Meet Joe Laihee, IT Engineer turned Gridiron Commissioner

Less than an hour's drive from New York City sits the town of Clifton, New Jersey; known for its strong sense of community, family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities (with 39 parks, to be exact). One of those outdoor activities? Yup, you guessed it, Gridiron Football.

Meet Joe Laihee. He's our local Gridiron Commissioner for New Jersey. And he and his wife, Aileen, and their three kids, Elijah, Xavier and Penelope, can't wait to carry on the great tradition of Gridiron Football in North New Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Union, and Essex counties.

What's the best moment you've seen or experienced on the football field?

I have 2 favorite NFL memories. The first was when Scott Norwood of the Bills missed his 47 yard field goal attempt wide right against my favorite team, the New York Giants. Second was, of course, Super Bowl 42 and David Tyree's helmet catch, then Plaxico Burress' game winning touchdown with 23 seconds left to beat the previously undefeated Patriots. After all, I did name my son Eli. 😀

My best moment I've experienced was winning our Gridiron Football playoff game with me coaching and my son, Xavier, playing.

What makes Gridiron flag football so special, and unique from any other sport?

Gridiron has built its foundation on the sense of local community and just as valuable, the willingness to help all kids mature and develop into outstanding citizens of the community. The partnership between Gridiron and EveryKidSports helps give kids more opportunities through scholarships that maybe some don't normally have.

What’s your “why” – of becoming a commissioner for North New Jersey?

The answer is simple: My love of sport, youth development, and a community that fosters learning and growth through sport. Starting another flag football league will also bring more kids to the field and less on the street. All kids deserve that opportunity.

As a former athlete and coach of your son’s Gridiron flag football team, what’s one thing you hope your kids and the kids in your league take away each season?

Only one thing? I’m going to cheat and say IMPROVEMENT.

Improvement in not only physical skills, speed, agility, and coordination, but also improvement in teamwork, collaboration, and communication. Most of all, improvement in self-confidence and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude through all challenges.

You were a multi-sport athlete growing up, playing lacrosse, basketball, track, bowling and golf. In high school, you also started a basketball club for underprivileged kids (so cool, btw). But for the past 21 years, you’ve been leading a team of 30-40 IT engineers. Now with Gridiron, you’ve come full circle back to youth sports. What drew you back?

Actually it never left me, I just decided my best path forward to make a difference in the world was through developing computer software. As I climbed the corporate ladder, I gained substantial skills and experience as a leader. Then, as my two boys began playing sports and found that same love for them as I have, I took that leadership skill to start coaching them and their various sports teams. After coaching a few seasons of Gridiron Flag Football for my son's teams, I was drawn all the way back. Of all the sports I coach, Gridiron Football was/is definitely the most fun!

Who’s your favorite football player, past or present?

It's a tie between Lawrence Taylor and Eli Manning

If you could play for any football team, who would it be?

The New York Football Giants, of course!

Your team’s down by 7 with 10 seconds to go. What’s your go-to play?

The annexation of Puerto Rico. iykyk!

What’s your favorite song to play on Game Day?

DMX - X Gon Give it to Ya (Go with the clean version, I have young kids!)

You grew up in Clifton and are now back raising your own family there. What one word describes the people of Clifton and North New Jersey?

Proud

What's the best local spot in Clifton, the next time we're in town for Game Day?

The Hot Grill vs Rutt's Hut is a heated debate around here. That's all I'm going to say. You're going to need to decide for yourself.