Although the 2-11 New York Giants will not be making the Super Bowl this postseason, a three-time Pro Bowl Giants defender will be helping one lucky fan get there.
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Nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, a two-time All-Pro Second Teamer and three-time Pro Bowler with New York, recently teamed up with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) sports medicine surgeon and Giants Associate Team Physician Dr. Samuel A. Taylor and USA Football CEO & Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck to gift the 2025 USA Football Heart of a Giant award winner with a $10,000 equipment grant for his high school football program.
On Friday afternoon, Lawrence and co. Surprised the victor, junior Northern Valley Regional High School wide receiver and defensive back Sam Bilali, with the good news in the Giants' MetLife Stadium locker room.
Heart of a Giant
Bilali was also gifted with a trophy and tickets to this February's Super Bowl.
“Working alongside both HSS and USA Football to honor and celebrate young athletes who use the sport I love as a tool to be role models within their local communities has been an incredible experience,” Lawrence said. “Sam’s story is empowering, and what he has been able to accomplish both on and off the field truly embodies what it means to have the Heart of a Giant.”
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Bilali has struggled with physical challenges throughout his life. He suffered a stroke as a premature newborn, and subsequently incurred cerebral palsy. He was unable to walk for several years and underwent several corrective surgeries, but has managed to play football at a high level throughout his school career.
“For more than a decade, this program has honored students who exemplify what it means to have the Heart of a Giant,” Dr. Taylor said. “I am always proud to stand alongside each year’s winner, and I am grateful to celebrate Sam’s remarkable achievements as a player, student, and community leader.”
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