​A Cooperstown junior has been nominated to receive a national football award.Parker McManus, a wide receiver and defensive back for the Hawkeyes, won the nomination from USA Football for the Heart of a Giant Award.The award is presented by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and the New York Giants.Players were “nominated for the award by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character, and dedication on and off the field,” according to a media release from USA Football.According to USA Football, McManus was nominated because he, “embodies courage through his ability to persevere through significant physical and personal adversity.”According to the release, McManus has Chiari malformation and had to undergo brain surgery as a four-year old, one of eight surgeries he has undergone. He is legally blind in his left eye.“Despite these challenges, Parker has continued to push himself both on and off the field,” the release said. “A varsity football starter since his freshman year, he set a single-game receptions record and earned a four-touchdown game during his sophomore season. In October 2025, Parker suffered another major setback when he tore his ACL during a varsity game, requiring reconstructive surgery. Rather than allowing the injury to define him, he used the experience to become mentally stronger and return as a better version of himself.“Parker’s leadership comes through his work ethic, positivity, and willingness to be an example for others,” the release continued. “He has maintained High Honor Roll throughout high school, competed at the state level in National History Day, and completed more than 40 hours of community service. Through every obstacle, Parker has continued to move forward with determination and optimism.”Voting ends Sunday, Oct. 11.At the conclusion of the contest, there will be 11 honorees (six weekly finalists and five honorable mentions).Each finalist will receive a $1,000 equipment grant for their high school football program, with the grand prize winner earning an additional $9,000 grant for their school and being honored on the field at a future Giants game this season.Selection of the grand prize winner will be based on video submissions explaining why they have the Heart of a Giant.Go to www.usafootball.com/heart-of-a-giant/vote to vote for McManus.