Community Honors Slain New Jersey Football Star Whose Pre-Thanksgiving Outing Ended in Tragedy

The late New Jersey football player, Rocco Rodden, was known for his perpetually upbeat personality that lit up any room. His head coach, Dan Marangi, described him as a great kid who was always welcoming, cheerful, and never had a bad word to say about anyone. Rodden, who was only 17, was fatally stabbed in a street dispute in Manhattan on Thanksgiving while in the city with his older brother. The suspect, 19-year-old Gianluca Bordone, was arrested after fleeing the scene and was caught wearing black socks, no shoes, and a blood-stained vest. The St. Joseph’s Regional High School, where Rocco was a student, released a statement expressing their deep sadness over the loss. The altercation that led to the stabbing was described as out of character by the suspect’s uncle. Rocco’s best friend, Vin Ferrara, paid tribute to him on Instagram, calling him a brother and family. His coach remembered Rocco as a team leader with a love for the Jersey Shore and his family, and their last conversation was filled with laughter and jokes about the upcoming season.