Phillips brothers nominated for Orange Bowl Courage Award

Virginia sophomore tight end Colter Phillips and his two brothers -- both of whom play Division I college football -- have been nominated for the 2010 Orange Bowl Courage Award. The award is given annually to the player(s), coach or support person in college football who display courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through a hardship.

Colter and his two brothers, Andrew and Paul, lost their father, Bill Phillips, in an August plane crash in Alaska. Andrew is a senior offensive guard at Stanford. Paul is a freshman tight end at Indiana. Their younger brother, Willy, 13, was one of four survivors of the crash, which killed five people, including former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens.

Andrew, Colter and Paul considered not playing football this season to be at home in Darnestown, Md. with their mother, Janet, and Willy. Each decided to return to their respective teams and continuing playing.

The recipient of the award, organized through the Football Writers Association of America, will be announced in mid-December. A presentation will take place during the week of the Orange Bowl, which will be played Jan. 3, 2011. For more information regarding the award, its past recipients and this year's other nominees, click here.