So many postseason awards are hyper-focused on achievements on the gridiron. But, the Super Football Conference’s newest honor shines a spotlight on the student athletes who are stars off the field, too.

Of eight finalists up for the award, Ridgewood senior Joe Grasso was named the 2021-2022 Super Football Conference’s Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year.

Grasso was honored with a plaque, a trophy and gift no one saw coming – a pair of tickets to Super Bowl 56, courtesy of the New York Jets. The day was also a celebration of Steve DiGregorio, a longtime institution around North Jersey football who passed away in October.

JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story from MetLife Stadium:


Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Award Finalists

Joe Grasso, Ridgewood

Michael McGuire, Madison

Anthony Miller, Chatham

Zach Cooper, Dover

Michael Mastroeni, Hopatcong

Zaheem Crawford-Patterson, Irvington

Chris Corbo, West Essex

Erik Perez, St. Peter’s Prep