New Bears head coach Ben Johnson presented Edwards and Odunze with their awards, and he also had a touching surprise up his sleeve. Johnson wrote a poem titled "More than a Jersey," which was dedicated to Piccolo and celebrated his life beyond the football player, which he read at the ceremony.

The award is given annually to one Bears veteran and one rookie who best exemplify the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Brian Piccolo.

Anyone who watched the Lions offense last year knows Ben Johnson is creative. Drawing up plays isn’t his only forte, though. Johnson wanted to be involved in the Bears annual Brian Piccolo Award ceremony because of what it means to the McCaskeys so,