Mark Herzlich Jr. is a former professional linebacker. He played college football at Boston College. He earned College Football News Freshman All-American honors with a total of 42 tackles (32 solo), including 5.0 tackles for a loss and 1.0 sack, one interception and forced two fumbles.
Herzlich missed the entire 2009 season due to Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, which he overcame and earned numerous honors for his courage and outreach, including the Disney Spirit Award, Nils V. "Swede" Nelson Award, an honorary Lott Trophy, and the ACC Commissioner’s Cup. In 2010, Herzlich returned to the football field and won the Rudy Award and the ACC's Brian Piccolo Award after starting all 13 games and finishing third on the team with 65 tackles and 50 solo stops. Herzlich was signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2011, to a three-year, $1.41 million contract at the recommendation of owner John Mara. Herzlich made the New York Giants final 53 man roster. On November 20, 2011, Herzlich made his first NFL start against the Philadelphia Eagles. Set to become a free agent in 2014, he re-signed with the Giants on March 7, 2014.
Herzlich was relased by the Giants in 2018, leaving the game with one of the greatest overcoming adversity stories in history.