All-American: Herzlich battles cancer for a future in football

Just 18 days after his signing, Mark was in his first pre-season game against the Carolina Panthers.

It wasn't going well. The professional game was faster...with a whole new language.

[Special Teams coach: Tango, Tango chacha versus three by one.]

But as the pre-season progressed, coaches watched as the old Mark Herzlich reemerged.

[ESPN announcer: Henie fires towards the middle. It is intercepted. That Herzlich? Yes it was.]

Byron: It's such a wonderful story, his comeback, why wouldn't an NFL team just want to have him around for awhile just because he's such an inspirational story?

Tedy Bruschi: You don't make NFL teams based on your story, based on being a good guy. You still gotta make plays, you still gotta help the team win. That's all it is. Can Mark Herzlich help the New York Giants win?

For head coach, Tom Coughlin, the answer was, "Yes."

When the Giants opened the season against the Washington Redskins, Mark Herzlich, number 58, was on the team.

Coughlin: If you're askin' me as a coach what do I think, he's a football player. He's uh dedicated, he's smart, he learns very quickly. And he earned it primarily on his special teams play and his intelligence. You tell him one time what to do and he does it.

So as the season wears on, with every tackle...with every hit...will Mark's leg hold up?

Pitts: You have a titanium rod in your leg?

Herzlich: I do.

Pitts: Any chance that could be broken playing football?

Herzlich: When I talked to my doctors about uh the chances of breaking my leg or something, they said in extreme car accidents or a place where it gets contorted in that sort of violent way, uh I guess there's a chance.

Pitts: Some people say playing in the NFL is like being in a car accident.

Herzlich: Yes.

[Sports announcer: Mark Herzlich got a hit on the quarterback.]

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[tnellen]

A good and informative story. I'm not sure Tedy B was the first athlete to return to the "game" after such life threatening illness. Lance Armstrong comes to mind. Heck, I wasn't aware of Tedy B's illness till I saw the show, nor had I heard of this young man. However, Lance is known around the world. I'm sure there are other folks who have gone on after a stroke or cancer. What Tedy and this young man have done is positive, but please don't forget the others who have also survived and continued.

Here's to overcoming,
Ted

[DexGal]

My son was diagnosed with ewing sarcoma a month after his high school graduation. His friends started their first year of college and he is starting the fight of his life. It is on his pelvis wing and is the size of a football he also has three areas above the socket. There is no way to remove this we are hoping that with radiation and chemo that it will be shrunk. It is not removable he would then lose his pelvis and the loss of his legs. He is such a good son never has a day that he doesnt hug me or tell me he loves me multipule times a day. I am thankful for every second of the day I get to spend with him. Everyone has a way to deal with something like this in their life aiming for something is always important. I love you Cody and thank god for letting you be mine.....

[KirstensMom]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your son. I know how precious each day is...(My daughter is unable to have radiation due to the proximity of the tumor to her liver.) I totally agree, there has to be something to aim for - a goal to achieve. And for our children it is beating cancer and living a full life.
Stay strong~Lisa

[KirstensMom]

What an inspiring story! My daughter, Kirsten, was newly diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma on June 6th 2011. She had just finished her junior year at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois- she is 21 years old.
Her tumor is on her 9th rib on her right side. She has been enduring agressive chemotherapy treatments and is preparing for surgery (in two weeks) to remove three ribs. She was less phased from being told she had cancer than she was when she was told she would not be able to finish her senior year of college.
This story shows what a positive attitude, determination, thoughts, prayers and support can accomplish.
We have a goal, to get her back into school next fall. She is majoring in psychology and sociology and is looking forward to beating cancer and living a full, productive life helping others.
I am so glad we were able to see this story - we are not alone!
Good luck, Mark. My best to you and your family. ~Lisa
www.journalstandard.com/features/x268458149/College-senior-takes-a-leave-from-studies-to-battle-cancer

[JeffSurvivor]

KristensMom,
Just wanted to let you know that I am a survivor of Ewings Sarcoma - I was diagnosed in July 1987. My tumor was also on my right side, but in my 8th rib. Tell your daughter I wish her ALL THE BEST with her surgery and recovery.

[Essiern]

This story is an outrage! It was aired on my brothers birthday. He lost the battle with bone cancer at 12 years old. How can someone who has been given the gift of life actually feel that football is important. Seriously, throwing a ball around? Do something important with your life. My parents and family were destroyed by this loss and these idiots first question is " when can he play football"? I felt like I was going to vomit! You should be ashamed airing such an irrelevant story about a shallow and pretentious family.

[KirstensMom]

I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. It is a tragedy when anyone is diagnosed with this horrific disease. While going through the battle of fighting cancer, trying to keep any sense of normalcy is near impossible. Having the opportunity to live your life as you would have, if cancer hadn't been a part of it, is a real gift. It is sad to say that another person's ability to live their dream after fighting for their life is "shallow and pretentious."

[DexGal]

I know your pain my brother also died from bone cancer and my son was diagnosed in july with ewing sarcoma. I think everyone needs to aim for something to keep them from going crazy. Its a long road and noone knows whats at the end. I wish your family well and my thoughts and prayers are with you.