Somerville Football Player Nominated For NY Giants Award

SOMERVILLE, NJ — Jeffrey Pan of Somerville High School was nominated by his head coach to receive a 2019 "Heart of a Giant" award, presented by the New York Giants NFL team and the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

Pan, an offensive lineman, was nominated for overcoming social adversity. He had difficulty talking to people and forming solid friendships before playing football. It forced him out of his shell and made him bond with his teammates over the ability to trust and a common goal of winning.

"Rather than spending hours laboring over what someone would think of me, the mental toughness I gained from playing football meant I was able to shake off the criticism and focus only on developing relationships that were a positive influence in my life," Pan said.

From being a peer leader for incoming freshman, to being an officer for National Honor Society, to participating in "Kids for Kids," Pan has since come a long way from his previous social anxiety.

"Based on my experiences with Jeffrey it is without question that his leadership ability and consistent positive attitude will lead to success wherever he chooses," said Somerville High School Football Head Coach Dallas Whitaker.

Voting for Pan and other 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 and four honorable mention finalists will receive $1,000 for their high school’s football program, with the winner’s school getting an additional $9,000.

For more information on the program, click here.

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