Newark Teen Was Seriously Depressed, Then He Found Football

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark resident’s dedication to the game of football, as well as to the life lessons it offers, has already scored his high school a cool $1,000. And there may be more to come.

Duane Coleman, a student from Weequahic High School, recently emerged as the victor for Week 6 of the 2019 “Heart of a Giant” awards, which honor teen athletes that go above and beyond on the gridiron.

Coleman’s story is particularly compelling and inspiring. According to contest organizers:

“Duane Coleman was overweight and depressed, all while watching his mother struggle with addiction. Occasionally he’d have suicidal thoughts. When Coleman wanted to give up, he couldn’t because he felt he still had greater strengths and goals to achieve. Coleman would go on to achieve these goals and find these greater strengths once he joined the Weequahic Football Team.”

“That's when my life and joy and happiness started,” Coleman said. “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.”

Head Coach Brian Logan said once starting the Weequahic strength and conditioning program, Coleman lost more than 100 pounds.

“He is thriving in school and his community,” Logan said. “Duane’s life is better today because of football.”

Learn more about the Heart of a Giant awards.

Coleman will now match up against the other finalists for the final round of voting. USA Football, Hospital for Special Surgery and the Giants will review video submissions from the players and select a winner.

All finalists and four honorable mentions will earn a $1,000 equipment grant for their high school’s football program. The winner’s school will get an extra $9,000, and the honoree will get to take the field at a New York Giants home game in December.

Other finalists for 2019 include:

• Luke Hopkins – Fairfield College Preparatory High School (Fairfield, CT)
• Richie Arnett - Bay Shore High School (Bay Shore, NY)
• Max Marra - North Shore High School (Glen Head, NY)
• Danny Fiore - Raritan High School (Hazlet, NJ)
• Jayvian Allen - Freeport High School (Freeport, NY)
• Justin Barnhill - Newburgh Free Academy (Newburgh, NY)
• Louikenson Paul - Brien McMahon High School (Norwalk, CT)
• Blue Cooper - Tottenville High School (Staten Island, NY)
• Christian Rasmussen - Keansburg High School (Keansburg, NJ)

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.