LOOK: 4 Houston Texans recognized with off-field awards
The Houston Texans announced more off-field award winners for 2022.
The team announced cornerback Tavierre Thomas as the Ed Block Courage Award winner. Receiver Chris Moore, running back Dare Ogunbowale, and rookie defensive lineman Adedayo Odeleye won various awards on the Texans IMPACT Team.
Even the Texans’ sports performance staff was awarded an IMPACT Award to recognize their efforts in the community. The sports performance staff’s biggest contribution was the blood drive in support of rookie receiver John Metchie, who is currently battling leukemia.
The staff also supported local organizations by sponsoring a Halloween party for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and fulfilled holiday wish lists for local YMCA kids.
Here are the details of the Texans’ award winners.
CB Tavierre Thomas — Ed Block Courage Award
(Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
The Ed Block Courage Award have been given since 1984 across every NFL team, and it recognizes players’ extra efforts both on and off the field, and their ability to overcome great adversity. The award comes only from the players, and it is one of the most prestigious awards a player can receive and honors players who exemplify commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.
Thomas earned the award after returning from a quadriceps injury in training camp that kept him out of the first eight weeks of the season and on injured reserve. Thomas has played the last seven games, three of which he has started, and tallied 26 total tackles, two special teams tackles, and two forced fumbles.
WR Chris Moore — 2022 IMPACT Community MVP
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Moore has shown himself to be a role model for the youth in the community. The 29-year-old has attended Huddle Against Hunger events and has also supported the USO throughout the season with the Texans’ Community Ticketing Huddle Program,
Moore also supported leukemia awareness during My Cause My Cleats by recognizing Metchie. Those cleats were given to a boy named Lincoln, who is also battling leukemia.
Moore also honored Black Girls Do Engineering by announcing their Inspire Change Grant.
RB Dare Ogunbowale — 2022 IMPACT Newcomer of the Year
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Ogunbowale has been an advocate for special needs awareness. In October, the running back along with the Texans partnered with Mattress Firm to help surprise a special education classroom by providing essential supplies and equipment for a healthy learning environment.
In an effort to raise awareness for his brother and others, Ogunbowale chose to support the Special Olympics for his My Cause My Cleats.
DL Adedayo Odeleye — 2022 IMPACT Rookie of the Year
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The undrafted free agent is part of the International Player Pathway program, and found multiple ways to help the Houston community in 2022.
Odeleye took part in such initiatives as honoring H-Town heroes at the First Responders Appreciation Night, recognizing coaching excellence through Coach of the Week and visiting cancer patients at Hope Lodge.
Nearly every Monday Odeleye could be found attending Texans community events with some of his fellow rookies. One of those days off included Odeleye distributed meals to those in need by partnering with West Houston Assistance Ministries.
