Unforgettable Gridiron Glory: Reliving Football’s Greatest Moments with Smithsonian Associate Joe Posnanski
Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series. I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang, and as always, it’s an absolute pleasure to be with you. Today, we have a very special guest who’s made a remarkable name for himself in the world of sports writing—Smithsonian Associate Joe Posnanski.
Smithsonian Associate Joe Posnanski has a gift for capturing the essence of the sports we love, and today, he’s here to talk about his latest book, Why We Love Football: A History in 100 Moments. If you’re a football fan—or even if you’re not—this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on America’s most beloved sport. Joe Posnanski will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up so please check out our website for more details, and also at Smithsonian Associates site.
Imagine the thrill of Joe Montana’s epic touchdown pass to Dwight Clark in 1981, the tension as the ball soared through the air, and the eruption of joy as Clark made “The Catch” that would forever be etched into football history. As a long time 49er Faithful fan, I remember it well. Or think of the pure, improbable magic of Eli Manning’s “Helmet Catch” that led the New York Giants to a stunning victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. These are the moments that make football more than just a game—they’re part of our cultural fabric.
But how do we choose the greatest moments in a sport so rich in history? That’s the challenge Smithsonian Associate Joe Posnanski has taken on. In his new book, he doesn’t just revisit these iconic plays; he digs deep into the stories behind them, uncovering what makes them so unforgettable. From legendary NFL showdowns to hidden gems in college football and even the CFL, Joe’s book is a celebration of the game that brings us together, generation after generation.
Today, we’ll explore not just the history of football, but also how the way we experience it has changed—from the days when every big game was a shared national experience to our current era, where technology and social media allow us to relive every play in a thousand different ways. Joe will share his thoughts on what we’ve gained, what we’ve lost, and why football continues to captivate millions, season after season.
Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the thrill of the game, or to learn something new about the sport, I promise you this conversation with Joe Posnanski will be as riveting as a last-minute, game-winning touchdown. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the heart of football history with one of the best sportswriters of our time.
And now, let’s get started with Smithsonian Associate Joe Posnanski.
My thanks to author and Smithsonian Associate Joe Posnanski for his generous time today. Joe Posnanski will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up so please check out our website for more details, and also at Smithsonian Associates site. My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show. My thanks to Sam Heninger, Executive Producer for his help in making today’s show the high quality program it always is. And of course my thanks to you my wonderful audience here on the Not Old Better Show Smithsonian Associates interview series on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe and Let’s Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show. Thanks, everybody and we’ll see you next week.