Courage. Loyalty. Teamwork. Dedication. A sense of humor. Those are just a few traits that described the late Brian Piccolo.
Every year, the Chicago Bears select a veteran and a rookie that best exemplify those traits to honor the former Bears running back with the Brian Piccolo Award. This year’s recipients are linebacker T.J. Edwards (a two-time winner) and rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze.
Edwards won the Brian Piccolo Award last year, as well, and he’s been a key defensive leader since signing with the Bears in 2023. During last year’s 5-12 seasons, Edwards continued to make plays and proved to be one of their better players. He totaled 129 tackles, six QB hits, one interception, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, as well as set career highs in sacks (4) and tackles for loss (12). Edwards was rewarded with a two-year, $20 million contract extension this offseason.
Odunze was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft eight selections after teammate Caleb Williams. Despite being relegated to the WR3 role behind Moore and Keenan Allen, Odunze still thrived with 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns while showing he has the potential to be a top wideout. With Keenan Allen expected to depart in free agency, Odunze will see an expanded role as Ben Johnson takes over on offense.
Piccolo is most known for his relationship with former Bears Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers, and their friendship was the spotlight of the film “Brian’s Song,” which has left a profound impact on many who have watched it.
Piccolo passed away after embryonal cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of germ cell testicular cancer, had spread to his chest cavity. He was 26 years old. Still, Piccolo’s memory lives on through the stories told and an annual award that honors those traits that defined his character.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears name T.J. Edwards, Rome Odunze recipients of Brian Piccolo Award
Courage. Loyalty. Teamwork. Dedication. A sense of humor. Those are just a few traits that described the late Brian Piccolo.
Every year, the Chicago Bears select a veteran and a rookie that best exemplify those traits to honor the former Bears running back with the Brian Piccolo Award. This year’s recipients are linebacker T.J. Edwards (a two-time winner) and rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze.
Edwards won the Brian Piccolo Award last year, as well, and he’s been a key defensive leader since signing with the Bears in 2023. During last year’s 5-12 seasons, Edwards continued to make plays and proved to be one of their better players. He totaled 129 tackles, six QB hits, one interception, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, as well as set career highs in sacks (4) and tackles for loss (12). Edwards was rewarded with a two-year, $20 million contract extension this offseason.
Odunze was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft eight selections after teammate Caleb Williams. Despite being relegated to the WR3 role behind Moore and Keenan Allen, Odunze still thrived with 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns while showing he has the potential to be a top wideout. With Keenan Allen expected to depart in free agency, Odunze will see an expanded role as Ben Johnson takes over on offense.
Piccolo is most known for his relationship with former Bears Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers, and their friendship was the spotlight of the film “Brian’s Song,” which has left a profound impact on many who have watched it.
Piccolo passed away after embryonal cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of germ cell testicular cancer, had spread to his chest cavity. He was 26 years old. Still, Piccolo’s memory lives on through the stories told and an annual award that honors those traits that defined his character.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears name T.J. Edwards, Rome Odunze recipients of Brian Piccolo Award
