HerzNation Blog

MORE VIDEO FROM THE WEEKEND

A TRIBUTE TO ROLAND

Check out this article from the New York Daily News. It gives a very heartfelt description of Mark’s return to college football.

CLICK HERE TO READ.

THE RETURN OF MARK HERZLICH

Mark Herzlich made his triumphant return to college footaball yesterday at Alumni Stadium vs Weber State and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Herzlich lead the Eagles onto the field just as he had done back in 2008 and the Eagles were back to business as usual. Check out the videos above. They sum it up better than I can.

For a catalog of videos of Mark’s battle with cancer and his return to the field yesterday checkout ESPN.com.

I was unable to be at the game due to the cancelation of my flight from Denver. But I was able to watch the game with some local Superfans. Thanks for setting that up guys. See you next Saturday.

THE PERFECT STORM

With the approach of Hurricane Earl and the return of Mark Herzlich, Luke Kuechly and the rest of the Eagles. The Perfect Storm descends on Boston. Unfortunately I won’t be there.

I got the call yesterday that my flight from Denver to Boston was cancelled due to the hurricane. After haggling with Southwest for 2 hours on how they were going to get me there before the game, I had to take the refund. I will not be there for Mark’s first game back but I’ll be watching with the diehard Denver fans at Big Game Restaurant & Lounge at 1631 Wazee St Denver, CO 80202.

Stay Up! Hit somebody!

One more thing. The NCAA just banned eyeblack. What’s up with that? I hope that Mark runs out of that tunnel with the paint on, cleans his face off and reveals what type of player he really is. Sorry Weber State.

RIP RD. You will be missed.

WHAT TIME IS IT? GAME TIME!

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MARK HERZLICH

One year ago today, as I do every year on September 1st, I called and wished Mark Herzlich a happy birthday. He picked up on the first ring and we had an upbeat conversation full of inspiration and congratulations on another year past. Mark was determined as ever and was convinced that he would beat the cancer that kept him out for that upcoming season. We joked about which hat he would make signature throughout the chemo process and I urged him to stay away from the Colin Farrell knit cap. Which I’m happy to say he did. We left the call with our now ever present “Stay Up!”, and he rushed off as he needed to get back to the practice that he was now coaching.

But this year was a little different.

My mind raced as I flipped through my recent calls list and tracked down the alias that I’ve chosen for Mark on my phone, a childhood joke that no one would remember but us. As the number dialed and began ringing I thought back to what a year it’s been for Mark and his family. Not only has he beaten cancer but he has helped raise over a quarter of a million dollars for cancer research and has touched so many lives with his story. He has received awards. He has hosted golf tournaments. He has intercepted Tom Brady passes. He has even thrown out the first pitch at a Red Sox game. The phone continues to ring.

Recently Mark’s return to practice has been delayed by a broken foot which had skeptics contemplating his return. But Mark returned to practice this week in full pads and looks more ready to go than ever. The phone stops ringing but before I can start to sing the happy birthday song a woman’s voice on the other end warns me that “The mailbox associated with this number is full.” Well…

Mark, Happy Birthday! Stay Up! And I’ll see you on September 4th at Alumni Stadium. On the field. Hitting people.

Go Eagles!

GREAT FEATURE ON MARK’S PARENTS IN USA TODAY

Here is another great feature on Mark’s family from USA Today. CHECK IT OUT.