Hillsborough Football Player Nominated For Heart Of A Giant Award

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A Hillsborough High School East football player is among the nominees for the third week of voting for the 2018 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award.

Thomas Zdroik, a linebacker for the Raiders, is inspired by his father to perform well on the field.

"Recently my dad was diagnosed with colon rectal cancer and the cancer has spread to small parts of his liver and lungs. The day I found out this information devastated me, however it also made me realize that my dad is the strongest man I know and if he's going to fight cancer I'm going to fight too. Every practice, game, assignment and class I work to make my dad and my family proud. I have so much love and respect for the people around me and I feel that to earn their friendship and love back I have to strive in every environment and situation to be the best that I can be," Zdroik said.

Zdroik was nominated by head football Coach Kevin Carty.

"Tom has been an outstanding leader and player for four years. He is an unbelievable unselfish player who has played nearly every snap of the game. Off the field, Tommy is an outstanding student and wonderful example of community service. He has over a 3.7 grade point average, and volunteers at every opportunity to help the youth players in our program, " Carty says. “It has also been extremely impressive this year to witness Tom's irrepressible enthusiastic leadership while his father, and extremely devoted and helpful supporter for our program, has been undergoing chemotherapy and other treatment for aggressive cancer.”

The 2018 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and NY Giants announced their third set of 10 outstanding tri-state area high school football player nominees open for voting. These students have been nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication. You can vote for Zdroik here.

Voting for these nominees will be open for 25 days with final vote tally determining who will be named the group’s finalist. One grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the Heart of a Giant and will be honored on the field during a New York Giants’ home game. All six finalists will receive $1,500 for their high school’s football program, with the winner’s school getting an additional $3,500.

(Image via Heart Of A Giant)

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