CHARLOTTE — It took a few years for Derrick Brown to become the kind of dominant defensive tackle who goes to Pro Bowls. And the work was hard.

But the work to overcome a serious knee injury that ended his 2024 season after one game was even harder.

And now that he's back to his old form, it's easy to think it was a linear process. But having to take a major step back and build again has made Brown grateful for the work so many people put into getting him back.

His coaches and teammates are likewise glad to have him back, anchoring a defense that's made incredible strides with his return.

That's why his teammates voted him this year's winner of the Ed Block Courage award, which goes to "players who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage." And that's why

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