Grateful for a Life in Football and the Communities It Builds
One hundred and five (105) years of #ProFootball, and I’m endlessly grateful to have had a bird’s-eye view of the game’s evolution, power, and magic. Football has been a cornerstone of my life, shaping not just who I am but how I see the world.
As the granddaughter of Leonard Tose, the visionary former owner of the Philadelphia Eagles and founder of Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the daughter of Susan T. Spencer, the NFL’s first woman to serve as vice president, legal counsel, and acting general manager of the Eagles, I’ve grown up surrounded by the game’s heartbeat. The roar of the crowd, the spirit of the cities, and the camaraderie of the fans are woven into my earliest memories.
Some of my fondest childhood moments are from traveling with my grandfather, Leonard Tose, and my mom, Susan Tose Spencer, to NFL cities. Each city brought its own flavor, history, and vibrancy. From the cobblestone streets of Boston to the soulful energy of New Orleans, I saw firsthand how football transcends sport—it’s a cultural touchstone, a unifier, and a celebration of what makes each community unique.
Football as a Foundation for Giving
Football isn’t just about touchdowns and game-day glory; it’s about the ripple effect it creates in the world. My grandfather’s legacy of founding Ronald McDonald House Charities taught me the importance of giving back. Through football, I’ve seen lives transformed, communities uplifted, and bonds forged that extend far beyond the field.
Carrying on this spirit of connection and philanthropy, I’ve channeled my love for football and its communities into the Football Freddie & Fumble the Dog: GameDay in the USA series. These books, now up to 11 books in the series, are my love letters to the cities I grew up exploring. They’re my way of sharing the magic of the NFL and its history with children across the country.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Through storytelling, I aim to ignite the same sense of wonder and possibility I felt as a child. Football is a gateway to exploration. Whether it’s the history of a storied franchise or the culture that makes a city shine, my hope is that kids find inspiration in these tales. I want them to connect with the teams, landmarks, and traditions that make each NFL city so special. As my family said, “Possibilities and exploration are what childhood is all about.”
Football’s reach extends far beyond Sunday afternoons—it builds bridges, fuels dreams, and brings people together. I’m deeply grateful to be part of this extraordinary community and to share its stories with the next generation.
Here’s to the next chapter in football’s incredible history and to the communities that make it all possible. 💚🏈
#ProFootball #FootballFreddie #ReadFootballFreddie #GameDayInTheUSA #WomenInSports #NFLHistory #FootballFamily #WhenKidsReadWeAllWin #KeepingFamiliesClose #ILoveFootball #HallOfFame
