A True Warrior: The Story of Mark Herzlich

Flash back to  December 2008 and life was good for Boston College Linebacker, Mark Herzlich. He had just been named an All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year, a true honor for someone who had just enjoyed one of the greatest individual seasons ever by a linebacker. If he had chosen to declare for the NFL Draft, Herzlich likely would have been chosen somewhere in the 2nd round, a position that tons of other kids all around the world would kill to be in. Instead, the soft-spoken Pennsylvania native decided to return for his senior season on Chestnut Hill and make one last-ditch run at an ACC title. Everything remained normal for Herzlich until the hallowed day of May 14, 2009 when the Eagle LB was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer.

The diagnosis changed Herlizch's life forever and forced him to change his focus from studying opposing quarterbacks and their tendencies to fighting a much tougher opponent, bone cancer. As is typical with cancer, Herzlich had to attend numerous doctor's appointments and undergo what probably seemed like endless hours of chemotherapy and radiation. Finally, after 6 months of the same daily routine, Mark Herzlich declared himself cancer-free on September 29 and made it public 4 days later prior to the BC game against Florida St. In one of those made for the movies sports stories, the young LB made a heroic return in the 2010 season opener against Weber St. and recorded 5 tackles. Herzlich was back in his normal spot at Middle Linebacker where he truly belonged.

Entering the NFL Draft in April, the BC alum knew there was a chance that he wouldn't be selected and would be forced to sit around and wait for a team to offer him a contract. His suspicions were confirmed and with the NFL lockout in place, all Herzlich could do was wait. For what seemed like an eternity, the lockout finally ended on July 25 and one day later, the New York Giants immediately inked Herzlich to a contract. His dream had come true despite what everyone may have said when he was diagnosed with cancer. Following a solid training camp, Herzlich was informed yesterday that he had earned a roster spot. What an accomplishment for someone who once appeared so far away from the NFL when he was making daily visits to the hospital just 2 years ago. This season, it appears as if Herzlich will play on special teams and have a chance to backup fellow BC alum, Mathias Kiwanuka at the Sam Linebacker spot. Whatever his role may be, Herzlich knows he should be grateful just to be on an NFL roster despite the fact that it once seemed like a foregone conclusion.