The Official Football Learning Academy Podcast

Back in 2013, host Ken Crippen interviewed "Mr. Falcon" Tommy Nobis. This is the audio from that interview. We discuss his college and pro careers and his life after football. For the Pro Football History Nugget of the Week, we focus on the linebackers selected to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1960s.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 1979-84.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

Host Ken Crippen sits down with former NFL Player Marques Ogden, who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Tennessee Titans. We talk about his football career, what he has been doing after he retired from football, and his thoughts on coaching and leadership.For the Pro Football History Nugget of the Week, we talk about the World League of American Football and the Scottish Claymores, the team that Marques played for in 2004.Marques' Websites:https://marquesogden.com/https://marques360.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 1979-84.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

Our special guest this week is former NFL linebacker Reggie Walker. In this interview, we talk about his football career, the struggles that he has faced throughout his life, and what he’s been doing since he retired from football. You're not going to want to miss this episode!!There will be no Pro Football History Nugget of the Week. We want Reggie’s powerful message to stand on its own. Reggie is on the National Advisory Board:www.1in6.orgFootball 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 1979-84.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

Our special guest this week is former NFL offensive tackle Richmond Webb. In this interview, we talk about his football career and what he’s been doing since he retired from football. Find out what he enjoys doing to relax!For the Pro Football History Nugget of the Week, we will talk about some of the best players to come out of Texas A&M, Richmond’s alma mater.Richmond’s Social Media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichmondWebbFootball 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 1979-84.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

Our special guest this week is former NFL defensive back Marlon Kerner. In this interview, we talk about his football career and what he’s been doing since he retired from football.For the Pro Football History Nugget of the Week, we will talk about some of the great players that came out of Ohio State University, Marlon’s alma mater.Entrepreneurs Forever Website:https://www.entrepreneursforever.org/Marlon’s Social Media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/marlonkerner46Football 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 1979-84.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 talk to prominent Buffalo sports historian, curator and author Greg Tranter about his books and his collection of Buffalo Bills memorabilia. Greg’s collection is the largest collection of Buffalo Bills memorabilia in the world and contains over 100,000 items.For the Pro Football History Nugget of the Week, we will discuss the Providence Steamroller, one of the early NFL teams and the subject of Greg’s next book.Greg’s Books:Makers, Moments & Memorabilia: A Chronicle of Buffalo Professional Sports: http://wnybooks.com/makers-moments-and-memorabilia.htmlRelics: The History of the Buffalo Bills in Objects and Memorabilia: https://www.amazon.com/Relics-History-Buffalo-Objects-Memorabilia/dp/1937943585/ref=sr_1_3?crid=32G4PPU62HUSHThe Buffalo Sports Curse: 120 Years of Pain, Disappointment, Heartbreak and Eternal Optimism: https://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-Sports-Curse-Disappointment-Heartbreak/dp/1939125871/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32G4PPU62HUSHBuffalo Bills: An Illustrated Timeline of a Storied Team: https://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-Bills-Illustrated-Timeline-Storied/dp/1681064499/ref=sr_1_2?crid=32G4PPU62HUSHFootball 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 1979-84.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

Our special guest this week is former NFL player J.J. Birden, who played for multiple NFL teams. In this interview, we talk about his football career and what he’s been doing since he retired from football. We get into his podcast, blog, and leadership keynote speeches.For the Pro Football History Nugget of the Week, we will talk about J.J.’s coach in Cleveland and Kansas City: Marty Schottenheimer.J.J.’s Websites:https://www.jjbirden.com/https://www.jjbirdenhealth.com/J.J’s Social Media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjbirdenFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjbirdenonlineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjbirdenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjbirden/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jjbirden88Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jjbirden/ Football Learning Academy Website:To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.comFootball Learning Academy Social Media:Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademy Music By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-84.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’re going to do something a little different. On September 4th, 2023, Los Angeles Rams’ great Eddie Meador passed away at the age of 86. FLA founder Ken Crippen was fortunate enough to have interviewed Eddie back in 2012 for an article he wrote for National Football Post.The difference with this episode is that we will intersperse Eddie’s commentary throughout this narrative. As a result, there will be Pro Football History Nuggets of the Week scattered throughout the episode as we tell Eddie’s story.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/@footballlearningacademyMentioned 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

Ben Troupe was drafted by the Tennessee Titans. He played for them from 2004 through 2007, before going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2008 season. That leads me to this week’s special guest Ben Troupe. Yes, he played in the NFL. Yes, he is a successful author and podcaster. But what truly makes Ben Troupe remarkable is how he selflessly gives back to others. Combine that with his overwhelmingly positive attitude, and you can’t help but love him. He is truly an inspiration, and we’re glad to have him as part of the FLA family.This week, there is no Pro Football History Nugget of the Week. Ben’s powerful message of giving back and having a positive mindset is admirable and we want that message to stand on its own.Ben’s Classes at the FLA:Interview: https://www.football-learning-academy.com/courses/ben-troupe-interviewLive Q&A: https://www.football-learning-academy.com/courses/live-q-a-with-ben-troupeBen’s Podcast:https://linktr.ee/84reasonsFootball 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 1979-84.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’s special guest is former Buffalo Bills safety Jeff Nixon. He was drafted out of the University of Richmond by the Buffalo Bills in the 1979 NFL Draft. He played for the team from 1979 through 1984.For the Pro Football History Nugget of the week, we talk about TWO special aspects of the 1980 Buffalo Bills: The end of the 20-game domination that the Miami Dolphins had over the Buffalo Bills in the 1970s, and the top-ranked Bermuda Triangle defense. NOTE: We were having technical difficulties with Jeff’s microphone. We apologize in advance for any audio issues.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 1979-84.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

After graduating from Notre Dame, Lamonica started his professional football career with the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League. He was traded to the Oakland Raiders in 1967 and led them to the AFL Championship. After a single season with the Southern California Sun of the World Football League in 1975, Lamonica retired from football.Back in 2013, Host Ken Crippen interviewed Lamonica for a “Where are they Now” article for the National Football Post. The audio in this episode was from that interview.For our Pro Football History Nugget of the Week, we talk about the World Football League of 1974 and 1975, where we mentioned that Lamonica played for a single season.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 1979-84.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’s very special guest is Shannon Eastin, the NFL’s first female on-field official. She was brought in during the 2012 season when the NFL locked out officials prior to the season. To purchase Shannon’s book, go to: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538181607/Lady-Ref-Making-Calls-in-a-Man's-WorldFor the Pro Football History Nugget of the Week, we discuss the historic accomplishments of Terri Valenti. Shannon and host Ken Crippen briefly discuss her during the interview, and this is an opportunity to dive deeper into Terri’s career.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 1979-84.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

For this episode, our special guest is Pro Football Hall of Fame selector Clark Judge. Clark is a writer, co-host of the “Eye Test for Two” podcast with fellow Hall of Fame selector Ira Kauffman, and now co-runs the Talk of Fame Two website. For the Pro Football History Nugget of the Week, we go into more detail on the players, coaches, and administrators that Clark and host Ken Crippen discussed during their interview.Links to Clark’s Website and Social Media:Talk of Fame Two: https://talkoffametwo.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/clarkjudgeTOFFootball 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/FootballLearn1 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademyMusic By:Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-84.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

Gino Marchetti is considered one of the greatest defensive ends in pro football history. He played for the 1952 Dallas Texans of the National Football League (NFL) before joining the Baltimore Colts in 1953. He was with the Colts until 1966, including winning back-to-back championships in 1958 and 1959. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972. Back in 2014, Host Ken Crippen interviewed Marchetti for a “Where are they Now” article for the National Football Post. In this episode, you will listen to the second part of the audio from that interview. For the Pro Football History Nugget of the Week, we discuss the 1952 Dallas Texans, the first team that Marchetti played for in his professional career.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 1979-84.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

Gino Marchetti is considered one of the greatest defensive ends in pro football history. He played for the 1952 Dallas Texans of the National Football League (NFL) before joining the Baltimore Colts in 1953. He was with the Colts until 1966, including winning back-to-back championships in 1958 and 1959. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972. Back in 2014, Host Ken Crippen interviewed Marchetti for a “Where are they Now” article for the National Football Post. In this episode, you will listen to the first part of the audio from that interview. For the Pro Football History Nugget of the Week, we discuss the Atom Bowl, played on January 1, 1946 in Nagasaki, Japan.To read our blog post on the Atom Bowl, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.com/pages/blog?p=the-atom-bowlFootball 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 1979-84.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

The Official FLA Podcast is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.EPISODE 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. His work has appeared in publications such as The Packer Report and SI.com (Sports Illustrated).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 1979-84.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/@footballlearningacademyMentioned 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