Boston College’s Mark Herzlich and NC State’s Nate Irving were named co-winners of the Brian Piccolo Award as “the most courageous football players in the ACC.” The players, both senior linebackers, overcame life-threatening injuries to return to the field this season.

Herzlich is the first BC player to receive the award, named for the Wake Forest running back who was the 1965 ACC Athlete of the Year. Piccolo, a native of Pittsfield, Mass., went on to play for the Chicago Bears before his career and life were cut short when he was stricken with cancer. Piccolo died in 1970, and his story was told in the movie “Brian’s Song” the following year.

Herzlich missed last season after being diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a cancer that attacks soft tissue and bone. He then developed a fracture in his right foot preparing for his return this season, but he didn’t let it make him miss the season opener. On Oct. 5, he broke a bone in his left hand, forcing him to play much of the season with a cast. Despite these setbacks, Herzlich ranks third on the team with 54 tackles, he intercepted four passes, and he helped the Eagles rank first nationally in run defense.

“Mark’s story is truly amazing, “ BC coach Frank Spaziani said in a statement. “To fight cancer and win, then to come back and play the way he has is one of the most remarkable accomplishments I’ve ever witnessed. He is truly deserving of this award.”

Irving was severely injured in a car accident on June 28, 2009, suffering a compound fracture of the tibia, a broken rib, a punctured lung and a separated shoulder. He is the second-leading tackler for an NC State defense that ranks third nationally in sacks and fourth in tackles for loss. He ranks fourth nationally in tackles for loss with 19 and has five quarterback sacks among his 85 total tackles. He set an NCAA FBS single-game record for most tackles for loss with eight against Wake Forest.

“One of the most rewarding things I’ve experienced as a coach has been seeing Nate Irving come back so strong and enjoy so much success,” said NC State coach Tom O’Brien.  “He has been a tremendous leader for our team this year with his play on the field and his attitude off the field and is one of the reasons the 2010 team will always be a special one for me.”

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