Canadian cornerback Deane Leonard was named the Ed Block Courage Award recipient for the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Ed Block Courage Award has been awarded to one player on every NFL team since 1984, recognizing their professionalism, strength, dedication, and community involvement. Winners are selected by their teammates and were honoured at a ceremony on Sunday.
Leonard is one of three Canadian players to receive the honour this year. He is joined by Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton and Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson.
The 26-year-old overcame a leg injury to play eight games last season with the Chargers, making five tackles. Leonard was originally selected by the team with the 236th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The native of Calgary, Alta., has dressed for 46 NFL games and made three starts, collecting 46 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and six pass breakups. He’s also seen action in three playoff contests, adding three tackles, a pass breakup, and an interception.
The son of former Stampeders defensive back Kenton Leonard, Deane was a two-time All-Canadian at cornerback for the University of Calgary, producing 47 total tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a punt return touchdown in three seasons with the Dinos. He transferred to Ole Miss to finish his collegiate career and made 64 tackles, one tackle for loss, one fumble recovery, and 11 pass breakups in 19 games over two seasons.
Leonard is currently slated to become a free agent when the NFL league year ends on Wednesday, March 11. He has earned more than $4.5 million to date in his NFL career.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats own Leonard’s exclusive rights should he ever play in the CFL.
