“We have another outstanding group of linebackers,” said Dick Butkus, the award’s namesake. “This Award is about honoring linebackers, and reminding them that they have a responsibility to serve as role models and to give back to society.”
In that spirit, the 51-person selection committee elected to include Mark Herzlich from Boston College, who was a finalist in 2008. Herzlich was diagnosed in May 2009 with a rare bone cancer and has been unable to play as he completes treatment and has surgery later this year. He intends to return to the Boston College starting lineup in the fall of 2010.
“Mark Herzlich would have been a top contender for the Butkus Award this year had it not been for his illness,” said Hub Arkush of Pro Football Weekly, who supervises selectors. “The committee is so impressed with his inspirational story of recovery that we wanted to add him as a nominee.”
Congratulations to all those nominated.
- Obi Ezeh, Michigan
- Chris Galippo, Southern California
- Mark Herzlich, Boston College
- Greg Jones, Michigan State
- Sergio Kindle, Texas
- Sean Lee, Penn State
- Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
- Rolando McClain, Alabama
- Von Miller, Texas A&M
- Brandon Spikes, Florida
- Daryl Washington, Texas Christian
- Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
- Eric Norwood, South Carolina
- Perry Riley, Louisiana State
- Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina
- Rennie Curran, Georgia
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