Denver center awaiting surgery on both hips
The Broncos selected center Matt Paradis as the recipient of their Ed Block Courage Award for the 2016 season. Paradis is the only Bronco to play every offensive or defensive snap in each of the last two seasons.
Paradis fought through hip injuries for the majority of the 2016 season, while playing all 999 snaps. He said Friday that he will have staggered surgeries on both hips, with the first operation coming immediately after the season.
“I’ll be back next year. They’re very confident about that,” Paradis said. “We’re going to get these surgeries done and be back as soon as possible. Hopefully that means (by offseason) OTAs.”
Paradis said Dr. Marc Philippon at The Steadman Clinic in Vail will do the surgeries. Philippon is known throughout the country for work in hip arthroscopy, including doing former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer’s hip surgeries.
Denver coach Gary Kubiak praised Paradis’ toughness and determination to fight through the injuries this season despite being limited to one practice per week. Paradis said he’s unsure what caused the injuries, but he’s confident about a full recovery and a return to play full time in the 2017 season.
Paradis was the Broncos’ most consistent offensive lineman almost immediately after becoming a starter at the beginning of the 2015 season. He was a sixthround pick in the 2014 draft and spent his rookie season on Denver’s practice squad.
His improved performance was saluted by his selection as a Pro Bowl alternate this season.
The Ed Block Courage Award is voted on by the players and the recipient exemplifies sportsmanship, character and courage. Last season, inside linebackers Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan were the Broncos’ cowinners of the award.
“Everyone gets injured. It’s more of a luck thing to play that much, but it’s an honor and I’m trying to stay on that path,” Paradis said. “It’s been a wild ride, but it’s been a good one. It’s a long way from being over.”