Texans offensive tackle David Quessenberry wins George Halas Award.
Texans guard David Quessenberry, who battled non-Hodgkin lymphoma for almost three years, is the winner of the 2017 George Halas Award.
The Halas Award, voted on since 1969 by the Professional Football Writers of America, is presented annually to the “player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.”
Quessenberry, 26, finished chemotherapy treatment in April and has been participating in the offseason program. He is the first member of the Texans organization to win the Halas Award, which is named after the founder and longtime coach of the Chicago Bears, who also helped form the NFL.
New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath was the first Halas Award winner in 1969. Kansas City safety Eric Berry, who also beat cancer, won the award in 2016.
“Some legends of our game have received this award, and I’m honored and humbled to be a part of it,” Quessenberry said. “I’m proud to receive this award, not just for my fight and everything that I went through, but also to represent everyone who helped me get back to playing football.
“The Texans organization stood behind me when I felt like the furthest thing from a football player. They gave me that motivation to see this thing through and beat it and get back to the field, where I belong.”
Other finalists for the award were New England quarterback Tom Brady, New York Giants defensive end Jason PierrePaul, Baltimore tight end Dennis Pitta and Miami defensive end Cameron Wake.
In his four seasons with the Texans, Quessenberry never has played in a regular-season game.
Quessenberry, a sixthround pick from San Jose State in 2013, spent his rookie year on injured reserve after suffering a broken foot.
In June 2014, Quessenberry was diagnosed with cancer and began his ordeal that ended in April, when he finished chemo and was declared cancerfree.
Brown expected to miss minicamp
Veteran offensive tackle Duane Brown isn’t expected to attend the Texans’ mandatory minicamp that begins Tuesday, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
A three-time Pro Bowl blocker, Brown is unhappy with his contract. He’s due a nonguaranteed $9.65 million base salary this season and $9.75 million in 2018.
Brown ranks 11th in 2017 and 12th in 2018 among left tackles in terms of cash compensation.
Under the NFL collective bargaining agreement, Brown can be subject to fines totaling $80,400 if he misses the entire minicamp.
Safety Williams to pay visit
Former Buffalo Bills safety Aaron Williams is scheduled to visit the Texans on Thursday, according to league sources.
Williams, a former University of Texas standout, was cut by the Bills in March. He suffered recurring neck injuries over the past two seasons and was placed on injured reserve in November on the heels of an ugly collision with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry. Landry drew criticism for the hit, apologizing to Williams after being fined $24,309 by the NFL for the illegal crackback block.
Williams’ health has improved significantly since last season after being limited to 10 games over the past two seasons.
Williams missed 13 games with a neck injury in 2015, underwent surgery and contemplated retirement before returning to play last season and getting hurt again.
Williams is a 6-foot, 199-pound former Bills second-round draft pick who moved to safety after originally playing cornerback during his first two NFL seasons.
For his career, Williams has recorded 257 tackles, seven interceptions, two forced fumbles and 36 passes defended. He had a career-high four interceptions in 2013 after switching to safety.
Watson, Watkins see White House
Texans rookie quarterback De shaun Watson and defensive lineman Carlos Watkins attended a White House ceremony Monday to honor the Clemson national championship team.
Watson and Watkins are scheduled to return for the minicamp that begins Tuesday. Texans owner Bob McNair arranged for the players’ travel to join their former teammates in Washington.
Watson, a Heisman Trophy finalist, threw the game-winning touchdown pass in the final minutes of the BCS national title game to defeat Alabama before being drafted in the first round this spring by the AFC South champions.
Watkins was drafted in the fourth round by the Texans after leading Clemson last season with 10½ sacks and being named an All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection.