Granby/Canton linebacker is nominee for Heart of a Giant award

Granby/Canton linebacker Matthew Yanke (35) is the only Connecticut nominee this week for the Heart of a Giant award.

Canton High sophomore Matthew Yanke, a linebacker and tight end on the Granby/Canton co-op football team is a nominee for the USA Football Heart of a Giant award, which is presented by the NFL’s New York Giants and the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Yanke is one of 20 nominees of outstanding Tri-State athletes who have been nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication on and off the field. He is the only nominee from Connecticut. Other nominees are from New Jersey and New York.

Canton High sophomore Matthew Yanke has been nominated for a Heart of a Giant award. Vote before Saturday to support Matthew’s nomination.

Voting for week 4 nominees is now open and will be live through Saturday, Oct. 18. Vote now at https://usafootball.com/heart-of-a-giant/vote  You can make one vote every 24 hours.

Yanke embodies the Heart of a Giant through his courage, versatility, and determination to overcome challenges. As a sophomore, he has earned a leadership role as his varsity team’s defensive play caller while contributing as a long snapper, on special teams, and at multiple offensive positions.

Yanke’s commitment to football is especially meaningful as he continues playing after being diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, which can bring pain and fatigue.

Rather than allowing the challenges to define him, he continues to show up, work hard, and put his team first.

He also navigates dyslexia while maintaining an A/B average and earning High Honors during his freshman year.

A three-sport athlete, Yanke earned three varsity letters as a freshman in Canton. He earned starting positions in varsity football and lacrosse and contributed to the  varsity basketball team with the Warriors.

He also gives back by volunteering at youth sports camps and helping with youth basketball games. Through his perseverance, leadership, and willingness to keep moving forward, Matthew demonstrates what it truly means to have the Heart of a Giant.

USA Football, Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants are partnering to present the Heart of a Giant award for a 13th consecutive year. In that time, this award program has since expanded to highlight not only high school tackle football players, but all Tri-State high school flag football athletes, student managers or student mascots who demonstrate a relentless work ethic and unmatched love for the game.

The nominee with the most votes will be named that week’s finalist. At the conclusion of the six-week process, there will be a total of 11 honorees (six weekly finalists and five honorable mentions) recognized for their work ethic and character.

Each finalist will receive a $1,000 equipment grant for their high school football program, with the grand prize winner earning an additional $9,000 grant for their school and being honored on the field at a future Giants game this season.

Selection of the grand prize winner will be based on video submissions explaining why they have the Heart of a Giant.

For more information on the program: click here.