U-E Tiger Nominated For Football Heart of a Giant Award

The New York Giants are off to a great start for the 2022 season. In fact, they are one of only three teams left in the NFC with an undefeated record joining Philadelphia and Tampa Bay. Yes, it's early but the Giants haven't been 2-0 since 2016.

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That is great but this is even better as the NY Giants have teamed up with Hospital for Special Surgery with the 2022 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award. This is a program for high school athletes, student managers, student mascots from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut who demonstrate that extra something special

They are looking for students with a relentless work ethic and unmatched love for the game. The students were nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.

There are six weekly finalists and five wild card finalists, leading to 11 total honorees. Each finalist will get $1,000 for their high school's football program. The grand prize winner will receive an additional $10,000 equipment grant for their high school program.

The will also a USA Football Heart of a Giant trophy presented to them on the field during a New York Giants' home game in December. Having a Heart of a Giant includes commitment, character, teamwork, dedication and will.

Football Heart of a Giant Award Nominee From The Southern Tier

I'm proud to announce that one of the Heart of a Giant Award nominee is from the Southern Tier. It's Union-Endicott Tiger's own Qymani Viera-Powell and he plays on the defensive line. The Heart of a Giant characteristic that he embodies the most is "Will."

"Will" demonstrates the desire and drive to succeed both on the field, in the classroom and within the community. This is part of Viera-Powell's submission:

Will - "I've lost many people in my life and have been through many hardships in life and yet I still have my will to fight and play through anything. I've had to overcome hurricane Harvey, losing my uncle, my house, not having a house and many other things."

You can read the rest of his story (along with the other nominees) and vote for Viera-Powell here.

U.S. News & World Report Ranks Southern Tier High Schools

Wondering how your Southern Tier area high school ranks nationally and within New York state? U.S. News and World Report have taken away the guesswork by doing the research for you. Note that not all schools in the Southern Tier are on this list as some of them are not rated.

MORE THAN YOU THINK: Notable NFL Players Born In Upstate New York

Many football heads point to Florida, California, and Texas as the biggest hubs of football talent, but upstate New York has had its fair share of players to become difference makers in the NFL.

Take a look at the players born in upstate New York who have lived the NFL dream!