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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Tinoisamoa earns Rams’ courage, inspiration award

Associated Press

Pisa Tinoisamoa

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St. Louis linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, who played most of the season despite numerous injuries, was named the Rams' winner of the Ed Block Courage Award.

The former University of Hawaii linebacker, who led the team in tackles in his first three seasons, despite suffering a dislocated elbow, a broken hand and dislocated shoulder throughout the course of the season.

He was placed on the injured list Dec. 14.

Tinoisamoa first dislocated his left elbow in Week 2 at San Francisco. After missing only two plays, Tinoisamoa returned to action after getting braced and taped to finish with four tackles (three solo).

In Week 4 against Detroit, Tinoisamoa dislocated the same elbow, finishing the game with six tackles (two solo) and his first sack of the season.

During practice for the Rams' Week 6 contest against Seattle, Tinoisamoa sustained a broken right hand.

He was able to play in the game, notching six tackles (three solo) and his second sack of the season, but missed the next two games.

In Week 13 against Arizona, Tinoisamoa dislocated his right shoulder, finishing the game with three tackles (two solo).

After another three-tackle game against Chicago in Week 14, Tinoisamoa was placed on the reserve/injured list.

He has since undergone right shoulder surgery.

The Ed Block Courage Award is named in honor of Ed Block, the longtime head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts, who was a pioneer in his profession and a respected humanitarian.

The Courage Award recipients embody everything that is positive about professional athletes as they serve as inspirations in their locker rooms and constructive role models in their communities. They are often players who have overcome devastating injuries or tragedies in their personal lives to return to the top level of competition that is the NFL.

The Ed Block Courage Award is selected by the players.

COWBOYS

Singletary interviews

Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary has been a motivational speaker, written four books and co-founded a company that provides leadership training since his playing career ended. Tuesday, he made his pitch to be head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

Singletary was the eighth candidate to be interviewed by Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones about replacing retired coach Bill Parcells.

"I thought it went pretty well," Singletary said.

Jones last week interviewed Cowboys secondary coach Todd Bowles, who is black, thus fulfilling an NFL requirement for a minority candidate. Singletary is also black.

Singletary, 48, retired as a player after the 1992 season. He has been coaching in the NFL since 2003, two years with Baltimore and the last two with the 49ers.

PRO BOWL

Lewis withdraws

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis withdrew from the Feb. 10 Pro Bowl in Honolulu because of a hand injury he sustained in a playoff loss to Indianapolis.

Lewis' place on the AFC roster will be filled by teammate Bart Scott, who was an alternate and will be making his first appearance in the game in Honolulu.