NICK PALAZZO
FAITH. FAMILY. FOOTBALL.
The #22 from Mayfield, Ohio who ran through the record books, won an undefeated Ivy League title at Harvard, and has spent every season since lifting up the next generation of athletes.
"NO, THAT'S MY SQUAT, BENCH & CLEAN."
Nick Palazzo's favorite line in the weight room never gets old. When someone heard him brag that he "scored a 1600," the natural follow-up was always: "You got a 1600 on your SAT?"
Nick would grin and say, "No — that's my squat, bench and power clean total!" — and then laugh along with everyone in the room.
The numbers were real: a 700-lb squat, a 500-lb bench press and a 400-lb power clean. For a high school running back from Northeast Ohio, that kind of strength — built on the same core lifts BFS has championed for 50 years — is what turned speed into power and carries into touchdowns.
The lesson he still shares with young athletes: the scoreboard on Friday night is decided in the weight room on Monday morning.
THE MAYFIELD YEARS
A three-year starter at Mayfield, Nick Palazzo racked up nearly 5,000 all-purpose yards and close to 60 touchdowns, earned All-Ohio honors three times and was a candidate for Ohio Mr. Football. As a senior in 1998 he was named Western Reserve Conference MVP and led the Wildcats to the Ohio State Semifinals for the first time since 1984.
THE SOPHOMORE HOMECOMING GAME
On Homecoming night as a 15-year-old sophomore, Nick faced a defense with two future NFL first-round draft picks. He ran for nearly 300 yards and four touchdowns, carrying Mayfield to one of Northeast Ohio's biggest upsets of the year — the night Ohio football learned his name.
THE 2001 PERFECT SEASON
At Harvard, Nick became one of the Crimson's all-time leading rushers with 2,500+ all-purpose yards, nearly 30 touchdowns and 5.7 yards per carry — and a William V. Campbell Trophy nominee. In 2001 he helped deliver Harvard's first undefeated season since 1913, scoring in the title-clinching win over Penn.
Harvard's first undefeated team since 1913.
The "Academic Heisman" of college football.
Senior year First Team All-State at Mayfield.
In the running for Ohio's top high school honor.
Conference champion and 1998 state semifinalist.
700 squat · 500 bench · 400 power clean.
FAITH, FAMILY & FOOTBALL
Nick credits his faith and his family for everything the game gave him. Today he mentors young athletes, writes about recruiting, NIL, training and nutrition, and builds programs through NP Ventures and 2x2 Sports that open the game to more kids.
That includes the Nick Palazzo Girls Flag Football Camp — making sure every young athlete in Ohio and beyond gets the chance to compete, grow and lead.
Girls Flag Football CampFROM NICKPALAZZO.COM
Colleges Are Sitting on a $40 Billion Opportunity: University-Led Youth Sports Can Fund the Future of NIL
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Direct-to-Consumer Subscriptions: The Revenue Lifeline That Could Save College Sports
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Nick Palazzo Explores the Perils of NIL in College Sports: A Call for Structured Reforms
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The Hidden Cost of Over-Scheduling: Why Young Athletes Trade Long-Term Greatness for Short-Term Wins
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Guiding Young Athletes Through the Social Media Maze
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Handling Parental Pressure in Youth Sports: Essential Advice from Nick Palazzo
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Harnessing the Power of Data: Transforming Young Athlete Training
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Sleep: A True Athletic Performance Superpower for Young Athletes
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Fueling Dreams: The Importance of Protein for High School Athletes
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Elevating Game Day Nutrition: Nick Palazzo's Sports Nutrition Advice for Athletes
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Choosing the Right Youth Sports Club for Your Child
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The New Era of College Football: Why Staying in School May Beat the NFL
ReadFROM NICKPALAZZO.ORG
Undefeated 8th Grade Season: "No Mas" with Some Milk & Cookies
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The Big Mac That Changed Nick Palazzo's Path in Ohio High School Football
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7th Grade Triumph: 400 Yards, Faith and a Broken Hand
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The CYO City Championship Where Faith, Family and Football Became a Life Mission
ReadThe Number 22: Why Nick Palazzo's Jersey Holds Deep Meaning
ReadLet It Snow: Nick Palazzo's Epic Backyard Snow Bowls
ReadYou're Going to Be a Running Back: Nick Palazzo's First Carry
ReadOFFICIAL NICK PALAZZO LINKS
Articles on recruiting, NIL, youth and college sports.
Stories of faith, family and Ohio football.
Official hub — bio, football career and companies.
Official site — football career and ventures.
Official Nick Palazzo site.
Nick Palazzo's investment and venture firm.
Youth sports company founded by Nick Palazzo.
Professional profile.
@nick22palazzo
@nick22palazzo