Joe Ruback, better known as License Plate Guy (born June 7, 1969), is a fan of the New York Giants, best known for the license plates he wears at each game and his presence at most Giants games in general. Ruback went to all 283 games (272 regular season and eleven playoff games) the team played at Giants Stadium.[1] He has attended every Giants home and away game since 2000,[2] except during the 2020 NFL season in which fans were not permitted to attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
License Plate Guy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Joseph Ruback June 7, 1969 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Athletic Director |
Ruback first wore a plate to a game when he was 16, but the tradition of license plates did not become what it is now until the last decade. He now boasts a collection of over 100 Giants-themed plates. [when?][3]
Joe Ruback has made several appearances on The Boomer & Carton radio show on WFAN in New York. Ruback has become a fan favorite, but prides himself as "an average fan" and can be seen before every game (home and away) in the parking lot taking pictures with fans.[citation needed]. Joe has also been featured on NFL Network and Good Day New York.[4]
Philanthropy
editRuback participates in many off the field philanthropic endeavors including "Pink Tailgate" raising money and awareness for breast cancer and those affected.[5]
In 2017, Ruback organized a charity softball game to raise money for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund.[6] Working with Landon Collins, who headlined the event, a softball match was organized between current and past Giants team members. The event also featured a dodgeball game and a home run derby.
Legal issues
editRuback was arrested on possible affiliation of loan sharking, extortion, and grand larceny; however charges in a 2014 case were dropped in 2016. The New York Giants have stated they have no affiliation with Ruback and he does not represent the New York Giants in any capacity.[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Coffey, Wayne (January 19, 2012). "NY Giants fan Joe Ruback, who spent $12,000 for tickets to Sunday's NFC Championship Game vs. San Francisco 49ers, eats, sleeps and breathes Big Blue". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on October 31, 2013. Retrieved 2021-08-28.
- ^ Stapleton, Art. "'All In' NY Giants podcast: License Plate Guy shares with us his journey to super fan". North Jersey Media Group. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
- ^ Lueddeke, Kim (2012-02-12). "Renewing his license to celebrate". NorthJersey.com. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
- ^ "Joe Ruback - aka - License Plate Guy on Good Day New York." 2 February 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2017 – via YouTube.
- ^ [1] [dead link]
- ^ "Giants past, present going to bat for charity". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved 2017-06-02.
- ^ Lieberman, Steve. "Giants 'license plate guy' theft charge dropped". The Journal News. Retrieved 1 June 2022.