Penny brothers retire Norwalk High School #22 jerseys
Rashaad and Elijhaa Penny (from left to right) retire their Norwalk High School number 22 jerseys on Feb. 22, 2022. (Photo by Vincent Medina)
NORWALK – NFL football players and Norwalk High School alumni Elijhaa (’11) and Rashaad (’14) Penny returned to their alma mater and retired their number 22 jerseys on Tuesday.
The brothers also received a $500 donation toward their 2 Cents Family Foundation.
Elijhaa Penny is the fullback for the New York Giants, and his younger brother Rashaad Penny was the running back for the Seattle Seahawks but is currently a free agent.
Despite the rain and the 52-degree weather, the Pennys’ former teachers, classmates and coaches came out to support the two former NHS football players.
Coach Dean Gray has an extensive history with the Penny family, after coaching their older brother, Robert Penny.
“I’m so honored to say I coached Robert and watched Elijhaa and Rashaad and have them in my class,” said Gray. “The Penny family has done so much for the city of Norwalk and for the school. Congratulations on the retirement of 22.”
Coach Jesse Ceniceros noted that Tuesday was used to mark the occasion because the Pennys’ jersey number 22 and the date Feb. 22, 2022, lined up 2/22/22.
“How did everything align itself for today? To honor Elijjhaa and Rashaad who wore the number 22 so well,” said Ceniceros. “I met Elijhaa when he was a sophomore. He was big, but always had a smile on his face. That was my introduction to the Penny family.”
Skills USA teams partnered together to donate $500 to the Penny family foundation, 2 Cents Family Foundation. The family charity is dedicated to getting young people active with the two brothers hosting free football camps for boys and girls.
As the brothers retired their #22 jerseys, they thanked their former teachers and encouraged NHS students to continue pursuing their careers.
“My message to you kids is that you need to make school a priority,” said Elijhaa Penny. “So that you can go to the school you dream of right out of high school.”
The Giants fullback was unable to go straight to a four-year university out of high school, after failing to meet his A-G requirements.
“My family, coaches, staff and former players all pushed me to keep doing what I do, and I appreciate it,” said the NHS 2011 alumnus
Rashaad Penny also thanked his former teachers and everyone who inspired him through his career.
“This city really changed my family life and my life,” said Rashaad Penny. “Every time I come back I feel like I have family here. It means the world to me.”
The NFL free agent thanked his former coach, Eddie Moreno.
“If Eddie hadn’t found my older brother, I don’t know where I’d be right now,” said the NHS 2014 alumnus. “I really appreciate you.”