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Inside the banquet hall, a humbled but defiant Michael Vick was honored Tuesday night as one of 32 NFL players to receive the Ed Block Courage Award.Outside, dozens of protesters expressed dismay over his nomination.The award is presented to players who exemplify commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. Each NFL team selects their own recipient, and most of the winners were on hand for the gala event Tuesday night.
Vick was picked as the Philadelphia Eagles' representative by a unanimous vote of his teammates. Once a star quarterback with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick was convicted in 2007 for his role in a dogfighting ring and served 18 months in federal prison."I'm very humbled to be here," Vick said before the award ceremony. "I'm blessed to be voted by my peers, to be here, and this is an opportunity that I will take advantage of and cherish forever."It was the first award he received since being reinstated by the NFL in September 2009."It shows I'm making strides," Vick said. "I'm trying to do the right thing."There were police cars at every driveway of the parking lot, and security inside the building was heavier than usual at the 32nd annual event.Many of the protesters outside carried signs, one of which said, "No Award For Dog Killers."Erin Marcus, of Open The Cages Alliance, said, "I don't think there have been enough time for him to show the proper remorse for what he's done to animals."Many of the other 2009 Ed Block Award winners rebounded from serious injuries to excel in 2009, such as New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae and Baltimore Ravens safety Dawan Landry.Vick, of course, had to bounce back from something entirely different."I think I do exemplify what this award stands for," Vick insisted. "I think everybody has the right
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