Cedar Grove High Football Standout Shows 'Giant Heart'

CEDAR GROVE, NJ — When the leaders of tomorrow demonstrate the hearts of giants, the entire world wins.

A Cedar Grove High School student is among nine New Jersey youth football standouts to be nominated for the 2017 USA Football “Heart of a Giant” award, presented by the Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants.

The annual award aims to recognize Tri-State area high school football players who demonstrate “unparalleled work ethic and a passion for the game.”

According to USA Football, Joe McCarthy, a running back at Cedar Grove High School, was selected for the competition by the NY Giants' committee based on his commitment, dedication, personal character and work ethic.

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McCarthy now goes up against his fellow Week 1 nominees to win a chance to bring home thousands of dollars in equipment donations to his school. People can vote every 24 hours for McCarthy in the Week 1 online playoff until Oct. 1 here.

Want to know how McCarthy represents the “Heart of a Giant?” Read some of his quotes below and check out his full essay responses for the contest here.

• "I faced adversity when I was very young and playing football. My grandmother was sick and in the hospital and my entire family was worried, including myself. Being able to go to football practice during this tough time was a huge sigh of relief. When I was out there with my best friends and having a great time playing the sport that I love, I felt like I was on top of the world. It gave me an escape from my fears and motivated me to work through the struggles of my family. Eventually, my grandmother left the hospital, but my motivation and drive from football helped me focus and keep my calm during this strenuous time."
• “My will off of the field helps me as achieve as well. I like to think of myself as a good student as I currently have a 3.5 GPA and flourishing test scores. I do not allow myself to slack nor regret any decisions I make. I know that it will all pay off one day, and that I will thank myself in the future."
• "All my friends know that I would run through a wall for the team. I am confident enough to believe that they would do the same for me. That's why football has such a special place in my heart. It develops character and it builds bonds like no other that will never be broken."

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