Keansburg Football Player Nominated For 'Heart Of A Giant'

KEANSBURG, NJ — A student at Keansburg High School has been nominated to receive a 2019 USA Football "Heart of a Giant" award, presented by none other than the New York Giants NFL team and the Hospital for Special Surgery.

From across New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, high school football players nominate athletes for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication. Athletes that win can receive a $10,000 equipment grant for their program. You can vote for a player here: https://usafootball.com/programs/recognition-awards/heartofagiant/ (This senior at Raritan High School in Hazlet was also nominated.)

Christian Rasmussen, a senior at Keansburg High, was born with cancer, which led to the ultimate amputation of his arm.

Rasmussen started playing football in the 7th grade, but he took a break freshman year and started again sophomore year of high school.

Football helped him gain a brotherhood in all of his teammates who didn’t treat him differently after his surgery.

“They've helped me get physically stronger and in the best shape, I've ever been, but also in the right mindset to never give up on something if your passionate about it,” said the teen. He sends thanks to his family, doctors, teachers, teammates, and coaches every day for helping him realize that no dream is too far away if you work hard enough.

Head Coach John Bird says, “Christian is also the first to be at all of our volunteer events and shows what true team spirit is about.”