NY Giants Star Xavier McKinney Continues An Iona Prep Tradition

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — They say you should never meet your heroes, but when an NFL superstar has this much fun spending time with three generations of Giants fans, everyone walks away better for the experience.

From Iona Preparatory School

Giants safety Xavier McKinney was the guest of honor at Iona Preparatory School on Sunday for the New Rochelle school’s annual father and son breakfast. Speaking to more than 230 students and the role models in their own families, the second-round draft pick out of Alabama talked about playing for the iconic Nick Saban, his journey to the New York Giants and what it's like preparing to play against NFL living legends like Tom Brady. He shared lessons and insight he learned along the way during an inspirational talk.

It was perhaps fitting to have a Giant in the room, as the father and son breakfast first began over 60 years ago with former owner and Iona Prep parent Wellington T. Mara getting Giants players to attend the breakfast when his sons attended during the 1970s, according to the events organizers.

McKinney was visibly excited to see the high school yearbook photos of the current franchise executives and former Iona Prep students, including President John Mara, VP of Player Personnel Chris Mara and VP of Community Relations Frank Mara.

For the 20th consecutive year, the event was spearheaded by alumnus and parent Christopher Fulco, who recalled the legendary Frank Gifford coming to speak when he was a student at then Iona Grammar School. Since Iona Grammar and Iona Preparatory reunited in 2013, Fulco has opened the event to both campuses, continuing the tradition of community building.

"Having breakfast with your dad and family is an Iona Prep tradition," Fulco said, adding that the 2022 event also raised $4,000 for the school.

While McKinney was undeniably the star of the show, a great father and son breakfast requires a great breakfast. This year's festivity was catered by New Rochelle's Avenue Deli.