The long journey back for Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich will continue for another day.
The linebacker and cancer survivor went undrafted during the 2011 NFL Draft. It was a steep fall for a player who was projected as a top-10 pick in 2009 if he hadn’t been stricken by cancer.
Herzlich was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in May of 2009. Doctors had given him a 70% chance of survival and 0% chance of playing football again when a malignant tumor was discovered in his left leg.
The tumor was ultimately destroyed through intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments. A 12-inch titanium rod was permanently inserted to stabilize his leg.
Herzlich battled back to take the field once again for the Eagles and made 65 tackles and had four INTs during the 2010 season.
He was one of 25 players invited to Radio City Music Hall for the NFL Draft and was the only player not to hear his named called.
After the draft Herzlich addressed his fans via twitter:
“Thanking everyone for their support tough times call for perseverance and a tough mind. Today sucked for me but everyone needs to pray for all the people in Alabama. They need us more than ever right now. I have been told that I can’t play football before. We all know what happened with that. #neverquit”
Herzlich was projected as a mid to late round pick. He will now be an undrafted free agent as his battle back to achieve his dreams takes another unexpected turn.
Original Story:
http://thefivedaily.com/04/2011/bosto...
