The Bengals have named CB Dax Hill as the recipient of their 2025 Ed Block Courage Award.
Coordinated through NFL athletic trainers, the award honors players who symbolize "professionalism, great strength and dedication," while also serving as role models in the community.
Hill, a fourth-year player out of the University of Michigan, suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 5 of the 2024 campaign against Baltimore. Hill, who spent his first two seasons lining up at safety, had earned a role as a starting cornerback prior to the injury. He underwent surgery in late October 2024, and proceeded with an extensive recovery process.
Hill was cleared to return to practice ahead of training camp this past summer, and once again earned a starting CB spot entering the regular season. He has started all 16 games at CB this season and recorded 86 tackles, two TFLs, 11 PDs and one INT, along with three tackles on special teams. He has continuously displayed his versatility within the Bengals' defense, lining up both on the inside as a nickel CB and on the perimeter as a boundary corner.
"I want to thank the entire organization and my teammates for thinking highly of me in coming back from my injury," said Hill. "Representing the team well, coming back and making an impact was my big focus. I thank everybody for being in my corner and I'm happy being back with the guys."
"There is not a more deserving player than Dax Hill for the Ed Block Courage Award," said Bengals Director of Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer Matt Summers. "Dax is a very consistent 'everyday' guy. His unwavering work ethic and trust in the rehab plan allowed him to successfully return to the field in 2025 without hesitation. Dax is also very gracious with the time he commits to community service, and his humility further reflects the values he poses for his teammates to vote him as this year's recipient."
Away from the field, Hill supports several community initiatives around Cincinnati. He regularly commits time to MIB Agents of Osteosarcoma Alliances, a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness, funding research and supporting families affected by osteosarcoma. For the Bengals' My Cause My Cleats game in Week 12, Hill wore cleats dedicated to MIB Agents and hosted local families at a team practice. Hill also participated in a school supply drive at Rockdale Academy in Cincinnati this past August, donating over 250 kits for students ahead of the academic year. He additionally has supported the Salvation Army West Side Corporation, volunteering time at a toy shop drive to pack gifts for families during the holidays.
