Bloomfield Teen Football Star 'Plays Every Down' In Late Father's Memory

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A high school football player from Bloomfield has been nominated for a prestigious “Heart of a Giant Award.”

Shane Fernandez of Bloomfield High School recently earned a nomination for USA Football’s annual award, which is presented by the Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants.

Now entering its 12th straight year, the award spotlights high school athletes in the Tri-State Area who demonstrate a “relentless work ethic and unmatched love for the game.” Players are nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, willpower, character and dedication – on and off the field.

Fernandez was nominated as part of the Week 5 players. Voting will be open until Oct. 19. Fans can vote for him online here.

Here’s what earned the ambitious gridiron standout a nomination, organizers said:

"Shane Fernandez, a senior at Bloomfield High School, is a two-sport captain who has distinguished himself as both a leader on the field and a servant in his community. As captain of the football and track teams, Shane is known for his energy, positivity, and ability to unite his teammates in any situation. He balances athletics with strong academics, maintaining a 3.4 GPA while consistently earning High Honor Roll recognition. Off the field, Shane is deeply committed to service, volunteering to clean parks, distribute food, and support students with special needs as a Unified Sports partner and Special Olympics advocate. After losing his father in high school, Shane has played every down in his honor, showing resilience and strength through adversity. His character, compassion, and leadership make him a role model admired by teammates, coaches, and his community alike."

"One of the hardest obstacles I’ve faced was losing my father near the end of my sophomore year," Fernandez wrote as part of his submission to the contest.

"It was an incredibly difficult time, but my teammates and coaches stood by me and gave me the support I needed," he continued. "Since that day, every down I play is in honor of him, and football has become not just a game, but a way for me to keep his memory alive."

Here’s what comes next, organizers said:

“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.”

Previous winners and nominees from Essex County have included:

NJ Teen Wins ‘Heart Of A Giant Award,’ Overcomes Mother’s Death, Surgery

For this local teen, 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.”

Essex County Teen Battles Depression To Win ‘Heart Of Giant’ Award

Football changed this Essex County teen’s life. Now, the gridiron standout is inspiring his community with his love for the game.

Essex County Football Player, 'Role Model,' Nominated For 'Giant' Award

A high school football player from the Oranges managed to keep a "positive attitude" – even as his family faced a devastating home fire.

HS Football Player From The Caldwells Nominated For ‘Giant’ Award

This Essex County teen has proven that he has the "heart of a Giant." Now, the rest of the Tri-State Area needs to know it.

Football Standout In Essex County Is Up For ‘Heart Of Giant’ Award

An Essex County teen’s apartment was destroyed in a fire, leaving him and his family homeless. During this time, he only missed one day of school.

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