Courage. Loyalty. Teamwork. Dedication. A sense of humor. Those are just a few traits that describe the late Brian Piccolo.
Every year, the Bears select a veteran and a rookie that best exemplify those traits to honor with the Brian Piccolo Award. This year’s recipients are wide receivers Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney.
Every year, the Piccolo Award is given to a rookie & a vet who represent the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication & sense of humor Brian Piccolo was known for.
Congrats to our 2020 recipients @AllenRobinson & @Darnell_M1! 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/kmIlszIyvJ
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 27, 2021
Robinson and Mooney were two of the most exciting aspects of an otherwise underwhelming Bears offense last season. Mooney, a fifth-round rookie out of Tulane, exploded onto the scene, where he quickly climbed his way into the No. 2 wideout roll behind Robinson.
Robinson posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons — with questionable quarterback play. Chicago was able to retain Robinson through at least 2021 by using the franchise tag on him, where the hope is the two sides can finally lock down a long-term extension.
Piccolo is most known for his relationship with former Bears running back Gale Sayers, and their friendship was the spotlight of the film Brian’s Song, which has left many that watch it sobbing from the emotional connection felt in the film.
Piccolo passed away after embryonal cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of germ cell testicular cancer, had spread to his chest cavity. He was 26 years old. Still, Piccolo’s memory lives on through the stories told and an annual award that honors those traits that defined his character.
