NEPTUNE, NJ — A football player from Neptune High School has been nominated for the Heart of a Giant Award, which honors players for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication on and off the field.
Dominick Territo, a WR/LB for Neptune High School, is a Week 1 nominee for the award from USA Football.
The Heart of a Giant program aims to recognize high school students from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut "who demonstrate an unparalleled work ethic and passion for the game of football."
The voting period for Week 1 nominees is open now and will be live until September 27th. You can vote here.
Once voting for Week 1 is completed, the nominee with the most votes will be named that week's finalist.
At the conclusion of the six-week process, there will be a total of 11 honorees (six weekly finalists and five honorable mentions) recognized for their work ethic and character.
Each finalist will receive a $1,000 equipment grant for their high school football program, with the grand prize winner earning an additional $9,000 grant for their school and being honored on the field at a future Giants game this season.
Selection of the grand prize winner will be based on video submissions explaining why they have the Heart of a Giant.
Territo was nominated because he "understands that leadership is not defined by playing time, but by the decision to show up, work hard, and serve others every day," his bio reads.
Throughout his time at Neptune High School, he has remained committed through every offseason workout, practice, and team responsibility, embracing his role and giving his best effort at all times, officials said.
According to his bio, that same commitment has helped him become a leader beyond the football field, as he's maintained a 4.0 GPA while serving as the highest-ranking cadet in Neptune High School's NJROTC program as Chief Company Commander.
Additionally, Territo has earned multiple honors recognizing his leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship and is considering a service academy after graduation.
His impact has also reached his community, where he participates in beach cleanups, park and community garden projects, food drives, cemetery flag and wreath placements, and the Patriot Polar Plunge.
"For Dominick, football has become more than a sport," officials said. "It has given him purpose, lifelong lessons, and an extended family—and taught him that being an underdog only makes the commitment to others more meaningful."
What Heart of a Giant characteristic best describes you and why?
Courage (Team Leadership or Achievement Despite Adversity). A time when I went above and beyond with my team was when we/Neptune made a statement in 2025 with a 9-2 season and the program's first playoff win since 2014, gaining up from D-north to C-north in 2026. We captured the Shore D North title for the first time in 27 years. Our coach was also named the winner of the 2025 New York Giants Lou Rettino HS Football Coach of the Week award, presented by Gatorade.
How do you demonstrate leadership in football?
I demonstrate leadership on the field by positively supporting teammates and coaches when they need it the most, always give 100%. Communicating clearly during high pressure plays and motivating my teammates to maintain peak focus and intensity. Off the field, I lead by example through my daily communication with coaches and my dedication to studying film to improve my and my teammates' overall performance in practice and games. I also take initiative in smaller responsibilities, such as leading underclassmen in managing water distribution to ensure the team is prepared for every practice and game.
How do you demonstrate leadership in your community?
I demonstrate leadership in my community through active service and a commitment to local improvement. I take initiative by participating in environmental efforts, such as beach cleanups and maintaining local parks and community gardens. Additionally, I show my dedication to civic duty and support for others by participating in the Patriot Polar Plunge, placing flags and wreaths at the local cemetery, and assisting with food drives at the local church.
How do you demonstrate leadership in the classroom?
In the classroom, I'm the first to arrive, always participating in lessons, consistently asking questions, and when needed, I'm the most dependable with my willingness to always help out. I volunteer to help teachers and students with assorted tasks, problems, questions, or someone to work together with. I just love helping others and always willing to assist fellow classmates/teammates. Helping is in my blood and I proudly utilize my leadership skills in doing so. I don't always have the answer, but working together to get it, is what it's all about. I feel like it also gives people courage to do the same. If I can do it, then so can you.
Academic Achievements
4.0 GPA
Honor roll throughout HS career
Unsung Hero Award for Football 2026
Drama club
Character Award
NJROTC Order of daedalians Award and Medal
American Veterans ROTC Recognition Award of Excellence and medal presented in recognition of outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship.
Earned the top-ranking leadership position in the Neptune NJROTC as Chief Company Commander for the 2026-2027 School Year.
Athletic Achievements
2026 - For Football Unsung Hero Award
2026 - Varsity letter awarded for NHS Tennis Season
Personal Accomplishments
Becoming the highest-ranked position in the school's program: Cadet Lieutenant Company Commander, Commanding Officer (CO) for Neptune High School NJROTC Program.
What are obstacles you've faced?
The obstacles I've faced have really tested my limits, both mentally and physically. Football has been my greatest teacher in overcoming them. The dedication to practice and the strategy of the game have taught me to approach challenges with a clear head and a determined spirit. The bonds formed with teammates have shown me the power of collaboration and mutual support, proving that we're stronger together. Ultimately, football instills a sense of resilience and perseverance that's invaluable in navigating any difficulty.
How did you first get involved in football?
I got involved with football by my love of sports, video games, and competition with friends. Getting together with the community to represent and be experienced with many life lessons, being an underdog team and being the passionate fan for the culture that surrounds the sport. I'm with the sport because it gave purpose and opportunity in my life, purpose as a man and has given me an extended family. I got into football also because of the sheer adrenaline of the game, the crowd and tension of each play, it doesn't feel real, the feeling is unbelievable. I got involved with football to get a better understanding for life, people, and the things I surround myself with everyday, it gives me lessons and makes me into the man that I am today.