Tracy Perlman: The Godmother of NFL Players

EP #30: Peanut calls this episode’s guest “The Key to the City” and “The Godmother of NFL Players.” Her name is Tracy Perlman. She’s the NFL’s SVP of Player Operations, and she is the gatekeeper for all things regarding the well-being of players. Tracy has spent her entire 31-year career with the NFL. For the last six she has fostered a community amongst current and former players, and her department’s mantra of support and service to players is now the ethos of the entire organization. And it all started with an unexpected phone call from Commissioner Roger Goodell. We hear how the ensuing conversation changed Tracy’s career path. The guys shed light on why players rock with her. And, Tracy tells the origin story of the league’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative and how it was sparked by an unlikely source: former All-Pro receiver Brandon Marshall.

Topic Timeline:

1:32 – Peanut and Roman give Tracy her flowers for being the “godmother” to NFL players

4:11 – Tracy talks about the call from Commissioner Roger Goodell that changed the path of her career

6:33 – Tracy talks about how she created a player-first culture within the NFL

8:47 – Peanut lays out why he calls Tracy the “key to the city”

10:44 – Tracy’s message to players

11:11 – Tracy talks about being mentored by Commissioner Goodell and Executive Vice President Troy Vincent

13:56 – Tracy talks about how former All-Pro WR Brandon Marshall was the catalyst for the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” initiative

16:40 – Roman talks about the importance of the NFL Legends community

17:48 – Tracy talks about players voices are shaping how the league operates

20:10 – Tracy talks about what her NFL legacy will be

21:17 – Tracy tells a harrowing life-saving story that started with a phone call

24:22 – Tracy talks about John Randle’s impact in the Legends community

*NOTE: timecodes are approximate.

NFL Players Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.