Sports

‘No Job Too Small’ For West Caldwell HS Football Player

Nick Silverthorne of James Caldwell High School has been nominated for USA Football's "Heart of a Giant Award."

Nick Silverthorne of James Caldwell High School has been nominated for USA Football’s “Heart of a Giant Award.”
Nick Silverthorne of James Caldwell High School has been nominated for USA Football’s “Heart of a Giant Award.” (USA Football)

CALDWELLS, NJ — Nick Silverthorne of James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell has been nominated for USA Football’s “Heart of a Giant Award.”

The 2021 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants, recently announced a new roster of award nominees. The student-athletes were nominated by their coaches for their “commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.”

Here’s why Silverthorne was nominated, according to his coach:

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“He lost out on being elected captain and did not let that deter his commitment to the team. He is an extremely unselfish player who is always willing to do what it takes to make our team better. He is very good with our younger players and no job is too small for him. Nick is a crucial part of our defense. He is a two-year starter. Nick has worked very hard to put himself in the position he is in now. I would love to see his hard work rewarded and recognized.”

Fans and supporters can vote for their favorite nominee until Oct. 25, with the final vote tally determining who will be named the group’s finalist.

Overall, there will be six weekly finalists and five wild card finalists, leading to 11 total honorees. Each finalist will receive $1,000 for their high school’s football program, with the grand prize winner’s school getting an additional $4,000. The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the “Heart of a Giant.”

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Other week five nominees in Essex County included Patch McCarthy of Cedar Grove High School, Devian Parker-Rogers of Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark, and Jimmy Rodriguez of Bloomfield High School.

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