Englewood Cliffs Business Owner, Former Giant Named Man of the Year

Jessie Armstead, co-owner of Englewood Cliffs Cadillac and former Giants All-Pro linebacker, received The Man of The Year Award at the Giants 2013 Big Blue BBQ benefiting The Touchdown Fund last week at the MetLife Stadium.

Armstead was presented with the Man of the Year Award by John K. Mara, President and Chief Executive Office of the Giants, who described Armstead as “an exemplary player and exceptional person.”

Mara explained how Armstead never said no when given the opportunity to help others or provide service, whether visiting a child in a hospital or making a generous contribution to charity.

Best known as a linebacker who played 12 seasons in the NFL, most notably with the New York Giants. Armstead was named to five Pro Bowls, and helped the organization to wins in Super Bowl XLII and XLVI as a member of the front office staff.

Armstead was joined at the Big Blue BBQ by former teammates including Keith Hamilton and Roman Oben and as well as current Giants team members including: Eli Manning, Jason Pierre-Paul and David Bass.  Michael Strahan, who was in the video presentation, named Armstead as his favorite teammate and the most instinctive and expressive Giant he had ever played with.

Upon receiving the award, Armstead expressed just how thankful he was for all of his blessings and how it is in fact his gratitude that fuels his philanthropic efforts. 

“My family and I have been blessed in so many ways.  ‘The Big Blue’ has taught me how to respect and play the ‘game’ right – both on and off the field," said Armstead. "The principles I learned from the Giants – always give your best, through community and service—I apply to all avenues of my life.  I am truly grateful for this honor.”

The awards reception was part of the full day, 2013 New York Giants Big Blue BBQ, which not only marked the annual season kick off but raised money and awareness for children with heart defects and cancer via The Touchdown Fund, an exclusive charitable partnership which raises funds for the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, the Heart & Vascular Hospital, and the John Theurer Cancer Center at HackensackUMC.  

Armstead is co-owner of  Hamilton Honda, in Hamilton as well as Englewood Cliffs Cadillac, in Englewood Cliffs.

He is also an active supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network, Jimmy’s Fund, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, YWCA, SKOR and Ryan’s Quest. Additionally, YMCA honored Armstead with its prestigious 2010 Community Enrichment Award.