In 2008, Mark Herzlich was one of the best college linebackers in the country, an All-American. The 6’4″, 240 pound junior at Boston College was so dominating he was projected to be a first round pick in the NFL draft. Then, at the very top of his game, Mark was diagnosed with bone cancer. He was told by a doctor his playing days were over…that he might not ever run again. He was just 21.
At first, Herzlich and his parents were in shock that Mark would never play football again. And then, Herzlich and his parents decided to explore if Maybe there was a another way. Maybe he could treat his cancer and play football again? So, rather than choose the treatment first recommended by the doctors: replacement of the cancerous femur with a bone from a cadaver, he chose to search for another possibility. It turned out that the doctors could leave Mark’s femur intact. After a course of chemotherapy and radiation, they would reinforce it by inserting a titanium rod.
Although weakened by the cancer treatments, Mark returned to school in the fall of 2009 and rejoined his team. On the sidelines, he coached his teammates and stirred up the crowd. Then, on October 3rd, just five months after his diagnosis, Mark surprised the Boston College faithful – and a national TV audience — with news he’d just received from his doctor that his cancer was gone. With a titanium rod in his left leg, Mark returned to college football in the first game of the 2010 season.
Then Mark was faced with what seemed to be another obstacle. He may have been back on the field, but Mark’s cancer treatments had reduced his strength and quickness and NFL scouts took notice. Although he was invited with other top prospects to the 2011 NFL draft, his name was never called. Once again someone was telling Mark that he couldn’t play football. As Mark saw another door close, he looked for another way to prove NFL scouts wrong. He wasted no time and immediately began training at an elite sports facility in Florida. Along with veteran NFL players and hopefuls, he ran through two-a-day workouts, determined to get stronger and faster. In late July, Mark went home to Pennsylvania for his regular MRI. As he left the doctor’s office, his mother handed him his cell phone with 25 messages and Mark immediately knew a new door had just opened.
So what happened? NFL owners and players agreed to a new contract in July 2011 and teams were finally able to sign undrafted free agents. Mark was in great shape from his recent training and competed well against 90 other players for 53 roster spots on the New York Giants. When the Giants opened the season against the Washington Redskins, Mark Herzlich, number 58, was on the team!
Ah, Maybe!! Let it in to your life and see what happens!