National Football Foundation: The Generals of the Suffolk Chapter

Photos by Oren Siddo

About the National Football Foundation:

The national organization was founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl “Red” Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice. The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing academic excellence, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. At the national level, the NFF oversees the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, a state-of-the-art and highly visible facility in the heart of Atlanta that brings the game to life for fans of all ages while paying tribute to the game’s greatest legends. The NFF oversees the nominations, voting, election and induction of the annual College Football Hall of Fame Class. In addition, the national oversees the William V. Campbell Trophy and National Scholar Athlete Program, awarding more than $1.3 million annually and distributing nearly $41 million since its inception in 1959. The program is highlighted by the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments and The William V. Campbell Trophy, commonly referred to as the academic Heisman.

What truly makes the organization unique, however, is the NFF Chapter Network. It provides those who love the game an opportunity to stay involved and give back to future generations by replicating the national efforts at the grassroots level. There are currently 120 chapters in 47 states, with over 14,000 members, all of whom are volunteers and participate because they love the game and believe in the positive role it plays in the development of our youth. The chapter in Suffolk County has been in existence since 1995 and during that time has recognized over 1,000 student-athletes for their academic and athletic excellence.

The mission of the chapter is to promote and develop the power of amateur football in developing the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and academic excellence in the Suffolk County football community. This mission is fulfilled in the following ways:

1. By inspiring high school football players to achieve athletic and academic excellence by promoting their achievements and recognizing their accomplishments.
2. By motivating young people, and those who influence them, about the game.
3. By promoting football programs and youth initiatives, which further strengthen the educational and character-building qualities of the game.
4. By organizing and running camps, clinics and other special events that promote football and highlight the individual athletes that play football on Long Island.

The Genesis of the Suffolk Chapter:

            Chapter President Len Genova is a two-time All-Ivy (Honorable Mention as a junior and First Team as a senior) and AP All-American (Honorable Mention) football player who captained the 1984 Columbia University team. Further, Genova coached at his alma mater, coaching the defensive line on the freshman team in 1989. Given Genova’s interest in working in the sports field, Columbia Head Coach Ray Tellier, introduced Genova to Bob Casciola, the President of the NFF’s national office. Casciola was a former Long Island native (Mineola High School) who played collegiately at Princeton University before embarking on a very successful coaching and business career. Casciola encouraged Genova to start a chapter on Long Island and after repeated attempts to register the necessary members to secure a charter, Genova was fortuitously approached at a clinic he was hosting by Nick Schroeder, the Section XI Football Chairman and then Athletic Director for the Smithtown Central School District. “Nick approached me at a coach’s clinic I was hosting. Our national president, Bob Casciola, gave an overview of the organization hoping to spur interest in the chapter, and Nick asked if we could get together for lunch,” Genova said. Shortly after that, Genova met with Schroeder and Pete Blieberg, the President of the Suffolk County Football Coaches Association and Athletic Director at Kings Park at the time. “I’ve referenced that meeting many times through the years, as a matter of fact, I bring it up each year at our scholar athlete brunch when I talk about how the whole thing started and talk about meeting Nick and Pete at a Friendly’s restaurant in Commack. By the end of the meeting, both committed the full support of the coach’s association and agreed to sponsor membership for all the coaches in the county, which gave us enough members to officially receive our charter from the national and become a functional chapter,” Genova said. According to Genova, “without the support of the coach’s association, the chapter never becomes a reality.” That support and relationship continues today. The chapter works very closely with current coaches’ association president Steve Fasciani on several initiatives throughout the year and has fostered a terrific working relationship with all the coaches in the county. “The coaches are our constituency, and we’re here to support them and help promote the sport at the grass roots level. I’ve gotten to know so many of them and I can’t say enough about their commitment to their athletes. The young men and women who play in the county are blessed to have such dedicated coaches in their corner,” according to Genova.

Leadership Style:

The success of any organization is tied to the people who have a seat at the table. After speaking with Genova about the board of directors, he made it very clear that he touts a leadership style that is all about bringing people together to work toward a common goal. “I believe the mission of the organization must come before any personal agenda, and I try to lead in a way that keeps that at the center of every decision. For me, leadership is less about authority and more about connection — it’s about seeing the unique strengths each person brings and creating the space where those talents can shine. I value the commitment of the people around me, and I see my role as helping align their energy, ideas, and efforts so that together we can achieve something greater than any of us could accomplish alone,” Genova said. While the chapter has been operating since 1995, it has grown exponentially over the past six years according to Genova. “We now host a series of events throughout the year and have only been able to do that due to the exceptional group of people on our board,” according to Genova. “I’ve learned that the true strength of our board lies in the individuality of its members. Each person brings a unique talent, perspective, or expertise, and when those strengths are harnessed together, the result is a collective success that none of us could have achieved alone. It’s been one of my greatest privileges as a leader to see how those diverse contributions have shaped the path forward for our organization,” Genova said.

Meet the Board:

The National Football Foundation’s Suffolk Chapter is guided by a uniquely talented board that blends coaches, athletic directors, administrators, officials, and prominent business leaders, all united by a shared passion for amateur football. The chapter is fortunate to have leading athletic administrators such as Pete Blieberg, Assistant Executive Director of Section XI, and Tim Horan, Section XX Football Chairman and West Islip AD, along with founding members Lou Bonnanzio and Paul Mastronardi, whose energy and institutional knowledge provide invaluable leadership. The board also includes Suffolk County Officials Association President Marc Negrin, who, alongside Carl Superina, coordinates officials for numerous NFF events. Prominent business leader Ray Nelson, Director of Sports Medicine Development (Orlin & Cohen), has been a cornerstone since 1997, offering exemplary leadership in fundraising and sponsor engagement. The advisory board was strengthened in 2025 with the addition of David Gardi (Sr. VP, Washington Commanders) and Dave Howard (former New York Mets VP and Madison Square Garden President), both bringing deep sports business expertise. Smithtown West Head Coach Craig Perrino, who joined in 2023, has been instrumental in spearheading the Lineman Challenge. At the operational core is Director of Operations Alexandra Rosenberg, whose leadership has transformed the chapter since joining in 2021. Rosenberg has elevated event execution, expanded the chapter’s social media presence, and infused youthful energy and professional skill into every initiative, earning high praise from Chapter President Len Genova. Collectively, this diverse and dynamic board has built one of the nation’s most active and impactful NFF chapters, setting the standard for excellence by prioritizing the mission of the organization above individual goals.

The James C. Metzger Connection:

Genova reached out to current Hofstra Men’s Lacrosse Coach Seth Tierney in 2019 to get an introduction with Metzger. “Jim’s athletic and business success is well documented and his philanthropic work on Long Island, especially in the youth and high school sports areas, is unparalleled. I coached Seth’s son, Ryan Tierney, in youth football and got to know coach over the course of several years. I asked if he could make the introduction to Jim and Seth immediately reached out and scheduled the meeting for me,” Genova said. “From my first meeting with Jim, it was readily apparent how much his high school football career meant to him. He recalled with vivid detail so many memorable moments and games, it seemed like they happened last week,” according to Genova. “Jim Metzger’s unwavering commitment to youth and high school sports, combined with his lifelong love for the game, made it clear to our board that dedicating this chapter in his honor was both fitting and deserved,” Genova said. Each year the top scholar athlete for the public and catholic schools in Suffolk County receives the James C. Metzger Top Scholar Athlete award. In addition, in 2024 the chapter became the first in the country to host a scholar athlete brunch exclusively for girls’ flag football. The Top Scholar Award for girls’ flag football is also named after Metzger.

Metzger is a former star athlete at Half Hollow Hills East high school and Hofstra University and a unique benefactor who scored an unusual double play by being inducted into the athletic hall of fame for both Nassau and Suffolk county. Metzger is the founder, chairman, and CEO of the Whitmore Group, Ltd. (now the Whitmore Agency in Garden City and associated with Acrisure, the world’s eighth-largest brokerage), one of the most successful independent brokerage firms in the New York metropolitan area. Metzger has been inducted in the Half Hollow Hills Hall of Fame for his football and lacrosse records and at Hofstra University for his All-American career in lacrosse and his ongoing contributions to the sport.

Jim Metzger’s impact on youth and high school sports has never been about personal recognition—it has always been about what his support makes possible for others. Time and again, he has stepped forward to ensure that young athletes and their families can experience the joy, pride, and lasting memories that come with being part of the game. As Genova explained, “Jim never wants the credit—everything he does is for the good of the game and to create lasting memories for the athletes and their parents. It’s that selfless commitment, rooted in both his love for the sport and his belief in its ability to shape lives, that has left such a powerful legacy in our community.”

Calendar of Annual NFF Events:

1. Annual Boys and Girls Scholar Athlete Brunch. Each year, the chapter hosts its signature Scholar-Athlete Brunches, honoring one outstanding scholar-athlete from every high school in the county for their academic and athletic excellence. From this group, select students are honored as members of the NFF Golden Eleven Team (boys) and NFF Golden Seven Team (girls), with one ultimately chosen as the Top Scholar Athlete. The boys’ event also features the Orlin & Cohen Player of the Week Team, the NFF Offensive Line Award (by division), and the prestigious Gregg Sarra Trophy for the top offensive and defensive players on Long Island. Beginning in 2025, the chapter introduced the John Paci Iron Grit Award, celebrating athletes whose perseverance, toughness, and determination epitomize the spirit of the game.
2. NFF Leadership Symposium. Each year, the NFF hosts its Leadership Symposium at NFL headquarters in Manhattan, offering chapter honorees a unique opportunity to learn from distinguished professionals in law, medicine, finance, and sports. Panelists share how athletics shaped their careers before engaging in open Q&A with honorees and their parents. The program provides invaluable career guidance and meaningful connections that extend the impact of the scholar-athlete experience.
3. Long Island QB Challenge. The Long Island QB Challenge, presented by Orlin & Cohen, is a premier skills competition for the region’s top returning quarterbacks, with separate events for boys and girls. It has quickly become a marquee event, one that underclassmen across Long Island know and strive to be selected for:

1. Lineman Challenge. The Lineman Challenge is a team-based competition that allows linemen to showcase their strength, endurance, and skill. Squads compete head-to-head in a series of events designed to test both individual toughness and collective teamwork.
2. Media Day. Media Day brings together all 52 public schools ahead of the season, giving the local media a chance to spotlight the top returning players and teams while fostering meaningful interaction with coaches and athletes. The event also features a high school football preview show, produced by T&D Sports and presented by Orlin & Cohen, which showcases standout players and programs through interviews and highlights.

1. Kickoff Classic. The Kickoff Classic launches the high school football season with a premier Week One matchup selected by the NFF. The game is live streamed to reach a wider audience, and outstanding offensive and defensive players are recognized with postgame awards.

The Gregg Sarra Trophy:

Arguably the most prestigious high school award given out each year, the Gregg Sarra Trophy was created by the Suffolk chapter in 2022. The board decided to name an award after longtime Newsday high school sports editor Gregg Sarra. The Gregg Sarra Trophy is awarded annually to the top offensive and defensive high school football players on Long Island. Sarra has overseen the growth of the Newsday high school sports department and its multiplatform high school football coverage. Under his stewardship, Newsday produces an annual preseason list recognizing the top 100 football players on Long Island, a 28-page preview section, weekly game coverages and features, weekly “Gridiron Greats” highlighting the top individual performances of the week and a weekly highlight show produced in Newsday’s television studio. “There is no person more deserving to name this award for,” Genova said. “Gregg has done more to promote high school sports on Long Island, especially for the girls, than anyone and it was fitting to name the award after him,” according to Genova. The inaugural honorees were Dante Torres of St. Anthony’s, recognized for his excellence on offense, and Trevor Gayron of Farmingdale, honored for his defensive prowess. In 2023, the awards were bestowed upon K.J. Duff of St. Anthony’s (offense) and Sebastian Regis of East Islip (defense). Most recently, in 2024, the distinction was earned by Joseph Filardi of Hills West for offense and Michael Sands of Sayville for defense.

Goals of the Chapter over the next Five Years:

Looking ahead, the Suffolk Chapter of the National Football Foundation has several ambitious initiatives designed to expand its impact and strengthen its legacy:

• Hall of Fame Creation – Establish a countywide Hall of Fame to permanently recognize great players, officials, administrators, and contributors. While certain individuals have been honored in the past, no permanent structure exists, and the chapter is actively exploring partnerships to house this important project.
• Girls’ Flag Football Expansion – Develop a major presence in the rapidly growing area of girls’ flag football. Plans include:
  • Launching a summer league for high school players, led by local high school coaches serving as geographic directors.
  • Hosting a skills showcase for the top returning underclasswomen.
  • Creating a regional all-star game, featuring elite talent from Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond. Chapter President Len Genova has already opened preliminary discussions with the NFL to explore collaboration on these showcase and all-star initiatives.

Genova Personally:

Len Genova has dedicated his life to the intersection of athletics, academics, and leadership. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in Sport Management & Policy at the University of Georgia, where for the past four years he has also served as an instructor in the Department of Kinesiology. Genova was an accomplished athlete at Columbia University where he was recognized as both an All-Ivy and All-America football player. Athletics has always been central to Genova’s journey, from his time on the field and sidelines as a coach at both the high school and college level, to his remarkable three decades leading the Suffolk County Chapter of the National Football Foundation. His passion for mentoring young athletes was evident early on when he founded Academics and Athletics Equal Success (AAES) in the mid-1990s, a nonprofit dedicated to helping New York City high school football players navigate the college recruiting and admissions process. Nationally, Genova has played a formative role in advancing NFF initiatives. He was instrumental in the launch of the Play-It-Smart Program, which placed academic coaches in four New York City high schools to support athletes’ academic performance and life skills development before expanding across the country. He also worked with the NFL and the NFF’s national offices to spearhead the NFL Coaching Academy, organizing clinics with NFL franchises nationwide in the early 2000s. Today, while continuing his doctoral studies, Genova remains deeply committed to the growth and success of the Suffolk Chapter. He and his wife, Gemma, are the proud parents of a blended family of five children, and he continues to balance his academic, professional, and family life with the same dedication that has defined his career. “I am truly blessed to have a partner and wife like Gemma, whose unwavering support has made my work with the NFF possible. I often share the story at our annual brunch that the very day after I proposed, Gemma was out on the field with me helping run the Long Island QB Challenge. We were there for twelve hours, and from that moment on, her encouragement has never wavered. I am equally blessed that all my stepchildren are deeply involved with the chapter, regularly attending events and volunteering their time. To share something I am so passionate about with my family means the world to me, and their involvement makes this journey even more meaningful,” Genova said.

THE ORLIN & COHEN IMPACT—-A separate page just for this.

“The NFF has certainly been blessed to have the involvement of an array of sponsors and financial support over the past several years, but none bigger than the role of Orlin & Cohen,” Genova said. Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group delivers elite, fellowship-trained sports medicine care across Long Island through a uniquely comprehensive approach. Their specialists, among the most Castle Connolly-recognized orthopedic surgeons in New York, treat ACL tears, rotator cuff injuries, and cartilage damage with advanced arthroscopic techniques—including MACI knee cartilage transplantation. Their Walk-in Sunday Sports Medicine Clinics, designed for high school and collegiate athletes, offer immediate, no-appointment care during the season with on-site MRI and digital X-ray so treatment can begin the same day. Beyond urgent care, they provide free Recovery and Injury Screening Services for student-athletes across Nassau and Suffolk county, focusing on injury prevention and rapid recovery. Their specialized high school athlete program combines diagnostics, therapy, and expert care to ensure safe, confident returns to play. They’re also deeply embedded in the community—serving as official sports medicine partners for organizations like the New York Riptide and LIU Athletics, and consistently providing athletic training coverage for youth events like the first-of-its-kind Girls Flag Football Tournament on Long Island.

While the partnership with Orlin & Cohen and the NFF dates to 2019, Genova explained the foundation of the partnership extends back to 1997 and is between him and Director of Sports Medicine Development Ray Nelson. According to Genova, “Ray Nelson has been the heart and soul of our chapter’s operations. His steady counsel and unwavering support have not only guided our work but have also inspired those around him to give their very best. Ray’s vision and determination were instrumental in securing the vital support of Orlin & Cohen, a partnership that has strengthened our ability to fulfill our mission. His unparalleled dedication to amateur football and his tireless efforts to promote the sport in our county have brought our chapter to new heights. On both a personal and professional level, I have relied on Ray’s friendship, wisdom, and expertise, and it is no exaggeration to say that his contributions have shaped the very success of our organization.”

Orlin & Cohen has been the presenting sponsor for the NFF Player of the Week team since 2019 recognizing one football player county wide each week during the regular season and playoffs. Each of those athletes are recognized at the annual Scholar Athlete Brunch. Orlin & Cohen has also been the presenting sponsor for the Long Island QB Challenge since 2022, a skills competition for the top returning boys and girls’ quarterbacks on Long Island. Since its inception, the Long Island QB Challenge has grown into one of the region’s premier showcases of young football talent. What began as a local competition has transformed into a marquee event, drawing top athletes, and fans while highlighting the skill, dedication, and passion that fuel the game on Long Island. Today, every aspiring quarterback across the Island knows the Challenge, and being selected to participate has become a benchmark of recognition and achievement that they strive toward each season. “None of that would have been possible without Orlin & Cohen, and we are eternally grateful for their support and belief in our mission,” Genova said.