Honoring high school students who inspire greatness
Heart of a Giant Award
The USA Football Heart of a Giant award, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants, recognizes high school students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut who demonstrate an unparalleled work ethic and passion for the game of football.
The award showcases the Tri-State high school tackle and flag football athletes, student managers, student mascots, or other designated student team members who demonstrate that extra something special— in the classroom, out in the community, or on the field.
The Heart of a Giant program is dedicated to advancing equity within the sport of football by recognizing the passion students, inclusive of all ability levels, have for the game with a chance to win a $10,000 equipment grant.
Heart of a Giant Spirit
HSS is the world’s leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 16th consecutive year), No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2025-2026), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report “Best Children’s Hospitals” list (2024-2025). In a survey of medical professionals in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics for a fifth consecutive year (2025). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection and complication rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center five consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida.
2025 Winner
Sam Bilali
Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan | Old Tappan, NJ
Sam Bilali, a junior wide receiver and defensive back at Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan, was born prematurely at 29 weeks with cerebral palsy resulting from a stroke as a newborn. He could not walk for the first few years of his life, facing significant physical challenges such as delayed milestones, limited mobility, and multiple surgeries, including spinal surgery. Despite these obstacles, he began playing football at the youth, freshman, and varsity levels. Now one of the team’s integral leaders, Bilali’s support and encouragement played a key role in the team’s 2023 Patriot Blue Division title, 2024 Group 3 State Championship, and return to the Group 3 State Championship in 2025. Off the field, Bilali was elected Class Officer, earned the Scholar Athlete Award four consecutive years, and was invited to join the Junior National Honor Society. He also founded Team Limitless, raising $4,200 to give children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports. As an aspiring sports broadcaster, Bilali serves as Sports Editor of his school newspaper. His unwavering commitment, character, teamwork, dedication, and will embody the true essence of having the Heart of a Giant.