Linebacker Coy Wire, who overcame a career-threatening injury as a member of the Buffalo Bills was the Falcons recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award for the 2009 season.
Wire and his counterparts from around the league accepted the award Tuesday in Baltimore.
The eight-year veteran joined the Falcons in 2008 and has twice been named special teams captain. It took six months after neck surgery for Atlanta to call, but Wire, an inspiration in mind, body and spirit, has not let anything from his injury slow him down.
He had eight tackles on defense and special teams last season and was a key contributor on coverage units in 2008. He also played a valuable role as an outside linebacker in the team’s playoff push.
Aspects of his journey were highlighted in a special series on NFL Network entitled “On the Fringe,” in which Steve Wyche profiled players fighting for roster spots.
“I definitely learned how fortunate I am to play this game,” Wire told the The Patriot-News. “The average career is three years, and here I am going into a ninth year. I’m working as hard as I can to continue to play in this storied league. I learned to make the most of my opportunities.”
The Ed Block Courage Award is named for a long-time Baltimore Colts trainer. Teammates vote for the award, giving it to the player who exemplifies “commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.”
6 Comments
Strong person and a class act.
great vet. good example of the way the Falcons seek from players.
DUNN, WIRE, BLANK, DUATA, I SEE SUCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok Wire now make some plays.
could we start him? just a thought? forgot about this dude
The Falcons do need to play Wire more at linebacker. They kept Mike Peterson on the field in the nickel package last year. The old man was on the field nearly every snap, and we saw how badly he wore down by the end of the season.
If Stephen Nicholas isn’t ready to play every down, they should rotate Wire in for Peterson to rest him. Wire can do it – he took the starting job away from Michael Boley at the end of 2008 and played very well.
congrats Coy Wire. and look at his biceps ! lol