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2010 Ed Block Courage Award Winner: Matt Ware
The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation will celebrate the 33nd annual Ed Block Courage Awards March 8 at Martin's West. One player from every NFL team will be honored for his commitment to the principles of courage and sportsmanship while serving as an inspiration in the locker rooms and community. In anticipation of the big night, PressBox is profiling each award winner. Click here for more profiles.
Safety Matt Ware is the Arizona Cardinals' winner of the 2010 Ed Block Courage Award.
Ware's return to the football field in 2010 was remarkable on multiple fronts. He has overcome Type I Diabetes and arthroscopy on his right knee following the 2008 season. His 2009 season was shortened by a knee injury that ended December 16, 2009, when he sprained his right knee ACL and MCL ligaments.
Ware was first diagnosed in March of 2009 with Type I Diabetes. He had suffered from fatigue, an increase in thirst and a 15-pound weight loss during a three-week period. It was during the rehabilitation phase of his knee injury he began to experience the diabetic symptoms that slowed his workouts. His appetite had increased and his thirst mechanism was insatiable. Matt was referred to an endocrinologist for screening.
His diagnosis led to nutritional council and daily monitoring of his blood sugars. Ware was placed on medications and a dietary plan that quickly corrected a serious situation. His knee rehabilitation increased dramatically and his energy levels returned to normal. He now maintains his diabetes through nutritional vigilance, daily medication and blood-sugar monitoring.
Ware injured his right knee during December 2009. He sprained his ACL and MCL ligaments. He began his rehabilitation process with the diligence he approached his previous obstacles. He overcame this challenge with his dedication and hard work. The father of two young daughters, Ware enjoys the normalcy of his life now that his diabetes is under control.
The former UCLA Bruin and his wife, Dana, are active participants in the community with activities such as the team's "Feed the Hungry" program at the Phoenix Rescue Mission as well as being a regular visitor to the Valley's Ronald McDonald Houses, It's Time for Kids-Urban Born, City of Refuge, CMJ ministries and various other charities. Since going through this life threatening experience, Ware has now made it a priority to share the importance of healthcare screening processes by spreading his message through interviews and speeches.
Ware's return to football activity reflects the courage, dedication, and discipline of an Ed Block Courage award recipient. His teammates took note of his courage to overcome a potentially life threatening and career ending condition and make it back to the level of physical conditioning and dedication it takes to be an NFL player.
Posted March 2, 2011 |
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