Former NFL Star Noah Burroughs champions change in Hempstead, running for 18th District Assembly

Former NFL player Noah Burroughs is leveraging his platform and passion for public service to improve his hometown of Hempstead. The 18th District New York State Assembly candidate is focused on transforming the community through initiatives in education, housing, and infrastructure. The 18th District includes Baldwin, Freeport, Hempstead, Lakeview, Roosevelt and Uniondale.

Burroughs, who was born and raised in Hempstead, credits his father’s involvement in the civil rights movement as a formative influence in his commitment to community service. Growing up, Burroughs believed the country had achieved equality, but he soon realized as a teenager that disparities persisted—particularly in his own neighborhood.

“Growing up here, I saw first-hand the disparities, and I knew something had to be done,” Burroughs said. “As a kid, I thought we’d already achieved the rights we deserved, but I realized that wasn’t the case.”

After a successful career in the NFL, playing for the New York Jets, Burroughs returned to Hempstead with a renewed purpose: to give back. Drawing inspiration from his father’s values and the philanthropy of his former teammates, Burroughs started teaching and coaching youth football and later founded a nonprofit.

Through these initiatives, he has helped hundreds of students earn scholarships and pursue opportunities in both college and professional football. “Helping young people understand their potential and achieve their goals has been one of my biggest accomplishments,” Burroughs said. Under his guidance, high school graduation rates improved, and many students went on to earn Division I scholarships, with 12 of his former mentees currently playing in the NFL.

Looking to make an even broader impact, Burroughs transitioned from coaching to serving as the village Trustee in Hempstead, expanding his focus from student-athletes to the wider community. His priorities now include addressing critical housing shortages, improving infrastructure, and finding solutions to the growing challenges posed by an influx of asylum seekers. Under his leadership, Hempstead is moving forward with new mixed-income housing projects designed to meet the needs of both affordable and market-rate housing.

Burroughs also helped secure significant funding to revamp Hempstead’s aging water filtration systems, which were costing the village more to treat than it would to repair. The updates will bring the system up to state health standards, and Hempstead is now one of only two Long Island villages preparing for a comprehensive overhaul.

“Our water system is outdated, and it’s costing us more to treat than it would to fix it,” Burroughs explained. “Thanks to the funding we’ve secured, we’re addressing this issue head-on, making Hempstead a safer, healthier place for everyone.”

In addition to infrastructure, Burroughs is focused on improving public spaces for residents. The renovation of a local park will include both indoor and outdoor basketball courts, exercise facilities, a computer lab, and a variety of programs for all ages.

“We need spaces where our community can gather, grow, and thrive,” he said. “This is about providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn, exercise, and connect.”

Through these projects, Burroughs aims not just to improve Hempstead physically, but to inspire residents to become more engaged in their local politics. He believes that understanding and participating in local government is key to creating lasting change.

“Life is politics,” Burroughs said. “Being informed is essential, and I’m here to show people the opportunities they may not see. By getting involved, we can take control of our community’s future and make Hempstead a better place for everyone.”

As a candidate for the New York State Assembly in the 18th District, he is dedicated to making a difference and believes he is the right person for the job.

“I know what this community needs, and if I don’t, I make sure people have the medium to reach me directly. As a state official, I want to be just as accessible, so people know they can contact my office and get help with their concerns. I’ve tackled major issues and secured funding, by building strong relationships at the federal level. Sometimes, you have to be creative about where and how you find resources.”