When I got up Saturday morning to watch ESPN College Gameday, I was not expecting the inspirational story of Mark Herzlich to be the main theme of the show.

For those who do not know about Mark Herzlich, he was a linebacker for Boston College and was one of the best in the country, included as a finalist for the Dick Butkus Award for best linebacker in 2008.

However, one event changed Herzlich’s life forever. On May 14, 2009, Herzlich informed the Boston College community that he had Ewing’s Sarcoma, a cancer that often appears as a tumor in the legs, arms or chest.

Herzlich would miss his entire senior season to undergo chemotherapy to get rid of the tumor so that he could live a cancer-free life.

Herzlich, once a 238-pound linebacker who was destined for the NFL, has now dropped weight considerably as well as lost his hair and a majority of his strength due to treatment.

But that didn’t stop Herzlich from continuing to be a part of the football program. Herzlich is now none other than a linebackers coach on the team this season.

One of the more interesting parts to this story is the inspiration Herzlich received. He started receiving letters of inspiration from Sister Barbara Ann Hallman, a nun from Indiana. Hallman wrote letters of encouragement to Herzlich saying that he was in her prayers and to keep going, which he has done.

Herzlich has received support not only from Sister Hallman, but also from his fellow Eagles.

When Boston College beat Florida State University 28-21 Oct. 3, Boston College students wore gold shirts saying “Beat Cancer” along with Herlich’s number 94 on it. The proceeds from the shirts went to cancer research in honor of Herzlich.

So thank you, Herzlich, for the inspiration you give us all. The nation is pulling for your recovery.