Lineman Hernandez goes from living in shed to finding home with Jints
W ILL Hernandez never got the chance to exhale last year. A whirlwind of events began after the final game of his senior season at Texas-El Paso in 2017 and didn’t end until the end of his rookie year with the Giants in 2018.
Preparing for the NFL draft, getting drafted, moving to a new city, learning a new climate, a new offense, new coaches and new teammates and then playing in game after game after game made life a constant roller coaster.
It wasn’t until the offseason that Hernandez had a chance to relax and reflect on his journey from living in a shed and contemplating quitting football to starting all 16 games at left guard. He was also able to buy a suitable home for his family in Las Vegas.
“It was really nonstop from my senior year in college to the last game of my rookie season here,” Hernandez told The Post on Thursday. “Everything was on forward. I wasn’t looking back. When I had some time off and could relax a little bit, I thought about how much of a blessing this whole thing is, and it just motivates me to keep going and keep playing.”
It was after his freshman year in high school when his family encountered financial troubles and was forced to move into a shed in his uncle’s backyard in Las Vegas. In order to help his mother and sister, Hernandez decided he would quit football and get a job.
“I just wanted to help out even though everything inside me wanted to keep playing football,” Hernandez said. “I did like the sport. I was just getting into it. I really didn’t want to go. But I thought about quitting because family is that important to me. I’m glad I didn’t.”
Two coaches convinced Hernandez that if he kept playing football he might be able to help his family in an even bigger manner in the long run. The decision to stick with football has turned his dreams into reality. Hernandez earned a scholarship to UTEP and eventually was selected with the 34th pick in the 2018 draft by the Giants. He signed a four-year contract worth $7.45 million and then fulfilled the Giants highest expectations by starting every game at left guard.
“Once I got drafted and settled in, I was able to get my family a house so they don’t have to sleep in that
shed anymore,” Hernandez said.
He approaches his second season ready to pick up where he left off at the end of 2018. According to Pro Football Focus, after allowing five sacks in his first seven games, Hernandez didn’t allow a sack the remainder of the season.
“I’ve always said the Giants didn’t bring me here to play 50 percent of the snaps or threefourths of the snaps,” Hernandez said. “They brought me here to start and to play and be reliable more than anything.”
With Hernandez more experienced, Nate Solder returning at left tackle, Jon Halapio back from injury at center and veteran free agents Kevin Zietler and Mike Remmers penciled in at right guard and right tackle, respectively, the Giants think they’ve achieved stability along the line.
“I’m excited about our group, not just about our potential, but what we’ve already accomplished in practice,” Hernandez said. “Everything is coming together. We’re a bunch of hard workers that want to win.”
He wants to spread a message, too. He takes pride in his Mexican-American heritage and the opportunities his parents and football gave him.
“I hear from a lot of Hispanics throughout the country that play the sport and people that are just fans,” he said. “They all feel a certain pride seeing me play. I’m glad I’m able to represent, and I’m glad I’m able to inspire all the kids who aren’t sure whether they can make it and might need some confidence. I’m more than happy to play that role.”