Episode 120: Ken Crippen - Founder of the Football Learning Academy, Football Historian & Award-Winning Author
He’s not just preserving the history of football. He’s rewriting what it means to serve the people who built it.
Meet Kenneth Crippen, a nationally recognized football historian, award-winning author, and founder of the Football Learning Academy (FLA). Over the past 30 years, Ken has interviewed hundreds of players, coaches, and pioneers. He’s been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, The History Channel, ESPN Radio, and more.
His goal?
To preserve the stories of the game and give back to the players who helped build it. Many of these legends now suffer from chronic injuries, memory loss, and financial hardship, long after the crowds stop cheering.
This week on Real Talk, I had the privilege of sitting down with Ken Crippen for a conversation that left me deeply inspired. In our conversation, Ken shares:
✅ How he built FLA while juggling a demanding full-time career
✅ The importance of boundaries for avoiding burnout
✅ The hidden struggles of retired NFL players
✅ Why marketing to the right audience changed everything
✅ How football history became a vehicle for service
Reminder:💡“If you’re not enjoying yourself, you’re going to burn out, and you won’t show up as your full self.”
This isn’t just about football. It’s about leadership, legacy, and building something meaningful with the time you have.
Connect with Ken