Bernards Footballer Nominated For Heart Of A Giant Award

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — If anyone knows about work ethic, it is Max Gray.

Gray has learned firsthand that size does not matter. His work ethic has allowed him to overcome being the shortest player in the program and become a "special teams stalwart" last season, earning his first varsity letter.

Gray was one of 10 New Jersey players nominated for the 2019 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award presented by the Hospital for Special Surgery and New York Giants. It was the first set of 10 nominees announced for the award. The players' coaches nominate players based on their commitment, teamwork, will, character, and dedication.

"Gray realized size doesn’t matter in order to succeed, and quickly treated this adversity as motivation with the help from his team," Gray's coach Jon Simoneau said.

Gray credited his teammates for making playing football so much fun.

"It’s the guys I play with that make playing, working, and winning all worth it," Gray said.

Six finalists for the award will be chosen from 60 nominees. Nominees are announced 10 a week over a six-week span. Fans can vote for Gray online here.

All six finalists will receive $1,500 for their high school's football program, with the winner's school getting an additional $3,500.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com