Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery was honored as the Jets Hometown Hero at the 15th annual Gridiron Gala presented by United Way of New York City along with the New York Jets and the New York Giants on April 22.
This year’s Gridiron Gala at the Waldorf=Astoria brought in over $1.4 million to support United Way’s programs that help New York City’s most vulnerable children.
Cotchery received his award for his outstanding work in the community, as did punter Jeff Feagles, who was named the Giants Hometown Hero. Nearly 30 current Jets and Giants players along with football legends from both teams joined more than 1,000 corporate and community leaders at this New York tradition.
Jets great Joe Namath made a special appearance, and current Jets in attendance included Darrelle Revis, David Harris, Justin Miller, Wallace Wright, Chris Davis, Brad Smith and David Ball.
Other honorees at the gala were:
Community Quarterbacks — John C. Santora, Executive VP and COO, Cushman & Wakefield Inc.; Peyton R. Patterson, Chairman, President and CEO, New Alliance Bank
Corporate MVPs — Sullivan & Cromwell, The Bank of New York Mellon
“We are so proud of our honorees for their commitment to community service,” said Gordon J. Campbell, United Way of New York City president and CEO. “It is so inspiring to see organizations like the Jets and the Giants lead the way in raising vital dollars for our programs — they understand the true meaning of teamwork. “By teaming up to invest in our communities, we can all be champions for New York City’s at-risk children. As Joe Namath said, life is a team game, and our community leaders have embraced that spirit.”
The Gridiron Gala is United Way of New York City’s largest annual event and was hosted this year by WNBC’s Len Berman. In addition to a VIP cocktail party and gala dinner, attendees enjoyed a silent auction of sports memorabilia.
