The entire Redskins team is one of five finalists for the Halas Award given each year by the Pro Football Writers of America for courage and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. The Redskins were recognized for their 4-1 run to the playoffs after the shooting death of Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor in November.
The other nominees for the Halas are Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Ellis and receiver Plaxico Burress and quarterback Eli Manning of the New York Giants.
In my 15 years in the PFWA, including 12 on the board, six on the executive board and two as President, I can't recall an entire team being nominated before this. I believe the award will go either to the Redskins or to Everett, who's walking again after being paralyzed in last season's opener. Ironically, Taylor and Everett were teammates at the University of Miami.
Comments (2)
Nominations for each are just. Both Everett and Redskins deserve an award. One is truly individual perserverance and a medical triumph. The other is a triumph by a whole team: individual and collective perserverance and both mental and physical toughness.
I am a Redskins fan - and biased. However, this is first, and foremost, a team sport; thus, the award should go to the Redskins.
Posted by saratogan | April 4, 2008 1:39 PM
How ironic and bittersweet Sean and Everette were teammates at Miami. Both the individual and team should be awarded this they both perservered thru extreme adversity one lives and the others legacy lives on.
Posted by Steve | April 7, 2008 10:56 AM