EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - Cancer survivor Mark Herzlich started at middle linebacker for the New York Giants game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night, his first action from scrimmage this season.
With his parents watching from a private box at MetLife Stadium, Herzlich replaced Michael Boley, out with hamstring injury. Herzlich made his only tackle of the opening half early in the second quarter, bringing down Eagles running back LeSean McCoy.
Herzlich, who was not drafted out of Boston College and made the Giants as a free agent, has only played on special teams. He said Friday, “this is what I’ve been waiting all my life for, just a chance.”
Herzlich starred at Boston College before he was struck with the disease after his junior season. He recovered and suited up for BC as a senior, but then went undrafted last April. He impressed the Giants with his diligence and aggressiveness in the preseason.
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