When Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” begins to play at the stadium during University’s football games, Nicholas Sasso is usually the first person displayed on the jumbo screen performing an air guitar solo and singing every word to the song.
Many of the games’ attendees recognize “The Bon Jovi Kid,” but to him and his family, he is just a 12-year-old from South River, N.J.
Nicholas became a phenomenon at the Louisville game last year.
“It kind of started midway through the season last year,” he said. “I just saw myself on the big screen.”
Since then, Nicholas can be found at every home game wearing his red sweatshirt with the number 27 on it sitting next to his mother, Amy Sasso.
“He’s won the hearts of Rutgers fans,” said School of Arts and Sciences senior Clark Sharp, who noted the crowd goes wild when Nicholas is on screen but boos when the camera pans away.
The fame has rapidly started to grow for Nicholas, and he and his family are well aware of it.
“There are videos on YouTube titled ‘Little Jovi at Rutgers football,’” Sasso said. “Last year he was also featured in ESPN the Magazine’s ‘Video of the Day.’”
His family was even invited to appear on “The Today Show” but decided not to go, she said.
The football team is also aware of Nicholas’ presence, and they take a bit of energy from the crowd when he appears.
“He gives the crowd some more entertainment, which keeps the crowd noise going,” said Rutgers College senior and football player Shamar Graves. “The kid is cool.”
Nicholas said he has been a fan of Bon Jovi’s music for a while and enjoys growing up near his hometown of Sayreville, N.J.
“A few years ago a friend of mine introduced me to his music, and since then I’ve been a fan,” Nicholas said.
Some students are convinced that this is just the beginning of his fame.
“I think he is going to grow up and be a rock star,” said Ian Santayana, a School of Arts and Sciences junior. “He’s already going to be so popular if he goes to Rutgers.”
Others just know he is great for the environment of the game.
“The kid makes every game a little brighter for everyone, win or lose,” School of Arts and Sciences sophomore Krystle Rich said.
Nicholas does not play real guitar and never played the “Guitar Hero” or “Rock Band” video games before his fame.
“We did buy him ‘Guitar Hero’ after he started appearing on screen at the games,” Sasso said.
Both of Nicholas’ parents are University alumni, and he plans to follow in their footsteps.
“Yeah, I want to go to Rutgers when I’m older,” Nicholas said.
Boy dances way into football fame
Published: Sunday, October 11, 2009
Updated: Monday, October 12, 2009
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