Warren Football Player Nominated For Heart Of A Giant Award

WARREN, NJ — A Watchung Hills Regional High School football player has been nominated for USA Football’s Heart of a Giant Award presented by the Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants.

Gerald Tobia, who serves as Team Manager, didn't let his diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia stop him from joining the Watchung Hills Regional High School football team.

"In March 2022 I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. While the diagnosis was shocking I was most upset to find out I could not participate in contact sports because I am receiving frequent chemotherapy through the port in my chest. Instead of walking away from football, I decided to still show up to workouts and practices when I felt well so I could watch and continue to learn the plays," stated Tobia.

Tobia started playing flag football in Kindergarten with Warren's local Pop Warner program. Eleven years later, these are the same group of boys on the Watchung Hills HS team.

Football has helped Tobia throughout the years to overcome obstacles in life.

"Prior to my Leukemia diagnosis, my only obstacle was managing my ADHD. At times I struggled to remain focused especially in settings when where are many things going on at once. Throughout the years of football I had to learn how to block out distractions so I could retain all directions and plays," stated Tobia.

Tobia is among 20 athletes that the public can vote to earn the Heart of a Giant award. These students have been nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.

The voting period for these nominees is open until Oct. 30, 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 $10,000. The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the Heart of a Giant.

For more information on the program, click here.

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