Courage. Loyalty. Teamwork. Dedication. A sense of humor. Those are just a few traits that described the late Brian Piccolo.
Every year, the Chicago Bears select a veteran and a rookie that best exemplify those traits to honor the former Bears running back with the Brian Piccolo Award. This year’s recipients are pass rusher Robert Quinn and rookie running back Khalil Herbert.
Quinn is coming off his best season with the Bears, where he set a franchise single-season record with 18.5 sacks. He tallied 12 sacks in the final eight games, recording at least a half sack in 14 of 16 games. Quinn was voted to the Pro Bowl and named second-team All-Pro.
“It’s definitely an honor to be nominated for this,” Quinn said, via ChicagoBears.com, “so thank you to the McCaskey and Piccolo families and my teammates for voting for me.”
Every year, the Piccolo Award is given to a rookie & a vet who represent the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication & sense of humor Brian Piccolo was known for.
Congrats to our 2021 recipients, Robert Quinn & @JuiceHerbert! 🐻⬇️
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 26, 2022
Herbert, a sixth-round rookie, impressed during his short stint in a starting role in place of an injured David Montgomery. From Weeks 5-8, Herbert rushed for 344 yards, never rushing for less than 72 yards during that span. He also proved his effectiveness as a kickoff returner.
“I’m honored to receive this award,” Herbert said. “I just want to say thank you to the McCaskey family, the Piccolo family and the Bears organization for allowing me to be a part of this rich tradition. Embodying loyalty, teamwork and dedication is something I always strive for on and off the field, so I’m honored to receive this award.
“I also want to thank my teammates for voting for me to be the rookie that receives this award. I will continue embodying these characteristics on and off the field and hope to make everybody proud in this room and my family back home.”
Piccolo is most known for his relationship with former Bears Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers, and their friendship was the spotlight of the film Brian’s Song, which has left a profound impact on many who have watched it.
Piccolo passed away after embryonal cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of germ cell testicular cancer, had spread to his chest cavity. He was 26 years old. Still, Piccolo’s memory lives on through the stories told and an annual award that honors those traits that defined his character.
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