Wire Honored with Courage Award

Linebacker Coy Wire, who overcame a career-threatening injury as a member of the Buffalo Bills was the Falcons recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award for the 2009 season. Wire and his counterparts from around the league accepted the award Tuesday in Baltimore. The eight-year veteran joined the Falcons in 2008 and has twice been named special teams captain. It took six months after neck surgery for Atlanta to call, but Wire, an inspiration in mind, body and spirit, has not let anything from his injury slow him down. He had eight tackles on defense and special teams last season and was a key contributor on coverage units in 2008. He also played a valuable role as an outside linebacker in the team’s playoff push. Aspects of his journey were highlighted in a special series on NFL Network entitled “On the Fringe,” in which Steve Wyche profiled players fighting for roster spots. “I definitely learned how fortunate I am to play this game,” Wire told the The P...