East Orange Football Player, 'Role Model,' Nominated For 'Giant' Award

EAST ORANGE, NJ — A high school football player from East Orange who managed to keep a "positive attitude and outlook" – even as his family faced a devastating home fire – is up for a 2023 “Heart of a Giant Award.”

Corey Woolridge of East Orange Campus High School has been nominated for USA Football’s Heart of a Giant Award, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants.

Coaches throughout New Jersey nominate student-athletes for the award, praising their “commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.”

Here’s why Woolridge earned a nod this year, according to his coach:

"Corey faced a devastating fire that took their home. He never complained or looked for sympathy. He came to practice everyday with a positive attitude and outlook on life. He continued to be a great role model and mentor to his teammates."

Supporters can vote online for Woolridge as he faces off against other nominees until Oct. 29. Vote online here.

At the end of the voting process, six finalists and five wild card finalists will be named, for a total of 11 finalist honorees. Each finalist will receive $1,000 grant for their high school’s football program, with the grand prize winner’s school getting an additional $9,000 equipment grant. The grand prize winner and his coach will be honored on the field at a future New York Giants game this season. The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the “Heart of a Giant.”

Woolridge isn’t the only high school football standout in the area who has earned a nomination for the award this year. Other Essex County nominees for 2023 include Jake Gruzas of James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell, and Ibrahim Cisse of Weequahic High School in Newark.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.