Watch: Mendham’s Shane Sullivan: Heart Of Giant Nominee

MENDHAM, NJ — Shane Sullivan, a football player at West Morris Mendham High School, is one of the nominees in the running for the Heart of a Giant Award.

A special award from the New York Giants and Hospital for Special Surgery, the program recognizes high school football players from the tri-state area.

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Winners are eventually chosen for a grand prize, based on the video they submit in final phases of the contest, answering "why they have the Heart of a Giant."

Sullivan's coach Ethan Jeros was inspired by Sullivan, 16, who has hurdled over his legal blindness to play the game. Among the criteria used to nominate football players, according to the award organizers, students are recognized by coaches "for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication."

RELATED: Mendham High School Football Player Is 'Heart Of A Giant' Nominee

Sullivan was recognized for his many positive qualities in the video submitted for the next steps toward the award, one was he “doesn’t allow his teammates to wallow in or get stuck in, the disappointment of adversity.”

• “Every play he won’t let you take a break, he’s always pushing you to give 100 percent of your effort.”
• “He’s a role model to the other kids, he jumps right in because he’s not afraid.”
• “He has that same energy in the classroom as he portrays on the field.”
• “He sees the world the way we wish we could see the world.”

Watch more below to hear all that was said about Sullivan in the video:

Sullivan being a finalist has helped West Morris Mendham High School earn a $1,000 equipment grant and the grand prize winner's high school will be given $4,000 more.

For more about the program, click here.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.