Victor Flores, a sophomore at Edison High School in New Jersey, has been nominated for the 2025 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award — an honour given to high school football players who show remarkable courage, character, and commitment on and off the field.
For Victor, this nomination means more than just recognition — it’s a powerful reminder of how far he has come.
Beating Cancer and Getting Back on the Field
Victor’s journey hasn’t been easy. At just 10 years old, he was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He had to go through years of chemotherapy, regular scans, and deal with lasting health problems, including a heart murmur and kidney complications.
Despite all of this, Victor never gave up. Today, he plays the position of Center on his high school football team — a role that requires strength, focus, and leadership.
In his nomination bio, Victor shared, “Playing football after battling cancer and living with health risks takes strength and determination. Even though doctors warned me about the chance of breaking my arm, I refused to let fear stop me from doing what I love.”
Making a Difference Off the Field
Victor isn’t just a fighter on the football field — he’s also someone who cares deeply about others. Outside of sports, he’s been involved in several community efforts, including:
- Organising snow shovelling drives for neighbours in need
- Collecting and donating toys to children’s hospitals
These acts of kindness come from personal experience. While undergoing treatment, Victor said that donated toys “brightened my day” and gave him hope during tough times. Now, he wants to give that same feeling to other children going through similar struggles.
What is the Heart of a Giant Award?
The Heart of a Giant Award is presented by the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in partnership with the New York Giants. It’s meant to honour high school athletes who show heart — not just by playing well, but by overcoming obstacles and being role models in their communities.
Here’s how it works:
- Players are nominated and voted on weekly
- Each week’s top vote-getters become finalists
- After six weeks, 11 honorees receive a $1,000 equipment grant for their high school football team
- One grand prize winner will receive an extra $9,000 for their school and will be honoured at a New York Giants game
Voting is now open, and the community is encouraged to support Victor by casting their votes online.
A True Role Model in the Making
Victor Flores’s story is not just about football. It’s about heart, hope, and the power of never giving up. From fighting cancer at a young age to becoming a leader on his football team and a positive force in his community, Victor is exactly the kind of person this award was meant to honour.
No matter the outcome of the competition, Victor has already shown what true strength looks like. He continues to inspire not only his teammates and classmates but anyone facing difficult challenges in life.
