Defensive back Kyler Gordon was honored as the Bears' recipient of the 2024 Ed Block Courage Award by Maryville Academy Wednesday at Manzo's Banquets in Des Plaines.
The prestigious awards are presented to one player on all 32 NFL teams who best exemplifies a commitment to sportsmanship and courage and serves as an inspiration in the locker room. The award recipients embody professionalism, great strength and dedication, and they are considered community role models.
Gordon was especially appreciative because teammates voted for him to receive the award.
"I'm thankful and grateful everyone recognized me for the hard work and everyone around me that helped me to get where I am," he said.
Gordon has developed into one of the NFL's top nickel backs since being selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2022 draft out of Washington. He has appeared in 42 games with 34 starts over three seasons, recording 207 tackles, five interceptions, 17 pass breakups, 1.5 sacks, nine tackles-for-loss, four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.
Off the field, Gordon has been active in the community. Last year he began working with Hope Chicago, a nonprofit providing debt-free education. Representing Hope Chicago during the NFL's "My Cause My Cleats" campaign, he visited schools to inspire students and participated in their fundraising efforts, including announcing a $200,000 donation on behalf of Bears Care at the organization's Hopecoming event in November.
Gordon also supports young athletes through free youth football camps, including one he hosted at his alma mater, Archbishop Murphy High School in Everett, Wash. Additionally, he participates in the Bears Hugs program, visiting local children's hospitals to bring encouragement and hope to young patients and their families.
Gordon concluded 2024 with a visit to the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, where he connected his passion for dance with young ballet students. He credits ballet with enhancing his balance, body control and athleticism on the football field. During the event, he joined the students in a ballet class, shared his story and highlighted the importance of discipline and confidence.
The Bears were represented at Wednesday's luncheon by chairman George H. McCaskey and President & CEO Kevin Warren. The event was emceed by Bears radio play-by-play broadcaster Jeff Joniak.
Ed Block was a long-time head athletic trainer with the Baltimore Colts who was a pioneer in his field. The foundation promotes the prevention of child abuse by raising awareness of the epidemic and assisting agencies that provide for the care and treatment of abused children.
Block and his wife dedicated their lives to helping children in distress as foster parents and advisers. Each NFL team participating in the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation program selects a "Courage House" that supports victims of abuse, violence and neglect. The Bears' designated Courage House is Maryville Academy in Des Plaines.
The luncheon also honors the late Ed McCaskey – the 1992 Honorary National Champion of the 14th Annual Ed Block Courage Awards – by raising money for a fund in his name that provides high school, college and vocational scholarships to the children of Maryville. During his tenure with the Bears – first as vice president and treasurer and later as chairman and chairman emeritus – McCaskey was known for his generosity to Maryville.
