East Boston High School (EBHS) football legend, Ed Nastari, was recognized on June 16 in the high school gym for his contributions as a player and his commitment as a coach of the EBHS football program, featuring the momentous occasion of the retirement of his number three jersey.
“This is one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Nastari, who acknowledged football for teaching him grit, pride, toughness, and responsibility.
Retired EBHS Football Coach John Sousa, who coached Nastari when he served as the starting quarterback for the EBHS Jets in 1994, and couched alongside Nastari for ten years, described the acknowledgment as “a well-deserved honor.”
Sousa — former captain of the EBHS football team in 1968 who also had his number 66 jersey retired from use — attributed Nastari for teaching him to push forward.
“Eddie taught about being a good citizen, discipline, respect, and hard work,” said Sousa. “Ed led us to a lot of games and big championships. Ed Nastari is the epitome of East Boston High School class pride and tradition.”
Nastari was a member of the EBHS varsity football team from 1991-1995, and has the distinction of being the only person to win the Super Bowl as a player, in 1994, and as a coach, in 2004.
He led the Jets in their first Super Bowl championship in 1994, one of the most significant victories of the school, earning him Most Valuable Player.
Nastari also was awarded the Most Valuable Player for the 1994 Thanksgiving Day game, and the 1995 Male Athlete of the Year.
Mayor Michelle Wu commended Nastari for having inspired generations of athletes during his time as assistant coach from 1998-2009, describing him as “one of the strongest examples of scholar athletes in the community, setting new standards for excellence.”
Wu and Nastari’s fellow AFSCME (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees) Council 93 member, Tiger Stockbridge, also praised Nastari for his commitment to fighting for the working-class people in the City of Boston.
Nastari received certificates of recognition from Michelle Wu as well as the Office of State Representative Adrian Madaro for his remarkable achievements, lasting impact on the East Boston community, and dedicated service to Boston’s frontline workers.
“This program is all about passing it down and keeping it going,” expressed Nastari about the EBHS football team before addressing current players. “Practice hard, pay attention, stay disciplined, and good things will happen. It’s about effort, belief, and showing up.”