HOMETOWN HERO

Established in 1994, the Gridiron Gala has raised money to help fund United Way of New York City's impactful initiatives in strengthening the quality of early childhood education, reducing dropout rates and supporting at-risk youth in achieving academic success through the five boroughs of New York City. Each May, the United Way recognizes and honors a Hometown Hero at the Gala from the New York Jets who has made outstanding contributions to community service.

Winners (since 2006)

2006 – Shaun Ellis, DE

2007 – Jonathan Vilma, LB

2008 – Jerricho Cotchery, WR

2009 – D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OL

2010 – Dustin Keller, TE

2011 – Tony Richardson, FB

2012 – Brandon Moore, OL

2013 – Kyle Wilson, DB

2014 – Muhammad Wilkerson, DL

2015 – Quinton Coples, LB

2016 – Eric Decker, WR

2017 – Quincy Enunwa, WR

2018 – Kelvin Beachum, T

2019 – Avery Williamson, LB