Bloomfield HS Football Player 'Always Helps Those Who Need It'

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Jimmy Rodriguez of Bloomfield High School has been nominated for USA Football’s “Heart of a Giant Award.”

The 2021 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants, recently announced a new roster of award nominees. The student-athletes were nominated by their coaches for their “commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.”

Here’s why Rodriguez was nominated, according to his coach:

"Jimmy comes from a strong family background and believes in loyalty, dedication and commitment. A very good football player with outstanding technique. Jimmy is very much respected by all players and staff. Jimmy always helps those who need help."

Fans and supporters can vote for their favorite nominee until Oct. 25, with the final vote tally determining who will be named the group’s finalist.

Overall, there will be six weekly finalists and five wild card finalists, leading to 11 total honorees. Each finalist will receive $1,000 for their high school’s football program, with the grand prize winner’s school getting an additional $4,000. The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the “Heart of a Giant.”

Other week five nominees in Essex County included Patch McCarthy of Cedar Grove High School, Nick Silverthorne of James Caldwell High School, and Devian Parker-Rogers of Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark.

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