Red Bank Regional Teen Got His Brother, Who Has CP, On Football Team

LITTLE SILVER, NJ — A local teen who plays football for Red Bank Regional was nominated for the 2022 USA Football "Heart of a Giant" award, which are given annually every October.

The student is Pierce Olsen, who lives in Little Silver. He was chosen because he asked his Red Bank Regional football coaches if there was a way his brother, who has cerebral palsy, could be part of the football team.

The coaching staff fully embraced that idea and Olsen's younger brother, Leo, now very proudly serves as the 'student direct of football operations' at RBR.

The Heart of a Giant Award is presented every fall by the Hospital for Special Surgery and NY Giants NFL team. The NY Giants ask high school football coaches across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to nominate outstanding student-athletes. The coaches are looking for students who show commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.

"Pierce is a truly dedicated player and teammate," say his Red Bank Regional coaches. "He supports his teammates. He is respectful of his opponents, coaches and all officials. He is a terrific role model and gives back to his community."

"Pierce gets involved to help younger athletes and students with special needs," they continued. "Pierce is an outstanding support and advocate for his brother, who has cerebral palsy. Pierce always missed out on having Leo being a teammate, so all through his athletic career, Pierce has advocated for his brother to have a role on his team. When Leo (Pierce's younger brother) was getting ready to start high school, Pierce met with the head coach and athletic director to discuss how Leo could be actively involved with the team. Pierce is all heart and has true character."

The voting period for these nominees is now open until October 16, with the final vote tally determining who will be named the group’s finalist.

You can vote here: https://usafootball.com/progra...

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 $10,000. The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the Heart of a Giant.