Mark Herzlich

A sportsman that redefines what it means to be a warrior, and what it means to fight and conquer, both on and off the field. American football linebacker Mark Herzlich has had to endure more than most other people, yet has also led an extremely successful career in football despite these setbacks. Born in Missouri, Mark first wowed audiences with his incredible talent during his time at Conestoga High School. He led the Pioneers to back-to-back Central League titles in both 2004 and 2005, and was the first player in the school’s history to win MVP three times. During his senior year he led the team in tackles with 153 and earned Associated Press Class First-Team AAAA All-State Honors.

Sorting through multiple college offers Mark eventually opted to attend Boston College and play for the Eagles. He earned College Football News Freshman All-American honors in his first year as a true freshman. Mark began his junior year as a preseason all-star candidate and on the Lott Trophy and Butkus Award watchlists. That same year he was named a first-team All-American, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and made the Projected top-15 pick for the 2009 Draft.

However an unfortunate diagnosis of Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, in early 2009 forced Mark to step away from the field briefly. His courage and tenacity during this time earned him the Disney Spirit Award, Nils V. “Swede” Nelson Award, an honorary Lott Trophy and the ACC Commissioner’s Cup. Mark made his triumphant return to the game, cancer-free, in 2010, winning both the Rudy Award and ACC’s Brian Piccolo Award. In 2011 the superstar finally made his NFL debut after being signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Giants. He played with the team up until 2018.