Feb. 21, 2011
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Former University of Iowa football player Aaron Kampman was named the 2010 Ed Block Courage Award recipient by the National Football League’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
One player from every NFL team will be honored for their commitment to the principles of courage and sportsmanship, while serving as an inspiration in the locker rooms and community.
Kampman suffered a significant football injury in November 2009 when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The defensive end spent the 2010 season rehabilitating his knee and accomplished his goal of returning for the 2010 season.
After returning to the field with the Jaguars and becoming a leader of their defense, Kampman tore the ACL in his right knee during week eight of the 2010 season. Prior to suffering the injury, Kampman made 25 tackles and tallied four sacks.
The 2010 season was Kampman’s first with the Jacksonville, as the Iowa native spent the first eight years of his career with the Green Bay Packers. During his time in Green Bay, he was a two-time Pro Bowl selection (2007, 2008) and a second team All-Pro honoree by the Associated Press in 2007.
Kampman, who suited up for the Hawkeyes from 1998-2001, earned first team all-Big Ten honors as a senior in 2001 after leading Iowa with nine sacks. He finished his career with 342 tackles and was a two-time academic All-American.
Upon graduation, he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Packers.
Kampman is the third former Hawkeye to receive the Ed Block Courage Award this season. Bradley Fletcher was the St. Louis Rams’ recipient, while Robert Gallery was honored by the Oakland Raiders.