Conestoga Graduate Ready to Beat the Odds. Again.

It’s not the first time has felt obligated to prove he belongs on a football field. The and Boston College graduate signed with the New York Giants last week after going undrafted by every team in the National Football League. It’s not something he easily forgets.

The 23-year-old Herzlich captured the nation’s imagination with his battle against Ewing’s sarcoma after being named ACC 2008 defensive player of the year his sophomore season at Boston College. There were doubts Herzlich would ever play football again, but he never doubted himself. Herzlich beat cancer and returned to the field last year for BC Eagles, then went undrafted by the NFL before signing with the Giants.

Now he’s back starting from scratch, and ready to go. But he feels he does have something to prove.

“I think I do,” Herzlich said. “I do have a chip on my shoulder, there’s no other way to say it. I can’t wait to show what I can do. This is a process. I still have a lot I want to accomplish. I’m not where I want to be yet, because I want to be on the Giants’ 53-man roster. I still have more to go. That would obviously be a big accomplishment if I do it.”

Herzlich was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer in his left leg, forcing him to miss the 2009 season at Boston College. Until then, he was being projected as a possible second-round draft pick. Herzlich was invited to the April 28 NFL Draft in New York City. He waited there and watched players being called that night—and then the following two days of the draft without one call from an NFL team.

“I have been told that I can't play football before a few times,” Herzlich said. “I remember tweeting after the draft ‘We all know what happened with that.’ I don’t what’s going to happen and how my body is going to react to things until I strap it on. But I feel good. I’m ready to go. I was training in Florida, I’ve been getting my body right and getting in better shape. I think I’ve progressed as an athlete the last few months. I can’t wait to go. I’m going to a nice situation. The Giants need linebackers, it’s a great opportunity for me to play in the NFL.”

The only adjustment Herzlich will have is playing for the Giants, considering he grew up an Eagles fan.

“My dad [Sandy] always like the Giants though, so I think everyone from home will get used to it,” Herzlich said. “I think it’s about proving myself and I said before I’ll always be associated with cancer. It’s something I’m very proud to say.”

It’s safe to say Herzlich’s large flock of followers won’t change—regardless of what colors he wears in the NFL.