Linebacker Nick Roach defensive tackle Stephen Paea are the 2011 winners of The Brian Piccolo award, which has been given out to a Chicago Bears rookie since 1970 and to a veteran since 1992. The winners are voted on by the players and the criteria they vote on is as follows;

Teammates vote for the rookie and veteran who best exemplify the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Brian Piccolo.

Some tweets after the jump from the announcement.

From Zach Zaidman's Twitter:

Rod Marinelli on Stephen Paea winning Piccolo Award: "He reflects this award in my opinion."

Stephen Paea on winning Piccolo Award: "I am truly blessed and honored to have this award."

Paea says he was moved by watching "Brian's Song."

Bob Babich on Nick Roach winning Piccolo Award: "He excels in teamwork."

From Brad Biggs' Twitter:

Nick Roach: "The story kind of hitting me hard thinking about who Brian Piccolo is."

Roach said he was undrafted free agent like Piccolo. Said he is 26, age Piccolo was when he passed.

Nick Roach was born on June 16, same day (different year) Piccolo passed. Roach delivering heartfelt speech.

NFL Charities donating $50,000 to Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. #Bears