Former Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard honors Princeton signee London Robinson with the Heart of a Giant Award.
Representing the New York Giants, Sterling Shepard, associate team physician Dr. Sam Taylor, and the Hospital for Special Surgery honored St. Peter’s Prep football player London Robinson with USA Football’s Heart of a Giant Award.
Robinson, who signed to play his collegiate ball with Princeton, was honored during a special ceremony at St. Peter’s Prep back in December.
“I truly admire your story and the way that you were able to persevere and overcome some of the obstacles in your life,” the former Sooner shared with Robinson during the ceremony. “Continue to do great things. You’re a great person, and congratulations.”
One of six finalists for the award, Robinson was honored at his school during a special ceremony. He was presented the award by Sterling Shepard and also received tickets to this year’s Super Bowl from the NFL presented by former Giant and current CP of Youth Football Development at the NFL Roman Oben.
“There’s no question that you’re a tremendous young man. You have been through a lot, there’s no doubt,” Dr. Taylor said to Robinson during the ceremony. “As you mentioned, you never want your background to define you. Our backgrounds are always part of us. There’s no doubt that you’ve turned adversity into opportunity. You’ve never shied away from challenges. And have shown through your own faith, through your own work ethic and drive, and inspired your mom’s grit, you have exceeded in incredible ways.”
“Whether he is on or off the field, Robinson displays exemplary qualities of having a ‘Heart of a Giant,” from the official release. “He’s a straight-A student in the classroom and was named one of two captains of the St. Peter’s Prep football team. His 18 tackles for loss and nine sacks helped his team go 7-4 this season in a highly competitive division. Robinson will continue his student-athlete career at the next level and has committed to playing football at Princeton University after receiving an offer from all eight Ivy League schools. He is someone who gives back to his community through volunteering with organizations, including the local soup kitchen.
“Despite battling adversity growing up in a single-parent home and having to assume large responsibilities within his family for his mother and sisters, Robinson has taken on his daily life challenges with determination to provide for his family and better their living situation. He is a role model to his fellow classmates and teammates, often helping them through school assignments. As the first one in and last one out, Robinson has become a true leader at school, on the football team, and at home, earning him the Heart of a Giant award.”
As part of the award, Robinson received tickets to this year’s Super Bowl and earned a $10,000 equipment grant for the athletics program at St. Peter’s Prep.
One of two team captains during his senior season, Robinson had a great year for St. Peter’s Prep, racking up 18 tackles for loss and nine sacks.
About the Heart of a Giant Award
“This award program seeks to find and highlight Tri-State high school athletes, student managers, student mascots, or other designated student team members who demonstrate that extra something special. The ones that have a relentless work ethic and unmatched love for the game.
“Values like commitment, character, teamwork, dedication and will are crucial every season. But in times like this, they matter even more. When they can’t be side by side, when they don’t take the fields on Friday nights, who helps keep the team together? That’s who we’re looking for.”
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