The New York Jets will be paying tribute to a true hero when they honor Suffolk County Police Officer Matias Ferreira as their Veteran of the Game. The recognition will take place on October 5, when the Jets face the Dallas Cowboys at home.
To make the moment even more special, the Jets and the Suffolk County Police Department are planning to surprise Officer Ferreira with the news on September 24 at the Fourth Precinct in Smithtown.
Ferreira’s journey is one of courage and resilience. A former lance corporal with the U.S. Marine Corps, he lost both legs below the knee in 2011 after stepping on a 30-pound improvised explosive device during his first deployment in Afghanistan. The blast not only shattered his legs but also broke his pelvis. Despite such devastating injuries, Ferreira remained determined to continue serving others.
In 2016, he joined the Suffolk County Police Department, becoming the first double amputee active-duty police officer in the nation. His service has included both patrol duties and time as a community liaison officer, where he worked to strengthen trust and communication between the community and the department. His perseverance and dedication have made a lasting impact on those around him.
Ferreira’s story is also deeply personal. Born in Uruguay, he immigrated to the United States with his family at age six. At 19, he enlisted in the Marines and later became an American citizen in September 2010, just days before deploying to Afghanistan as a machine gunner with the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines.
The Suffolk County Police Department is home to many veterans, and Ferreira’s service exemplifies the character and commitment that define the department. His recognition by the Jets is a fitting salute to a man who continues to inspire through his courage, sacrifice, and devotion to others.