Newark HS Quarterback Shot 6 Times, Makes Gutsy Comeback

NEWARK, NJ — Jaheem Burks was shot six times in a case of mistaken identity. He was told his football career was “pretty much over.”

The quarterback didn’t take no for an answer.

The traits of commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication that Burks displayed after a stunning gunshot injury after his junior year at Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark have earned him a nod as a nominee for the 2018 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award.

As a show of respect for Burks’ gutsy comeback, the NY Giants and the Hospital for Special Surgery will donate $1,500 to his high school, with a chance to earn an additional $3,500 if he can beat out an equally impressive field of his peers in the contest’s 2nd round of voting.

Show your support for Burks here. Voting will be open until Oct. 7.

Here’s why the Newark student has the heart of a giant, contest organizers say:

“After completing a strong junior season Jaheem was working hard in the weight room and classroom. He attended a fashion show/ party with friends. He was on his way home when a unknown gunman opened fire on the crowd of teens leaving the venue. Unfortunately, Jaheem was shot in his legs. He was rushed to the hospital, and has undergone three surgeries since the incident. Jaheem’s goal was to do his rehab and rejoin his team. After six intense months he was cleared and has rejoined his teammates. Coach Darnell Grant explains, ‘Jaheem is not chasing a scholarship or trying to play D1, if you ask him why he plays, it’s because his brothers need him.’”

Contest organizers asked Burks some questions about his comeback journey; here’s what he said. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page here. Learn more about the Heart of a Giant Awards here.

Q: Choose one of the criteria listed below this field that defines having the “Heart of a Giant” and explain how it applies to you.

A: “Dedication.” Unfortunately, I was shot 6 times in a case of mistaken identity. I was told that my football career was pretty much over. I did not take NO for an answer. I rehabbed extensively. My team and I just finished a 12-0 State Championship season. There was no way I wasn't going to defend our championship and keep our streak.

Q: Tell us about a time you faced adversity in your life and how playing football helped you overcome such adversity.

A: My football has always come pretty easy for me. I really never had issues making plays and running. After my shooting I had to learn how to walk again. I'm still not where I want to be but I can see the progress. I used to be one of the fastest guys on my team but now I'm struggling to regain my speed and quickness.

Q: What do you enjoy most about playing football?

A: I enjoy the competition! I love the feeling right before game time everyone is locked in. Everyone is focused on one thing, one goal and that is winning.

Q: Tell us about how you spend your time off the field or what you enjoy doing when not playing football?

A: When I'm not playing football I enjoy, spending time with my family and playing basketball with my friends.

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Photo: USA Football’s Heart of a Giant award program