Levittown Footballer Nominated For Award From The Giants

Aneeq Raja, a senior at Island Trees High School, is one of 10 football players from the Tri-State area that has been nominated for the first round of the 2017 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award.

The awards, presented by the New York Giants and the Hospital for Special Surgery, honors high school football players for their commitment, teamwork, character and dedication. They were all nominated by their coaches.

Raja suffered a season-ending ankle injury during the first game he played in last year. However, his determination to rehabilitate his injury and get back to the field for his senior year showed as he is set to take the field stronger and faster than he was. Off the field, Raja organized a new school mentorship program for students in grades 2 through 4. A standout player for Island Trees, Raja is currently being recruited by NCAA Division I, II and III football programs.

Also nominated from Long Island were Michael Kane of Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School and Dylan Laube of Westhampton Beach High School.

Voting for these nominees will be open for 25 days, with final vote tally determining who will be named the group’s finalist. One grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the Heart of a Giant and will be honored on the field during a New York Giants’ home game. All six finalists will receive $1,500 for their high school’s football program, with the winner’s school getting an additional $3,500.

Photo: Couresy Raja Family