Bayport-Blue Point Athlete Nominated For 'Heart Of A Giant' Award

BAYPORT-BLUE POINT, NY — Brendan Mattimore, a Bayport-Blue Point High senior and star athlete, has been nominated for a "Heart of a Giant" award.

Now celebrating the program’s 11th year, the 2024 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award, presented by the Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants, announced the weekly group of nominees Thursday.

"These outstanding Tri-State area high school football players, mascots, team managers, flag football players etc. have all been nominated for the award by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character, and dedication," USA Football said.

While Mattimore's dedication to the game is consistent, one game stands out to the school.

"He stepped into the QB position and started off throwing an interception. We were down at half time, he gathered his thoughts and ended up throwing two long passes for TD's that propelled us to win, " officials said.

Mattimore's nomination follows a devastating injury that left his jaw wired shut for six weeks, complete with plates and screws in, the school district said.

But that didn't stop him from supporting his team and a sport he loves.

He still showed up at every practice.

"All the while, he attended every single practice. He was cleared in late August to do non-contact and he has done everything that the doctors have allowed him to do. He has helped coach, but also taken super active roles on the scout team and anything non-contact on the first team," the district said. "He is a team-first player. He is hoping to get fully cleared soon. There is nothing that stops or deters this young man."

The voting period for Mattimore's group is now open until Sunday, October 6 at 11:59 p.m. , with the final vote tally determining who will be named the weekly group’s finalist.

At the end of the 6-week voting process, six finalists and five wild card finalists will be named, for a total of 11 finalist honorees. Each finalist will receive $1,000 grant for their high school’s football program, with the grand prize winner’s school getting an additional $9,000 equipment grant.

The grand prize winner and his coach will be honored on the field at a future New York Giants game this season. 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.