inspirational story of Boston College senior linebacker Mark Herzlich.

[cowboyjoe]

Mark of courage: Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich beats odds to reach Senior Bowl
Published: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 6:19 AM Updated: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 6:46 AM
By Ben Thomas

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/01/mark_of_courage_boston_college.html

Jeff Chiu/Associated PressBoston College linebacker Mark Herzlich speaks to reporters before the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl against Nevada.
Mark Herzlich isn't just happy to be playing in the Under Armour Senior Bowl.

He's happy to be playing football at all.

His college aspirations and dreams of the NFL, almost ended on May 12, 2009. That's when doctors diagnosed the Boston College linebacker -- the 2008 Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year -- with a bone tumor in his left leg.

"They told me flat out that I was never going to play football again and probably wouldn't ever play any sports again," the 6-foot-4, 244-pound Herzlich said. "It was a rough day."

The rough day turned into a rough seven months.

But Herzlich beat the odds, returned to play his senior season with the Eagles in 2010 and will be in Mobile beginning this weekend when Senior Bowl players arrive.

 

[BAT]

Herzlich may not be the fastest guy, but he has a real nose for the ball. Super instinctive, hard hitting and has a real feel for dropping into coverage.

Herzlich is exactly the kind of player the Ryans love: intense, smart, playmaker

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