Interview with New York Giants Superfan Joe “License Plate Guy” Ruback
We connected with New York Giants Superfan Joe “License Plate Guy” Ruback to learn the story behind his fandom, his memorable experiences as a Superfan, and his ongoing efforts to bring the NYG community together.
On the inspiration behind his License Plate Guy story and how he keeps up the tradition:
I was first dared to wear my [vanity] G1ants plate by my dad. The Giants won that game and as Giants fans are superstitious, the single plate LPG was born and the Giants won a Super Bowl that year. Coincidence? I think not. Fast forward to the advent of social media which erupted right around Super Bowl 42 for me, and License Plate Guy took on a momentum driven by a lot of fellow Giants fans, even international fans now, who send me their license plates. I have about 93 currently — ten years ago I had 10 plates. As I have been my whole life, I'm inspired by NY Giants football and the family of fans that goes with that. To me, football is family.
I pick out my game jersey very intentionally and post it to social media pre-game. I try to meet up with Giants fans where I am during the games (home and away), and try to take a pic of all the plates I’m wearing at each stadium. It’s become impossible to get all of them into stadiums, so I have to be selective.
On his interactions with Giants players and being on the field to celebrate Super Bowl XLVI in 2012:
I have to credit Brandon Jacobs as the best interaction because it was the first true “friends” interaction I had since the time I met Joe Morris as a kid. Brandon welcomed me to his home and we became fast friends. He invited me to Vegas over Memorial Day weekend with several other players and friends — it’s an experience I will never forget.
You can just imagine, [being on the field for the Super Bowl win in 2012] it’s the greatest feeling in the world. Being on that field making snow angels in the confetti and holding the trophy were surreal memories of a lifetime.
On his work in the community and his efforts to bring fans together during the COVID-19 pandemic:
My most notable charitable effort for is the annual celebrity softball game that Landon Collins and I organized for the past 3 years. This event raised over $100,000 collectively for charities including The Jay Fund and St. Christopher’s, Inc. I’ve been involved in charitable functions and giving previously, but nothing compared to this incredible fan and player experience, and all for good causes. Fans got to see and meet Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones when they were rookies; over 70 NY Giants and Super Bowl champions participated, and Eli Manning and Coach Tom Coughlin made surprise guest appearances one year as well. There is nothing more gratifying than organizing a great time for great people, for great causes.
On our challenge to call out New York Jets Superfan Fireman Ed to come on Concrete New York:
As for Fireman Who, I don’t waste my time on Superfans outside the division — have to keep focused on what really matters, the NFC East.
Updated 12/10: What is your mentality heading into the Big Blue playoff push?
How much fun is meaningful football in December?! The New York Football Giants control their own destiny, win out and win the division - let’s go!
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