2 Newark HS Football Players Have 'Heart Of A Giant,' Coaches Say

NEWARK, NJ — A pair of teens from Newark were recently nominated for USA Football’s “Heart of a Giant Award.”

The 2021 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants, recently announced a new roster of award nominees. The student-athletes were nominated by their coaches for their “commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.”

For week five, Devian Parker-Rogers of Malcolm X Shabazz High School got the nod. Here’s why he was nominated, according to his coach:

"Devian is very persistent, not only in his athletics but also in the classroom. He has maintained a steady GPA of a 4.0 and higher throughout his high school football career despite the passing of his mom, having jaw surgery, and several other adversities. He has also been a leader on the field, as one of our linemen captains and someone for his teammates to rely on for information or for studying plays."

For week six, Freddy Castillo of Newark Vocational earned a nomination. Here’s why he deserves the spotlight, according to his coach:

"Freddy is described as dedicated, thorough, and steadfast. Freddy constantly goes out of his way to help his teammates on the field as well as help other students in the classroom. He is a top notch student-athlete."

Fans and supporters can vote for their favorite nominee, with the final vote tally determining who will be named the group’s finalist. Overall, there will be six weekly finalists and five wild card finalists, leading to 11 total honorees. Each finalist will receive $1,000 for their high school’s football program, with the grand prize winner’s school getting an additional $4,000. The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the “Heart of a Giant.”

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