Former NFL Player Keith Radecic Shares Insights at Our October Meeting
Monday, October 14, 2024 Dinner at Iron Hill Restaurant
We were honored to host Keith Radecic, former NFL player and current member of the Lancaster Parking Authority, at our dinner meeting on Thursday, October 14, 2024, at Iron Hill Brewery. Keith delivered an engaging talk that resonated with everyone present.
A Football Legacy Rooted in Education
Keith is a proud Penn State graduate with majors in Finance and Accounting. As one of the 18 players who clinched two National Championships for Penn State University football, he shared inspiring stories about his time under the legendary coach Joe Paterno. Keith praised Paterno’s emphasis on education, highlighting how he instilled the importance of having a backup plan beyond football.
Journey to the NFL
After college, Keith went on to play professionally for the Washington Redskins and the St. Louis Cardinals. He reminisced about playing alongside notable teammates like Doug Williams and the famous “Hogs” offensive line. Unfortunately, his NFL career was cut short due to broken vertebrae in his back. Keith shed light on the realities of professional football, noting that the average NFL career spans just 2.3 years, with pensions starting only after three years of service.
The Changing Landscape of College Sports
Keith discussed the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies on college athletics. He compared NIL to the introduction of free agency in professional sports, acknowledging its significant influence on Division I programs. Keith expressed hope that NIL could positively affect Division III programs by providing incentives for student-athletes to complete their education.
Advocating for CTE Awareness
A passionate advocate for player health, Keith opened up about his personal experiences with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disorder caused by repeated head injuries. Having suffered seven concussions during his sports career, he is actively participating in CTE research studies. Keith shared staggering statistics, mentioning that 370 out of 378 NFL players tested positive for CTE posthumously. He encouraged everyone to learn more about this critical issue through resources like the Concussion Legacy Foundation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Keith Radecic for his enlightening presentation and for taking the time to share his experiences with us.
Keith currently works for the Lancaster Parking Authority under Ambucs member Larry Cohen Parking Authority Director.
