History of the NFL!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today we are looking into the history of the NFL to celebrate the start of the season! I was even lucky enough to ask a couple of questions to former NFL player; Scott Radecic!

The National Football League began in 1920 in Canton, Ohio, when a group of team owners and athletes formed what was first called the American Professional Football Association. Inspired by the growing popularity of college football, they wanted to bring organization and legitimacy to the professional game, which at the time was seen as disorganized and even rough around the edges. By 1922, the league had adopted the name “National Football League,” and over the following decades, it steadily grew in both talent and popularity, eventually becoming the dominant force in American sports.

The NFL’s story is built on iconic moments: the 1958 “Greatest Game Ever Played” between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants, the rise of the Super Bowl in 1967, and unforgettable performances like Joe Montana’s cool precision, Jerry Rice’s record-breaking catches, and Tom Brady’s seven championships. Each era produced heroes and cultural milestones, helping the league transcend sports and become a central part of American identity. Sundays in the fall became synonymous with football, tailgates, and community.

Within this history, figures like Scott Radecic represent the everyday backbone of the league. A linebacker out of Penn State, Radecic played 12 NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, and Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals from the 1980s into the 1990s. Known more for his consistency and work ethic than flashy headlines, Radecic carved out a steady career and later transitioned into leadership roles off the field, including serving as an executive for the Kansas City Chiefs. His story reflects how the NFL isn’t just about stars and highlight reels but also about the dedicated professionals who give the league its depth and staying power.

Today, the NFL is not only the most watched sport in the United States but also one of the most lucrative entertainment businesses in the world. Its cultural impact extends beyond the field, shaping music, television commercials, fashion, and even national conversations about teamwork and perseverance. From its humble origins in a Canton car dealership to billion-dollar Super Bowl spectacles, the NFL’s legacy is a testament to how sport can evolve into a defining cultural institution; and how players like Scott Radecic help anchor that story with grit and quiet influence.

Bonus Question:

Giancarlo: What does being a part of NFL history mean to you?

Scott Radecic: A lifelong dream come true!

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Scott Radecic: Joe Paterno told me: “Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.”

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again on Monday!

-Giancarlo