The Bengals have named S Tycen Anderson as the recipient of their 2024 Ed Block Courage Award.
Coordinated through NFL athletic trainers, the award honors players who symbolize "professionalism, great strength and dedication," while also serving as role models in the community.
Anderson, a third-year player out of the University of Toledo, suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8 of the 2023 campaign at San Francisco. At the time of his injury, he led the Bengals with eight special teams tackles. He finished the game against the 49ers before further testing confirmed the injury, which required surgery and an extensive rehab process.
Anderson was cleared to return to practice ahead of training camp and has played in each of the Bengals' 10 regular-season games in 2024. He once again leads the team with eight special teams tackles, and his efforts in punt coverage during the Week 6 win over the N.Y. Giants were recognized with a game ball presented by head coach Zac Taylor.
"I am very humbled to accept the Ed Block Courage Award," said Anderson. "I want to thank the Bengals, the state of Ohio and the city of Toledo for their support during my three seasons in the NFL, and especially over the past year as I recovered from my injury. I also want to shout out the Bengals' strength staff and athletic training staff for helping me get to this point today."
"Tycen's perseverance was on full display as he battled through his rehab process," said Bengals Director of Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer Matt Summers. "His trust, tremendous work ethic, consistency and faith were all integral in his successful return, and it is exciting to see him back on the field making plays."
Away from the field, Anderson returns annually to his hometown of Toledo, where he hosts a Local Legends Youth Football Camp and McKinley Broncos Little League Football Camp. This past summer, he volunteered at the Bengals Character Playbook Skills & Drills Clinic powered by Gatorade.
