about the herd
The Garden State Herd is a Post-Graduate football program based in Central New Jersey, built for student-athletes who are committed to chasing excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in life. Our team is more than football. We’re a family-driven, development-focused program offering young men a second chance to pursue their dreams while working toward an Associate Degree or Trade Certification.
Founded on the principle of Kaizen, meaning small ongoing positive changes can reap major improvements,the Herd provides a structured and disciplined environment for players to grow as athletes, students, and individuals. We compete against other Post-Grad programs, Junior Colleges, and Junior varsity collegiate teams, offering exposure and opportunities without sacrificing eligibility.
To be eligible, athletes must be enrolled in a Community College or Technical School and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. The Herd prepares players for the next level whether that’s advancing in athletics, education, or their career.
We’re not just building football players. We’re building better men.
GOALS
Dedication – Cultivate a sense of DEDICATION for personal, individual or team enhancement
Responsibility – Educate and inspire RESPONSIBLE choice making.
Influence – Develop and provide opportunities for INFLUENCE through leadership growth.
Vision – Assist in identifying VISION for future personal and professional success.
Excellence – Instill an attitude of EXCELLENCE in all aspects of life.
Provide equitable opportunities for personal professional growth to our staff, players, coaches, and guests.
To promote a culture of sportsmanship and community service while instilling a sense of pride and loyalty in our community.
Here Comes The Herd,
Roll Herd Roll!
why the herd?
Choosing the Garden State Herd means choosing a program that’s built on the 3P's, purpose, passion, and progress. We’re not just about football we’re about creating a culture where young men grow into better students, athletes, and leaders.
We offer a unique opportunity for post-graduate athletes to continue their playing careers while earning an education through a Community College or Technical School. Our focus is on second chances, structured development, and preparing our players for the next level whether that’s on the field or in life.
At The Herd, we live by the philosophy of Kaizen: Small ongoing positive changes can reap major improvements.
That mindset drives everything we do from the classroom to the weight room to game day. We compete against top post-grad programs, JUCOs, and JV college teams, giving our athletes the exposure they need and the accountability they deserve.
If you’re serious about becoming the best version of yourself and you’re ready to work for it then you belong with The Herd.
bronson & the matriarch
Here Comes The Herd
Roll Herd Roll
Written By: Shaheed Francis
From the mountains of New Jersey, the legend of Bronson the Bison began. Bronson the Bison, one rarest and most thoughtful of The Pack. Bronson has always stood out yet wasn’t taken seriously until it was too late. Bronson wanted to move up the mountain away from predators and the ocean’s ability to rise.
Water although sacred to the bison can also be detrimental to their wellbeing. Despite Bronson’s warning, the pack would not listen to his advice. Worried about his safety, Bronson did the only thing he could do. Bronson had to sperate from the pack.
Bronson stood up for what he believed in and decided to lead his newfound Herd to the top of the mountain. Immediately appointing his mother as The Matriarch to lead the long migration ahead. Bronson along with other like-minded Bison started to migrate. The travel was grueling as they took on violent winds and cruel weather the way up the mountain.
Looking down at the River this day in age shows how Bronson’s courage saved The Herd. Its shows how a strong Queen, Mother, the Matriarch used her intuition to find new pastures.
This day in 2022 we call our Home The Matriarch. We named our program after the Rolling Herd that once grazed these lands. Our sigil is in honor of the Mighty Bronson, and our heart, is the spirit of the Garden State.
Here Comes The Herd, Roll Herd Roll.
Shaheed Francis
The H.E.N.G (Herd Editorial News Group)
who we are looking for
At the Garden State Herd, we’re building more than just a team we’re building a brotherhood rooted in discipline, purpose, and growth. We’re looking for young men who want more out of themselves, both on the field and in the classroom.
The ideal Herd athlete is:
•Enrolled in a Community college or Technical school
•Maintaining a 2.5 GPA or higher
•Hungry for a second chance to prove themselves
•Coachable, accountable, and driven
•Committed to personal growth and team success We expect our players to represent the Herd with pride not just in uniform, but in how they carry themselves in the community, in the classroom, and at home, character matters. You don’t need to be perfect but you do need to be serious.
•Serious about your education.
•Serious about competing.
•Serious about becoming the best version of yourself. If this sounds like you, then you're exactly who we’re looking for.
academics
At the Garden State Herd, academics are a cornerstone of our mission. We are more than just a post-graduate football program. We're a second chance for young men to earn a meaningful education while chasing their athletic dreams.
Every athlete on our roster must be enrolled in a Community College or Technical School, and is required to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA in order to compete. We believe education builds the foundation for long-term success, both on and off the field. That’s why we emphasize academic accountability, personal development, and career preparation.
Whether our student-athletes are pursuing an Associate’s Degree or working toward a trade certification, we are committed to helping them stay on track, stay eligible, and stay focused.
With structured support, mentorship, and the mindset of Kaizen, meaning small ongoing positive changes can reap major improvements.
We prepare our athletes for the next level in life, in school, and in sport.