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Episode 2 Why Football?

July 25, 2011 by

[HTML1] In episode 2 you will learn all about the actual football. If you are going to follow the QB—who handles the ball more than any other player—you certainly need to understand what makes the ball so unique.

  • The football has an oval shape, pointed on each end and weighs 15 ounces
  • Laces on the top of the ball help the QB grip the ball
  • An inflated rubber bladder gives the ball its shape
  • The football has a pebble grain leather exterior

What happens when the football hits the ground? (the ground is called turf in football)

  • It bounces every way but back into your hands if you drop it
  • Coaches advice “don’t try to pick up a bouncing ball, just fall on it”
  • Most players ignore the coaches advice

Fresh out of Villanova Law School Susan worked at a corporate law firm in Philadelphia and also served as the legal counsel of the Philadelphia Eagles. After several years at the Eagles she became the Vice President and acting general manager of the franchise—the only woman to ever hold all three positions with a professional football team.

Susan learned everything a woman needs to know about football during the 5 years she spent with the Eagles. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Watched a ton of football games and sat in with coaches when they reviewed game films and picked players’ performance apart
  • After raising ticket prices for the first time in 10 years she became public enemy number 1 with Eagles ticket holders
  • By changing the press luncheons from steak to hot dogs the press gave her the title of “the wicked witch of the vet” (Eagles stadium was  named Veterans Stadium)
  • As the spokesperson for the Eagles she was often booed and once received a 10 minute standing boo from several hundred males at a prestigious award ceremony
  • Once the fans knew her car as she drove out of the stadium they often pelted her car with eggs
  • Through it all she negotiated players’ contracts, worked with the coaching staff, scouts, trainers, and video crew, and represented the Eagles at many of the NFL league meetings
  • Susan made many friends in football and credits her success to knowing how to talk football
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About Susan Spencer

Susan T. Spencer is one of a kind. She was an entrepreneur and business professional before many women had the confidence to play with the men in the big leagues. Her companies had combined revenues of 50 million dollars.

Before the age of 40 she was a mother, former school teacher, business owner, and lawyer and GM of the Philadelphia Eagles football team. For more than 20 years she owned and operated 3 meat processing companies and was known as "that meat lady" because she was the only woman owner in the meat processing business that sold most of the fast food restaurants in the US and overseas.

Susan earned her BA from Boston University, her MA from Hofstra University, and her law degree from Villanova University.

Susan currently mentors, coaches, lectures, blogs, and advises many large organizations. Her main area of attention is women and business; including such topics as access to capital, starting a woman's banking program, and creative financing for small business.

Susan is also the Host of Business Buzz on WomensRadio. Business Buzz keeps it real. Hot business topics, and cool guests sharing advice, plus sizzling tips about women’s skills and talents. Join in to be part of women on the move!