PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Joe Porter, a former two-sport athlete at Rutgers, was honored for his community contributions through a surprise recognition by the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation's Extra Yard for Teachers program. A standout in both football and track, Porter now teaches social studies at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South.

The initiative, sponsored by the CFP and the Big Ten Conference, allows each Big Ten institution to choose one high school and one impactful educator to recognize. Scarlet Knights For Life selected Porter and his principal, Valerie Rodriguez, who were each presented with a $1,000 check to use towards their classrooms and school.

The recognition came as a complete shock to Porter. On Friday, Sept. 12, Porter and Rodriguez were surprised at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South by Rutgers student-athletes, spirit team members and even the school's mascot, Sir Henry.

“Most teachers know that some days are a grind,” Porter said. “To see that your efforts are appreciated and that the kids remember things about you even years later, those things mean a lot.”

Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development and Success Carey Loch was grateful that the CFP’s Extra Yard for Teachers program allows individuals like Porter to be recognized.

“Programs like this allow us to pay it forward in the community,” Loch said. “To be able to honor and reward a letterwinner who is serving as a mentor and teacher for the next generation reinforces the connection between a student-athlete's experience ‘On the Banks’ with their life after sport. We are so excited for Joe and grateful for the CFP and the Big Ten.”

A native of Franklin, New Jersey, Porter was a two-sport athlete in football and track and field for the Scarlet Knights from 2003-07. On the track, Porter helped Rutgers to a 2005 Big East Outdoor Conference Title, the first in program history. Porter contributed to three school records during his career, including the indoor 4x200m relay and the outdoor 4x100m and 4x200m relays. Both 4x200m relay records still stand to this day, while his indoor 60m time of 6.83 remains within the top 10.

On the gridiron, Porter was a four-year letterwinner, appearing in 35 career games at defensive back under head coach Greg Schiano. After college, Porter played five seasons in the NFL with New Orleans (2007), Green Bay (2007-08), Cleveland (2009) and Oakland (2010-11).

After retiring from the NFL at age 25, Porter moved into teaching. The move into mentoring others came as no surprise to Rutgers Athletics Executive Director of Academic Services Scott Walker, who advised Porter during his time “On the Banks.”

“Joe is one of the few two-sport athletes we have had over the past 20 years,” Walker said. “He excelled in both football and track all while earning his Rutgers College degree in sociology, and he has made a commitment to teaching and helping others.”

Porter appreciated the recognition, as he continues to be a role model in the West Windsor-Plainsboro community.

“The NFL was cool, don’t get me wrong. But it was nowhere near as fulfilling as [teaching],” Porter said. “It is more about [the students] then it is you. You will stay after work and use your own money to buy supplies. So, this recognition means a lot.”