Gerald Filardi serves as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Long Island Elite Football and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the evolution of youth football on Long Island. A former standout linebacker at Penn State University, Filardi ranks among the program’s all-time leading tacklers and competed in two NCAA National Championship games during his collegiate career. He later went on to play professionally with the Pittsburgh Steelers, bringing elite-level experience and discipline to every endeavor that followed. Since 2012, Filardi has been at the forefront of raising the competitive standard of football in the region. Under his leadership, Long Island Elite’s National Team Program has produced a record number of Division I scholarship athletes, including numerous Power Five and SEC commitments, positioning Long Island as a legitimate national football market. Beyond Long Island Elite, Filardi is the Founder of the Long Island Spartans, Regional Director of Football University, and co-founder of The Liberty Challenge, New York City Elite Football, and LIYFA. He was instrumental in re-establishing the Half Hollow Hills youth football program after its collapse, restoring stability and competitive integrity to the community. At the high school level, Filardi led Half Hollow Hills West to the 2024 County Championship, further reinforcing his reputation as a program-builder capable of developing talent at every stage of the game. Known for his conviction and independence, Filardi has never hesitated to challenge convention or step outside political comfort for the betterment of the athletes he serves. His allegiance is singular; to the young players of Long Island. A frequent speaker at local and national football events, Filardi also serves on the boards of multiple football organizations, continuing to shape policy, standards, and opportunity throughout the sport. See the rest of the Long Island Elite National Team leadership.