), has seven interceptions, and ranks third in team history for forced fumbles as a defensive back, with 10.

Two years ago, Griffin graduated from UT with a degree in youth and community studies. He regularly participates in outreach programs at children’s hospitals, elementary schools, and the Salvation Army.

Later this year he’s hosting a youth football camp through his foundation.

Griffin will receive his award at a ceremony in March.

Photo courtesy of UT Athletics