The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 9-year-old Sidney Gussen as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The third grader at Lowell Elementary is coming off of a championship for the AIFL Flag Football second/third grade Eagles. Gussen helped clinch the win by throwing the game winning touchdown pass in overtime. The performance is even more impressive because his mom (and good luck charm) was not able to attend the game since she was recovering from an operation the week before. Sidney’s mother, Shari Gussen told the JLNJ, “He will be so happy to receive this award, he LOVES eating at the Doghouse.”

Sidney, congrats on the championship. Who is your role model and why?

Tom Brady because he was playing his best games when I first started playing football and it inspired me to play like him.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Tom Brady, because he’s so old but also because he’s so good.

What is your pregame routine?

Throwing passes and practicing handoffs.

What is your earliest sport memory?

Hitting a baseball off of the tee in my backyard when I was 2 years old.

What is your weirdest sports memory?

One time when I was playing football my pants split and ripped open.

What is your favorite sports memory?

Throwing the winning touchdown pass to finish the 2018 AIFL Super Bowl with a touchdown in sudden-death overtime.

What do you like to do when you are not playing football?

Watching Fortnite videos on YouTube.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

It makes me feel good and helps me to know that you should never give up.

The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift at the Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].