Text: (Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants defensive end; Sebastian Quinn, the 2017 Heart of a Giant award winner; Brett Ressler, head coach, Mendham High School; and Dr. Samuel Taylor, Orthopedic Surgeon Sports Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Associate Team Physician, New York Giants. Photo courtesy of New York Giants)

Sebastian Quinn, a junior offensive and defensive lineman for Mendham High School in West Morris, New Jersey, has been named this year's recipient of the USA Football Heart of a Giant award, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants.

Quinn was told of his selection in a surprise presentation at the school today, at which Giants All-Pro Jason Pierre-Paul, this year’s Heart of a Giant ambassador, presented the award to Quinn. His coach, Brett Ressler, and his family were present.

“Regardless of what the future holds for junior offensive and defensive lineman Sebastian Quinn, he will be forever remembered as one of the hardest-working, toughest, most committed players to ever compete at Mendham High School,” said Ressler said in his nomination letter.

Mendham will receive a $3,500 equipment grant in Quinn's name, on top of the $1,500 Mendham and all other finalists received, and Quinn will be honored on the field Sunday, when the Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium.

In 2014, Quinn was diagnosed with ALCL non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a blood cancer. Despite numerous trips to the hospital and chemotherapy treatments over the years, in addition to a bone marrow transplant and T-Cell infusions, Quinn continues to fight his disease head on. Despite what Sebastian has been through, he fights through it all to maintain his role as a key member of the Mendham football program. 

Quinn was selected from 10 finalists, after Tri-State-area coaches from the 550 New York, New Jersey and Connecticut high schools within 75 miles of East Rutherford, New Jersey, nominated players who best represent 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

Watch Quinn's nomination video here:

Pierre-Paul, this year's New York Giants ambassador, was a fitting choice. Many assumed his career was over after a devastating hand injury in a fireworks accident, but with the help of Dr. Scott Rodeo, Dr. Robert Hotchkiss and HSS staff, he continues to excel.

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