Kentucky football’s Josh Paschal has been named a nominee for the 2019 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award, it was announced on Wednesday.
Paschal, a sophomore outside linebacker, has made an inspiring return to the football field after overcoming a malignant melanoma that appeared on the bottom of his right foot just before training camp was to open in the summer of 2018. He underwent three surgeries and monthly immunotherapy treatments for more than a year before being cleared in August.
The Prince George’s County, Maryland native battled back to return on a limited basis for the final three games of the 2018 season and has made an immediate impact this season.
Paschal, who was voted a team captain by his peers, has started in all six games for the Wildcats this season. He has totaled 18 tackles, a team-high 5.0 tackles for loss, one sack, a pass breakup and a forced fumble in his return.
The Courage Award was first presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) in 2002. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship. The winner of the award will be included in festivities during Capital One Orange Bowl week and receive his trophy at an on-field presentation.
| Previous winners of the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award: |
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2018 – Kyle Richard – SUNY Cortland
2017 – D’Cota Dixon – Wisconsin
2016 – James Connor – Pittsburgh
2015 – Hunter Knighton – Miami
2014 – Laken Tomlinson – Duke
2013 – Anthony Larceval – San Jose State
2012 – Daniel Rodriguez – Clemson
2011 – Arthur Ray – Michigan State
2010 – Eric LeGrand – Rutgers |
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2009 – University of Connecticut Football
2008 – Wilson Holloway – Tulsa
2007 – Zerbin Singleton – Navy
2006 – Ray Ray McElrathbey – Clemson
2005 – Tulane Football Team
2004 – Haracia Colen – Memphis
2003 – Neil Parry – San Jose State
2002 – William Bratton – Toledo |
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