Dr. Samuel Taylor, Orthopedic Surgeon Sports Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Associate Team Physician, New York Giants; Charlie Burt, the 2016 Heart of a Giant award winner; Rashad Jennings, former New York Giants running back; and Mark Langella, head coach, Mahopac High School.

 

Do you know a player with the Heart of a Giant?

Now in its fourth season, the USA Football Heart of a Giant award program, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants, honors high school football players who inspire everyone around them.

Now through Oct. 11, Tri-State-area prep football coaches from the 550 New York, New Jersey and Connecticut high schools within 75 miles of East Rutherford, New Jersey, can nominate a player from their team who best represents the five Heart of a Giant characteristics:

Commitment: Unshakable work ethic in training and preparation

Teamwork: Inspires and aligns others to work together to achieve a common goal

Will: Demonstrates the desire to succeed on the field and in the classroom

Character: Leads by example and motivates teammates to be the best they can be

Dedication: Overcomes adversity and perseveres

USA Football will announce 10 weekly nominees over a six-week period at usafootball.com/heartofagiant. Fan voting will help determine six finalists, who’ll earn a $1,500 equipment grant for their program.

Finalists will submit a video that demonstrates why they have a Heart of a Giant, and the grand prize winner will receive an additional $3,500 equipment grant and be honored on-field when the Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 17.

Now in his eighth NFL season with the Giants, All-Pro Jason Pierre-Paul is this year’s Heart of a Giant ambassador and embodies the award’s signature traits.

Many thought JPP’s career was over after he suffered a devastating hand injury in a fireworks accident two years ago, but with the help of Dr. Scott Rodeo, Dr. Robert Hotchkiss and HSS staff, he remains among the top defensive ends in the league.

“It’s all about willpower. If your heart is in it, you can achieve anything,” Pierre-Paul said.

Previous Heart of a Giant winners displayed that same attitude:

2016 Winner: Charlie Burt, Mahopac H.S. (New York) – Video

2015 Winner: Chukwuma Ukwu, Roosevelt H.S. (New York) – Video

2014 Co-Winner: Anthony Cortazzo, Pascack Hills H.S. (Montvale, New Jersey) – Video

2014 Co-Winner: Jeremiah Minyard, Lincoln H.S. (Yonkers, New York) – Video

So who’s next? Tri-State coaches, we want to hear why your special student-athlete has the Heart of a Giant.

To nominate a player for this year’s award, click here.

For more information, contact Dan Gant at dgant@usafootball.com or (609) 619-3337.