LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Bears pass rusher Robert Quinn and running back Khalil Herbert on Tuesday were recognized as the recipients of the annual Brian Piccolo Award, which is considered the team’s most prestigious individual honor.
The Piccolo Award is presented annually to a veteran and rookie who best exemplify “the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Brian Piccolo.” The recognition is voted on by Bears players.
A beloved running back for the Bears, Piccolo died of embryonal cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of germ cell testicular cancer, at the age of 26 in 1970.
An 11-year NFL veteran, Quinn broke the Bears’ single-season sacks record in 2021 with 18.5 sacks. He surpassed Hall of Fame defensive lineman Richard Dent's previous record.
At a ceremony at Halas Hall on Tuesday, Quinn shared the story of when he learned he had a brain tumor at age 17 and was warned he could have a week to live. The doctors didn't know whether it was cancerous or benign but needed to operate and reduce the swelling. The surgery was successful, and the tumor was benign.
“I mean, you try being 17 and they tell you you got a week,” Quinn said. “But after a couple of days I kind of came to grips with it: ‘I’m about to leave this world.’ So, I was trying to go out as happy as possible and I guess from there on out, I just tried to live that same way because we all go though bad things, it’s just how you approach it and make the most out of your situation.
“I’ve been blessed to still be here today and keep making positive of my situation.”
Quinn, 31, joined the Bears on a five-year deal in March 2020.
Herbert, who turned 24 last week, rushed 103 times for 433 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie last season. He emerged midseason after starting running back David Montgomery suffered a knee injury.
Herbert took pride in being voted the award winner by his Bears teammates.
“It means a lot,” Herbert said. “Just to be with those guys every day, in the building with them, being in the locker room. When it comes to my teammates voting for me, it means the world for me.”
The Bears celebrated the Piccolo Award during a ceremony in the PNC Center at Halas Hall, with new head coach Matt Eberflus, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and defensive coordinator Alan Williams each speaking on behalf of the team.
Members of the Piccolo family and past award winners were in attendance for the ceremony. Bears matriarch Virginia McCaskey was also present for the ceremony.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.