Basking Ridge Author, Former NFL Kicker Reflects On Loss, Family In New Memoir

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Basking Ridge local and former NFL kicker Moe Lajterman released "23 A Memoir," a book he said he had been trying to write for about 20 years.

In an interview with Patch, Lajterman said the memoir follows his family’s immigration from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the United States, his football career, and the loss of his brother Marcelo in the 1970 Marshall University plane crash.

He said the idea took shape after he and his brothers attended the 2006 premiere of "We Are Marshall" starring Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox in 2006.

Lajterman said the film told the larger story of the tragedy, but he wanted to write about "individual players or families that were affected by it," especially his own brother.

Lajterman was 17 when Marcelo died at age 19.

According to the book description, the crash claimed the lives of 75 people.

Lajterman said the loss changed his family permanently and remained a driving force in his life and career.

"My family was never the same after that tragedy," he said.

The title came after years of considering another name for the book, he said.

Lajterman said his daughter suggested "23," the number Marcelo wore at Marshall.

"Dad, you know the number 23 keeps coming up, and I think you should name your book 23," he said she told him.

He reflected that after the crash and throughout his life Marcelo kept appearing to Lajterman in ways to show that he was watching over him and supporting his own football career.

"My own football journey later took me to the New York Stars of the World Football League, and I subsequently signed with the New York Jets and New York Giants," said Lajterman. "More than 50 years later, I finally put our family’s story into words."

Lajterman said finishing the memoir was emotional.

"I had tears in my eyes because I finally accomplished something in my life that I really promised myself I would do," he said.

He said he also wanted his grandchildren to know their family history, including the move from Argentina in 1964 and the promise he made to honor his brother.

The memoir is available on Amazon in hardcover and soft cover. He said he is also working on a Kindle edition and hopes to release an audiobook in his own voice later.

Lajterman said he will be at Marshall University in November for a book signing tied to the school’s fountain ceremony and the anniversary of "We Are Marshall."

He is also scheduled for a Dec. 2 book signing at the JCC in Bridgewater.

"It took me 20 years, but I did it," Lajterman said.

He said the easiest part now is talking about his brothers and sharing a story he hopes readers connect with through family, loss and resilience.

For more information or to buy 23: A Memoir, visit amazon.com.

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