On a crisp fall afternoon in Montclair, New Jersey, the energy was electric. Fans filled the stands, players took the field with purpose, and behind it all stood Jordan Stewart, assistant coach at Montclair State University, reflecting on what this moment truly meant.
“Football has been a part of me and my family,” Stewart said. “I want to give a shout out to my older brother, Donald. I wouldn’t be playing without him. I always wanted to be like him. I came to Montclair in the midst of COVID, and Coach Palazzo and my brothers here really adopted me. I love Montclair — I call it home. I never want to leave here.”
For Stewart, the game isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about belonging — to a team, a community, and a shared history that runs deep through the program.
Stewart’s impact goes far beyond the sidelines. In a story that perfectly captures the “full circle” spirit of Montclair football, he helped bring the team’s “Breakfast Bowl” tradition to life in a way few could imagine — by turning it into official New Jersey state legislation.
“It started off as an idea,” Stewart explained. “Shout out to Coach Palazzo — it was all his idea. He’d wanted to do the Breakfast Bowl for years. When I was working in the legislature, I took the idea to my boss, wrote it up, and before I knew it, it took off like wildfire.”
That boss, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, co-sponsored the bill.
“Numerous legislators wanted to sign on and show their support,” Stewart recalled. “When it got passed, it was a really cool moment — seeing something we love here at Montclair become part of state history.”
It was more than a football rivalry; it became a symbol of teamwork, leadership, and community pride — values Montclair has always stood for.
Of course, no story about New Jersey football is complete without addressing one of the state’s fiercest debates: North Jersey vs. South Jersey — or, as locals know it, Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll.
“When we got out there, people might not realize how real that North vs. South rivalry is,” Stewart laughed. “That pork roll and Taylor ham thing — it’s a real, very intense beef. But this means a lot to me. We know about North Jersey ball.”
Throughout the day, one theme kept resurfacing — family. From his bond with his brother to the relationships he’s built through Montclair football, Stewart made it clear this program represents more than just a team.
“Football means everything to us,” he said. “It’s about dedication, community, and seeing it all come together. That’s what makes this special.”
As the final whistle blew and fans filed out of the stands, Stewart’s story stood as a reminder of what makes college football — and Montclair — unique. It’s not just about winning games. It’s about building something lasting: relationships, memories, and legacies that go beyond the field.
From helping pass legislation to mentoring the next generation of players, Jordan Stewart’s journey captures the essence of Montclair State football: passion, pride, and purpose.
“We put everything into what we do here,” he said. “This is home. This is family. And this is what football’s all about.”
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