Local Football Athletes Nominated for Heart of a Giant Award

(Photos courtesy of USA Football Heart of a Giant)

Two local High School Football Athletes, Jesse Fortino (Saratoga Springs) and Jackson Rosato (Ballston Spa) are nominees for the USA Football Heart of a Giant Award for their unparalleled work ethic and passion for the game of football. 

The Heart of a Giant Award is a six-week process awarding six weekly finalists and five honorable mentions who will each receive an $1,000 equipment grant for their high school football program. 

The grand prize winner will earn an additional $9,000 grant for their school and be honored on the field at a future Giants game this season. Selection for the grand prize winner is based on video submissions explaining why they have the Heart of a Giant.

Fortino and Rosato are pitted against eighteen other high school football athletes from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. 

Jackson Rosato

Rosato is a two-year varsity football starter and member of Ballston Spa’s Football Leadership Council. He believes in leading through example by showing up every day, putting in the work, and being someone others can depend on. 

Rosato’s commitment to community extends well beyond football. He is deeply involved in Unified and inclusive sports, participating in both Unified Bowling and Basketball, where students with and without disabilities compete and build connections together. His Unified Bowling team went on to win a sectional championship, but for Jackson, the greatest reward is creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate and feel included. 

He is also an accomplished student, maintaining a 94 unweighted GPA, ranking in the top 10% of his class, completing eight AP courses, and earning National Honor Society membership.

Jesse Fortino 

Fortino embodies courage through resilience while facing unimaginable adversity. After losing both of his parents, Jesse moved into the Saratoga school district to live with his grandparents. 

Despite the challenges he has experienced, he has refused to let his circumstances define him. Instead, he has poured his energy into becoming the best student-athlete and teammate he can be. Jesse’s work ethic quickly set him apart. Although only a sophomore, he was pulled up to the varsity football team because of his relentless commitment and dedication, earning the respect of a program with nearly 200 athletes. 

His leadership extends beyond football, as he serves as a captain of his rugby team and competes in wrestling. Jesse also makes an impact through his willingness to serve others, he volunteers at community races, church meals, and other events while helping coach and referee younger athletes. In the classroom, he maintains strong grades and has earned High Honor Roll and Honor Roll recognition. Football has given Jesse a community that supports him through difficult moments. More importantly, it has helped him turn adversity into motivation. 

The weekly winners are determined by public voting. Week two voting is open until October 4 available at, usafootball.com/heart-of-a-giant/vote.