License Plate Guy

Joe Ruback, better known as License Plate Guy (born June 7, 1969), is an iconic 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.

Joseph Ruback AKA License Plate Guy, LPG
Born (1969-06-07) June 7, 1969
NationalityAmerican
OccupationAthletic 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. [3]

A young Ruback at Giants Stadium wearing his first plate "G1ANTS"

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.. Joe has also been featured on NFL Network and Good Day New York. [4]

Philanthropy

Ruback 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.

Ruback 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] Ruback regularly uses his social media platform and memorabilia connection to support the Giants community. He has donated items in his collection of Giants memorabilia to online raffles to support fans and former players in trying times.[8] He has also previously partnered with players on the Giants to distribute unused tickets to fans who have trouble affording tickets.[9]

See also

References
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Lueddeke, Kim (2012-02-12). "Renewing his license to celebrate". NorthJersey.com. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  4. "Joe Ruback - aka - License Plate Guy on Good Day New York." 2 February 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2017 – via YouTube.
  6. "Giants past, present going to bat for charity". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved 2017-06-02.
  7. Lieberman, Steve. "Giants 'license plate guy' theft charge dropped". The Journal News. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  8. "money for the Robbins family. PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN. #1 RAFFLE: A game used NYG helmet. Here's your chance to own a real game used helmet from the 2021 season. Comes with a letter from the player". Twitter.com. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  9. "Giants superfan working to avoid Cowboys crowd takeover". Nypost.com. 18 December 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
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