Donte Jackson has had a year that’s worthy of recognition, and he got it on Wednesday.
As announced this afternoon, the sixth-year cornerback has been named the Carolina Panthers’ 2023 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award.
The award, which recognizes a player from each team who “exemplifies commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage,” honors Jackson’s leadership and his comeback—one that may have seemed improbable at one point to the 28-year-old.
Jackson tore his Achilles tendon in last year’s Thursday night victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He told reporters this past summer that his recovery from the devastating injury wasn’t an easy trail to navigate.
“I spent a lot of time throughout this process just thinkin’ like, ‘Man, am I ever gonna feel the same?” he said back in July. “Am I ever gonna have the same ability? So just bein’ out here and just feelin’ back to normal, just feelin’ back good and just movin’ around and being back with the guys—it’s just a blessing.”
The former second-round pick has since turned in a solid comeback campaign. Pro Football Focus currently has Jackson graded at a 67.2 in coverage, the second-highest of his career.
