Published: November 2010
Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich finished the 2008 season with 110 tackles, six interceptions, three sacks, and the title of Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year. Five months later, in May 2009, he announced that he had been diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Herzlich underwent a year and a half of radiation treatment and chemotherapy, and the insertion of a titanium rod in his left leg. During that time he also became an active advocate for cancer research, helping to raise more than $200,000 through nonprofit organizations such as Uplifting Athletes.
On October 3, 2009, Herzlich announced on ESPN’s College Gameday, as the program was broadcast live from Chestnut Hill, that he was cancer free. Less than a year later, on September 4, 2010, he led the Eagles onto the field for their opening game against Weber State, logging five tackles in part-time action as he nursed a stress fracture in his foot. In his first nine games back, Herzlich had 40 tackles, good for fourth on the team, to go with two interceptions. As Herzlich told CNN, “I don’t want to lose anything . . . I don’t accept losses.”
- Mark Herzlich’s College Gameday announcement
- “The Linebacker Lance Armstrong,” Esquire, August 27, 2010
- Mark Herzlich speaks at a Church in the 21st Century Center “Agape Latte” event.
- “Completing the Comeback,” Chronicle, September 9, 2010
- “Human Factor: Football fuels a passion to live,” CNN health blog, October 15, 2010
