Canton HS Football Player Nominated For Major Award With NY Giants

CANTON, CT — Canton High School sophomore Matthew Yanke has been nominated for the 2026 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award, an honor recognizing Tri-State area high school students for their character, commitment, and contributions on and off the football field.

Yanke is among the Week 4 nominees for the award, presented by USA Football, Hospital for Special Surgery, and the New York Giants.

Voting for the Week 4 nominees is open through Oct. 18. The nominee receiving the most votes will become a weekly finalist.

Yanke plays middle linebacker, fullback, and tight end for Canton and has taken on a leadership role as the varsity team's defensive play caller.

He also contributes as a long snapper, on special teams, and at several offensive positions.

His nomination highlights his perseverance while playing football after being diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, which can cause pain and fatigue.

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

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

A three-sport athlete, Yanke started on the varsity football and lacrosse teams as a freshman and also contributed to varsity basketball. He earned Honorable Mention All-Conference recognition in football and has earned three varsity letters.

Outside of competition, Yanke volunteers at youth sports camps and helps with youth basketball games.

Winner Could Earn $10,000 For Football Program

The Heart of a Giant program is in its 13th consecutive year and recognizes high school tackle and flag football players, student managers and mascots who demonstrate qualities including commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.

The six-week selection process will produce 11 honorees — six weekly finalists and five honorable mentions.

Each finalist will receive a $1,000 equipment grant for their high school football program.

A grand prize winner, selected based on video submissions explaining why the nominee has the “Heart of a Giant,” will earn an additional $9,000 grant for their school and be recognized on the field at a New York Giants game this season.

Voting for Yanke and the other Week 4 nominees is available through USA Football's Heart of a Giant voting page.