The Official Football Learning Academy Podcast

In this episode, we focus on Jack Lavelle, one of the first people hired by an NFL team to specifically be a scout. He started with Notre Dame, then went to the Green Bay Packers and finally the New York Giants.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

In this episode, we focus on Steve Belichick, scout and coach at the United States Naval Academy, and father of Bill Belichick.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

In this episode, we focus on trailblazer Mike Giddings Sr., who was the first director of pro scouting in NFL history and the founder of ProScout, Inc..Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyEPISODE SUMMARYJoin us to learn about The Official Football Learning Academy Podcast by listening to this trailer episode.THE OFFICIAL FOOTBALL LEARNING ACADEMY PODCAST BACKGROUNDEach week, the official Football Learning Academy podcast will take you deep into the history of this great game. Through interviews with players, coaches, or administrators in the NFL, as well as interviews with Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors, authors, and historians, you will learn about how the game evolved and important moments that shaped the sport into what it is today. You will also get first-hand accounts from the people who have made history in pro football.HOST - KEN CRIPPEN BIOKen Crippen was in a leadership position within the Professional Football Researchers Association for 15 years and is now the founder and lead instructor at the Football Learning Academy. He has been researching and writing about pro football history for over 30 years and has been a sought-after interview for publications like the Wall Street Journal and Rolling Stone magazine, and a sought-after guest on podcasts and radio shows, namely The History Channel, ESPN Radio, and Fox Sports Radio.He has written two books, been the managing editor of two other books, and a contributor to yet two more books. He has also written hundreds of articles on pro football history, has won the Dick Connor Writing Award for Feature Writing (which is now called the Lesley Visser Enterprise News/Features Award) from the Pro Football Writers of America, as well as the Professional Football Researchers Association’s Ralph Hay Award for lifetime achievement in pro football research.Music By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

In this episode, we focus on long-time scout and personnel person Dick HaleyTo learn more about trailblazing contributors in NFL history, visit our Historical Scouting Reports class, where the greats in NFL history. Check it out at the Football Learning Academy website at www.football-learning-academy.com.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

In this episode, we highlight the career of Fido Murphy, one of the more colorful characters in pro football scouting history. You’re not going to want to miss this one!To learn more about trailblazing contributors in NFL history, visit our Historical Scouting Reports class, where the greats in NFL history. Check it out at the Football Learning Academy website at www.football-learning-academy.com.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

In this episode, we focus on trailblazer Ameena Soliman, who was the first Muslim female scout in NFL history.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

In this episode, we focus on trailblazer Salli Clavelle, who was the first African American female scout in NFL history.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

In this episode, we focus on trailblazer Connie Carberg, who was the first female scout in NFL history when she held that position with the New York Jets.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

In this episode, we focus on Linda Bogdan, scout and executive with the Buffalo Bills from 1986 through 2009.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

In this episode, we focus on Ralph Goldston, who spent an entire career in pro football, from player to coach to scout.To learn more about trailblazing contributors in NFL history, visit our Historical Scouting Reports class, where the greats in NFL history. Check it out at the Football Learning Academy website at www.football-learning-academy.com.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

In this episode, we focus on trailblazer Tom Williams of the Houston Oilers. He was the first African American assistant general manager in pro football history.To learn more about trailblazing contributors in NFL history, visit our Historical Scouting Reports class, where the greats in NFL history. Check it out at the Football Learning Academy website at www.football-learning-academy.com.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

In this episode, we focus on scout Jackie Graves, who spent time with the Boston Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and Indianapolis Colts. He was one of the most respected African American scouts during the 1960s and 1970s.To learn more about trailblazing contributors in NFL history, visit our Historical Scouting Reports class, where the greats in NFL history. Check it out at the Football Learning Academy website at www.football-learning-academy.com.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

n this episode, we focus on trailblazer Lloyd Wells of the Kansas City Chiefs. Many sources have Lloyd Wells as the first full-time African American scout in NFL history. That is not true and Ken Crippen explains why, as well as discuss Wells’ career accomplishments.To learn more about trailblazing contributors in NFL history, visit our Historical Scouting Reports class, where the greats in NFL history. Check it out at the Football Learning Academy website at www.football-learning-academy.com.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

This episode’s special guest is one of the greatest returners in NFL history: Rick Upchurch. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 1975 NFL Draft, he is one of the few people who have been named to TWO all-decade teams. He led the league three times in punt yards per return AND in punt returns for touchdowns. He was named to four Pro Bowls, has been inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame and was named to the Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary team. He is currently ranked 11th all-time in punt return yards for a career. When he retired, he was first all-time ahead of Billy “White Shoes” Johnson.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

This episode’s special guest is former NFL offensive lineman Lomas Brown, who was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft. He played eleven seasons for the Detroit Lions, then played for the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This seven-time Pro Bowler has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, the University of Florida Hall of Fame, the Detroit Lions’ Hall of Fame, and is on the Detroit Lions’ All-Time Team.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

Today, we have two very special guests to the show: Todd Marinovich and Lizzy Wright. Todd was a former first-round draft pick with the Oakland Raiders back in 1991.Todd and Lizzy just published Todd’s memoirs, titled: Marinovich: Outside the Lines in Football, Art, and Addiction, which can be purchased at marinovichbook.com. In this memoir, Todd is very open about the struggles that he faced with substance abuse over the years, and we dove into those details in this episode.As far as Lizzy Wright, our long-time listeners will remember her husband Steve Wright as a guest in season one of our podcast. She co-authored Steve’s book, as well, which was titled Aggressively Human.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

Today, we focus on Ralph Hay, the person responsible for organizing the league that is now the NFL. Later, we will sit down with Pro Football Hall of Fame selector and member of the Hall of Fame’s Blue-Ribbon Committee for Contributors Clark Judge to discuss Ralph Hay.To learn more about trailblazing contributors in NFL history, visit our Historical Scouting Reports class, where the greats in NFL history. Check it out at the Football Learning Academy website at www.football-learning-academy.com.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

Today, we focus on trailblazer Bucko Kilroy, the long-time personnel person with the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, and New England Patriots. Later, we will sit down with Pro Football Hall of Fame selector and member of the Hall of Fame’s Blue-Ribbon Committee for Contributors Clark Judge to discuss Kilroy.To learn more about trailblazing contributors in NFL history, visit our Historical Scouting Reports class, where the greats in NFL history. Check it out at the Football Learning Academy website at https://www.football-learning-academy.com/courses/historical-scouting-reports-and-contributor-profiles.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

Today, we focus on trailblazer Eddie Kotal, the long-time scout for the Los Angeles Rams and the person responsible for putting together great Rams teams, including the 1951 NFL Championship team. Later, we will sit down with Pro Football Hall of Fame selector and member of the Hall of Fame’s Blue-Ribbon Committee for Contributors Clark Judge.To learn more about trailblazing contributors in NFL history, visit our Historical Scouting Reports class, where the greats in NFL history. Check it out at the Football Learning Academy website at https://www.football-learning-academy.com/courses/historical-scouting-reports-and-contributor-profiles.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

This episode’s special guest is the Chief Communications & Content Officer with the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Rich Desrosiers. In this episode, we talk about his career, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Hall of Fame selection process. We also talk about some of the new exhibits at the Hall of Fame.Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comSocial Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0