Newark Teen Battles Depression To Win ‘Heart Of Giant’ Award

NEWARK, NJ — It’s official: Duane Coleman has the heart of a giant.

Coleman, a student at John F. Kennedy School in Newark, plays football for the Weequahic High School football team. And it’s on this local gridiron that the teen laid the foundation for his well-deserved USA Football “Heart of a Giant” award.

Earlier this week, New York Giants’ tight end Evan Engram joined students, staff and faculty at John F. Kennedy School for a surprise presentation to honor the defensive lineman.

The Heart of a Giant award – presented by the New York Giants and the Hospital for Special Surgery – pays tribute to Tri-State area high school football players who demonstrate “unparalleled work ethic and passion for the game.” Learn more about the Heart of a Giant awards.

Coleman is a living personification of that spirit, award organizers wrote.

“Duane Coleman was selected to be this year’s winner because of his courage and success competing for the Weequahic football team, despite having to navigate through obstacles along the way. He was diagnosed with autism and battled depression due to being overweight. Coleman has turned to football to overcome these challenges. He currently attends John F. Kennedy School – a district wide special education school – but joined the Weequahic High School football team to suit up and hit the gridiron. Coleman has since lost more than 100 pounds, and he’s inspired faculty and other students to stay active as well.”

The kudos isn’t over yet for Coleman, who will be recognized on-field at the Giants’ Week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium.

Coleman’s fellow teammates stand to benefit from his hard work, too.

As part of the award, the Weequahic High School football program will get a $9,000 equipment grant, which comes in addition to a $1,000 award that Coleman earned for his school when he advanced to the final round of voting.

"That's when my life and joy and happiness started," Coleman previously said, recalling his discovery of the sport he loves. "I was motivated by losing weight and working hard to become a better person in life on and off the field. The commitment and dedication it took to keep a smile on my face when most kids would have thrown in the towel."

"He is thriving in school and his community," Head Coach Brian Logan said. "Duane's life is better today because of football."

• See related article: Newark Teen Was Seriously Depressed, Then He Found Football

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