Hackettstown HS football player among nominees for USA Football Heart of a Giant Award
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Hackettstown High School kicker Dominick Esposito is among the Week 3 nominees for the 2026 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants.
Esposito and other high school students from across the Tri-State area were nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication on and off the field.
Esposito has competed in Unified soccer, basketball, track and Special Olympics before joining the Hackettstown High School football team as a kicker. According to the award nomination, he quickly became a valued member of the team through his positivity and encouragement of his teammates.
The nomination also highlights Esposito’s work in the classroom and community, noting his respect for others, willingness to help and ability to make others feel supported and welcome. Football has also provided Esposito with a positive outlet while working through challenges that have tested his confidence and resilience.
Voting for the Week 3 nominees is open through Oct. 11 at usafootball.com/heart-of-a-giant/vote.
The nominee receiving the most votes will be named the week’s finalist. At the end of the six-week process, 11 honorees — six weekly finalists and five honorable mentions — will be recognized for their work ethic and character.
Each finalist will receive a $1,000 equipment grant for their high school football program. The grand prize winner will receive an additional $9,000 grant for their school and will be honored on the field at a New York Giants game this season.
The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions explaining why the nominees have the “Heart of a Giant.”
The Heart of a Giant Award is being presented for the 13th consecutive year through a partnership among USA Football, Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants. The program recognizes Tri-State area high school tackle and flag football athletes, student managers and student mascots who demonstrate a strong work ethic and love for the game.
