CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals named defensive tackle Geno Atkins as the winner of the 2020 Ed Block Courage Award.
The award honors players who embody “professionalism, great strength and dedication” while also acting as a role model in the community.
Bengals head athletic trainer Paul Sparling said Atkins has been a “durable player” in his 11 seasons in Cincinnati. Atkins suffered a shoulder injury during training camp, which caused him to miss the first four games of the year.
“Geno’s dedication to the team, his professionalism and ability to play when many wouldn’t, separate him from others,” Sparling said. “Knowing the effort that Geno will put forth in his post-surgical rehabilitation all but assures that he will return to full strength.”
Atkins played in games 5-8 and 10-13 before being placed on reserve on Dec. 16.
Atkins has 75.5 career sacks, the third-most in Bengals history and just eight shy of the team record of 83.5, held by Eddie Edwards.
