5 Super Athletes With Ties To Jefferson

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Jefferson area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Mike Leach (Football)

Jonathan Michael “Mike” Leach, a former NFL long snapper, got his start at Jefferson Township High School. A standout multi-sport athlete, Leach was a first-team, all-state punter and finished as the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in the school's basketball history. After high school, he played college football at Boston University and the College of William & Mary before being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tennessee Titans in 2000. Leach went on to play 16 seasons in the NFL, including stints with the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals, retiring in 2016 after a successful career.

2. Deonna Purrazzo (Wrestling)

Deonna Purrazzo, a graduate of Jefferson Township High School, is a professional wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). She began wrestling in 2013 and went on to become one of the top women’s wrestlers, known for becoming a three-time Knockouts World Champion in Impact Wrestling. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation as a technically skilled wrestler, being recognized on multiple top women’s wrestler lists.

3. Jerry Reese (Football)

Jerry Reese, a former NFL executive and player, settled down in Jefferson Township with his wife and children. Reese’s career in the NFL spanned 23 years, including a successful tenure as the general manager of the New York Giants from 2007 to 2017. Under his leadership, the Giants won two Super Bowls (XLII and XLVI). In 2018, Reese sold his Jefferson home, moving to an undisclosed location.

4. Jaren Sina (Basketball)

Jaren Sina, a Kosovan-American professional basketball player, was raised in the Lake Hopatcong area of Jefferson Township. Sina had an impressive high school career at Gill St. Bernard’s School, where he became the all-time leading scorer in Somerset County. He was a four-star recruit and played college basketball for Seton Hall and George Washington. After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft, Sina pursued a professional career in Europe, playing for several teams in Estonia, France and Austria, where he earned a Pro B championship title.

5. Ashley Hutchinson (Soccer)

Ashley Hutchinson excelled as a three-sport athlete at Jefferson Township High School, earning 12 varsity letters in soccer, basketball and track. She was also a four-time All-Morris County selection and was named Jefferson's 2017 Pass It Along Scholar Athlete. Known for her leadership and strong performance on the field, Hutchinson was captain of her soccer team and earned recognition for her skills as a midfielder. She went on to continue her soccer career at Moravian University, where she pursued a degree in nursing.

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