NY Giant Surprises NJ Teen With Prestigious Award: Video

NEWARK, NJ — The past few years have been a trial of endurance for many people in New Jersey’s largest city. But for Devian Parker-Rogers, who has excelled on the football field and in the classroom despite his mother’s death, surgery and other adversities, 2021 will be the year he truly showed he has the “Heart of a Giant.”

Recently, the Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants named Parker-Rogers, a Newark resident, as this year’s Heart of a Giant winner.

The annual award program puts a well-deserved spotlight on Tri-State high school athletes who show a “relentless work ethic and unmatched love for the game of football.” Read More: 2 Newark HS Football Players Have 'Heart Of A Giant,' Coaches Say

Here’s why Parker-Rogers deserved the nod for 2021, organizers said:

“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.”

NY Giants tight end Evan Engram surprised Parker-Rogers with the award during a Zoom meeting last week. The teen had been told he was going to be joining a Malcolm X Shabazz High School football team meeting, but instead, got a hearty, inspiring congratulations from Engram.

Watch the video below.

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