Every year, the Pro Football Writers of America vote on awards for NFL players, coaches, and staff members. The George Halas Award is given to someone who has had to overcome adversity to succeed. Plenty of big names have earned this award throughout their careers.
The most recent award winner was Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry in 2016. Berry overcame Hodgkin’s lymphoma and returned to the Kansas City Chiefs after a year of battling the disease. This year, the George Halas Award goes to someone who faced a similar battle: David Quessenberry, offensive tackle for the Houston Texans.
David Quessenberry Wins 2017 George Halas Award
David Quessenberry is no stranger to adversity. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft and missed his entire rookie season with a foot injury. Coming into his second season, Quessenberry experienced fatigue, as well as a persistent cough during pre-season workouts. After seeking medical evaluation, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
https://twitter.com/DavidQberry/status/476425309571809280
Quessenberry’s strong will and determination showed as he sent out this tweet to fans. He also told CSN Houston “I’m going to kick the crap outta this thing and come back even stronger! I will win this fight.” For the last three years, that’s exactly what he did.
David Quessenberry spent the last threee years enduring chemotherapy at the University of Texas MD Anderson Center in Houston. After completing his chemotherapy treatment, Quessenberry rang the hospital’s ceremonial victory bell with such force, it actually came off of the wall.
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In May, Quessenberry was able to return to the practice field with his teammates, cancer free, and resume his football career. Quessenberry will have the opporunity to compete for a starting spot on the offensive line this season. He will more than likely end up as a backup tackle or guard. Either way, it’s great to see him back on the field in a Texans jersey. If nothing else, David Quessenberry has earned the respect of the players, coaches, fans, and the Pro Football Writers of America.
