The Broncos chose center as the recipient of their 2016 Ed Block Courage Award. Paradis is the only Bronco to play every offensive or defensive snap in each of the last two seasons.
Paradis fought through hip injuries for the majority of the 2016 season, while playing all 999 snaps. He said Friday that he will have staggered surgeries on both hips with the first coming immediately after the season.
“I’ll be back next year. They’re very confident about that,” Paradis said. “We’re going to get these surgeries done and be back as soon as possible. Hopefully that means (by) OTAs.”
Paradis said Dr. Marc Philippon at The Steadman Clinic in Vail will do his surgeries. Philippon is known throughout the country for work in hip arthroscopy, including doing Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer’s hip surgeries.
Broncos coach Gary Kubiak praised Paradis’ toughness and determination to fight through the injuries this season despite being limited to one practice a week. Paradis said he’s unsure what caused the injury, but he’s confident about a full recovery and a return to play in the 2017 season.
Paradis became the Broncos most consistent offensive lineman almost immediately after becoming a starter at the beginning of the 2015 season. He was a Broncos 2014 sixth-round pick and spent his rookie season on the practice squad.
His play has only improved as noted by his selection as a Pro Bowl alternate this season.
The Ed Block Courage Award is voted on by the players and the recipient(s) exemplify sportsmanship, character and courage. Last season, linebackers and were the Broncos’ award recipients.
“Everyone gets injured. It’s more of a luck thing to play that much, but it’s an honor and I’m trying to stay on that path,” Paradis said. “It’s been a wild ride, but it’s been a good one. It’s a long way from being over.”
