The Bucs have announced that tight end O.J. Howard was selected as the team’s 2021 Ed Block Courage Award Winner. Howard was chosen in a vote by his teammates. The fifth-year tight end overcame a season-ending Achilles injury in 2020 to return to action this season. Howard has had his struggles on the field, but has been a top-tier person while playing for the Bucs.

Per the Buccaneers release:

“Ed Block Courage Award recipients symbolize professionalism, great strength and dedication, in addition to being community role models. Each year, the award honors those NFL players who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. This award is unique in that the recipients are selected solely by a vote of their teammates.”

Last year, guard Ali Marpet was granted the award. In 2019, former tackle Demar Dotson was honored.

Bucs TE O.J. Howard – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Howard looked like he was on his way to a stellar season in 2020 before tearing his achilles in Week 4. In less than four full games, Howard caught 11 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, Howard struggled to regain that same form in 2021. He caught only 14 passes for a career-low 135 yards and one touchdown.

At just 27 years old, Howard is currently slated to hit free agency this offseason. But he’ll need to show teams he’s fully healthy, capable of recovering his former explosiveness. The Bucs value Howard’s character and selflessness, but it would be a surprise to see him return in 2022.

In a terrific press release, the Buccaneers detailed Howard’s many off-field contributions to the community.