Jonathan Goodwin has been chosen by his teammates as the 2013 Ed Block Courage Award recipient. The award, which is given annually to the player that exemplifies a commitment to sportsmanship and courage, is the first for Goodwin. The 12-year NFL center also symbolizes professionalism, great strength, dedication and serves as a community role model for others, which are requirements to receive the award.
Goodwin has anchored the 49ers offensive line since he signed with the club in 2011. Through his leadership on the field, in the meeting rooms and in the community, he has helped lead the 49ers offensive line into one of the top units in the NFL. Over the past three seasons, the 49ers have bolstered one of the top ground attacks in the NFL, averaging 140.3 rushing yards per game to rank second in the league over that time span.
A model of consistency, Goodwin is one of two offensive linemen to start every game over the past three seasons for the 49ers (T Anthony Davis). Since 2008, he has started 84 consecutive games, which ranks third among all NFL centers. Goodwin's ability to diagnose defenses at the line of scrimmage has been paramount to the 49ers success and he has been a valuable asset to his young quarterback, Colin Kaepernick.
The Ed Block Courage Award is named after Ed Block, the former head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts of 23 years. Block was a pioneer in his profession and a respected humanitarian whose most passionate cause was helping children of abuse. The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation promotes the prevention of child abuse by raising awareness of the epidemic and assisting agencies who provide for the care and treatment of abused children in communities throughout the National Football League (NFL). The Edgewood Center for Children & Families in San Francisco is the local Courage House supported by the San Francisco 49ers.
All 32 Ed Block Courage Award winners will be honored at an event in Baltimore, MD, on March 9, 2010. For more information, visit www.edblock.org, or call the Ed Block office at (410) 821-6252.
