Senator John W. Maitland, Jr. Commitment to Education Award

Damian K. Gregory
Founder and executive director, Gridiron Group; Rutherford, New Jersey

Damian K. Gregory’s leadership abilities came to the forefront in 1999, when teammates and staff voted him captain of the ISU football team during his first and only year as a Redbird after transferring from Indiana University. Ever since his first-team All-American season as defensive tackle at Illinois State, Gregory has channeled that quality into a life of giving back, especially to underserved youth.

Following his six-year career in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Gregory founded Gridiron Marketing Group LLC in 2005.

The group specializes in residential development planning, marketing and funding of housing initiatives, which includes rental housing projects affording low-income families with quality, affordable options.

In 2009, Gregory founded the Gridiron G.A.N.G. (Giving Adolescents New Goals), a nonprofit organization advocating sports and athletics as a way to inspire achievement for destitute kids. The goal for each participant is to create a pathway for success both on and off the field of competition. Gridiron G.A.N.G. has administered volunteer football camps and lectures in Michigan, New Jersey, and New York.

In addition, Gregory serves on the executive committee of the NFL Alumni Detroit Chapter and is president of the board of trustees for the Calais Foundation, a nonprofit with a mission to empower children with serious learning and behavioral challenges.

Gregory draws inspiration from his wife Shyla, son Damian Jr., and daughters Genevieve and Vivenne.