Maria Francisco
Maria Francisco is the 2025 Jets Fan of the Year and the dedicated principal of Renaissance Middle School in Montclair, NJ. Maria was instrumental in setting up her school's co-ed Jets Flag Football team and has continued to provide support and guidance for the team in the three years since its inception. Maria's own school experience, and inspiration from her teachers, led her to become an educator herself, specializing in physical education and health. Throughout her educational career, Maria has worked tirelessly to provide her students with mentorship, structure and care.
When Maria immigrated to America in the late '80s, she did not understand much English, but she quickly learned the language of football by sitting with her neighbor and listening to Jets games on his radio. Since those days she has been a die-hard fan, glued to every game throughout her high school, college and adult years. Maria considers MetLife Stadium, and cheering on the Jets every Sunday, her happy place.