Season-Ending Injury For Montclair Teen Football Standout Doesn't Dampen His Team Spirit

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A high school football player in Montclair has been nominated for a prestigious “Heart of a Giant Award.”

Nate Chou, a senior at Montclair Kimberley Academy, 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.

Chou was nominated as part of the Week 2 players. Voting will be open until Sept. 21. Fans can vote for him online here.

Here’s what earned the ambitious QB/WR/DB a nomination, organizers said:

“Nate Chou, a senior at Montclair Kimberley Academy, has been a standout football player and student leader throughout high school. He has earned First Team All-League honors as a safety and was named Rookie of the Year, showing exceptional skill on the field. Despite suffering a fractured tibia and fibula that required multiple surgeries and ended his senior season, Nate remained a team leader, helping motivate teammates and maintain team culture. Academically, he has earned Honor Roll every semester and serves as student body president, using initiatives like ‘Nate’s Takes’ and ‘Cougar of the Week’ to highlight and celebrate peers. He founded a football camp to give back to younger athletes and graduated from the World Leadership School after a transformative experience in Tanzania. Nate has committed to Wesleyan University as a recruited football player and continues to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and dedication both on and off the field.”

"The physical recovery was tough, but the mental recovery—accepting the loss of football—was even harder," Chou wrote as part of his submission to the contest. "Football taught me how to be resilient, disciplined, and how to lean on my teammates and coaches for strength."

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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