McDougle courageous

Dec/07/06 09:03 PM Filed in: Jerome McDougle
Defensive end Jerome McDougle has been named the Eagles’ Ed Block Courage Award winner for 2006.

McDougle missed last season after suffering a bullet wound while visiting relatives in Miami. The incident occurred on the day before training camp. The 27-year-old McDougle had hoped to return during the season but suffered a setback that required emergency surgery.

This season, the Eagles’ No. 1 pick in 2003 has played only nine games this season. He has nine tackles and only one sack but is still optimistic.

“Life is just a struggle in itself. You’re going to have ups and downs, and you’ve got to keep pushing,” McDougle said. “I’m happy to be alive. Life is good to me. A lot of things that would bother most people, they don’t bother me. I’m just enjoying life.”

McDougle and his brother Stockar, a tackle for the Jaguars, have formed a foundation with the Broward County (Fla.) Athletic Association to promote education and interscholastic sports in the area.

(philadelphia.comcastsportsnet.com)