Mark Herzlich talks about his new book and cancer diagnosis

amNewYork recently spoke with Giants linebacker and cancer survivor Mark Herzlich about his new book, "What It Takes." Given as low as a 10% chance to live, Herzlich not only survived, but he also made the NFL after doctors were positive that he would never play football again.

You mention the "12 million new cancer warriors" in the beginning of the book. Are they your real inspiration for writing?

I wrote the book because I know that there's tons of people who get that diagnosis every day, who get that same feeling that I felt in the doctor's office. This is a way to let people know that there are success stories out there, there are people out there who have beaten the odds, and any single one of them can.

What was going through your mind when you received your diagnosis?

At the beginning it was fear. I didn't have anyone who had been through cancer before in my life. When the doctors told me that I had cancer and that I had to go through chemotherapy and surgery, and that I'd never be able to play football again ? you start to worry about what your future could be like.

Looking ahead, what's next for you to achieve?

Going to the Pro Bowl would be huge, but winning another Super Bowl is the main thing.