Back to the New York Giants Newsfeed

Over two decades after their paths first crossed as teammates, Giants coach Joe Judge set to battle wits with Browns' Kevin Stefanski

Giants head coach Joe Judge looks on before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Sep. 14, 2020. Credit: Jim McIsaac

No one seemed to know why Joe Judge suddenly left St. Joseph’s High School just as his freshman season was beginning and he harbored dreams of following in his big brother’s footsteps to play for legendary coach Gil Brooks.

It was during summer practice up on the Belmont Plateau overlooking the Philadelphia skyline where Judge quickly befriended his teammates, including the quarterback he was competing against: Kevin Stefanski.

"I was a fullback and immediately befriended Joe," JP Mantey said in recalling their brief time together.