Larry Prout Jr. to receive Pete Schmidt Courage Award

The state of Michigan Chapter of the National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame are set to give this year’s Pete Schmidt Courage Award to Larry Prout, Jr. The ceremony is set to take place during the 2018 Michigan Chapter National Football Foundation All State Banquet on Dec. 20 at the Dearborn Inn in Dearborn, Michigan.

Michigan offensive lineman Grant Newsome, who is also a close friend of the Prouts, was honored with the same award last year for his fight back from his knee injury a few seasons ago. He will be attending the ceremony with Larry and his family.

“I was so surprised to get invited! Grant was honored last year and he is so brave,” Prout told Maize n Brew. “I try hard to have courage. Sometimes I hurt so bad it’s hard to get up. But I remember how my Michigan Football friends give me a fist pump before the games or at practice and say ‘We appreciate you Larry. You give me strength Larry.’ I wish I could play football but I can’t. But I can be brave and strong and try to help others like they have helped me.”

Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh will be the guest speaker at the event.

Annual attendance is around 500 including the 2018 Michigan High School Football Coaches Association All State Dream Team Members and 2018 Coach of the Year John Harrington from Farmington Hills Harrison, high school coaches from throughout the state Michigan, parents, as well as college coaches from across the country who recruit the state of Michigan.

Larry Jr’s story is one that is well-known among Michigan fans, having undergone 102 surgeries in his life so far. His presence around the football team has been an inspiration to those around him and he puts his heart and soul into everything he does with a smile that lights up the room. No person is more deserving of this honor and we’re proud to call Larry and his family friends of the site and among some of the most faithful fans out there.