The Number 22: Nick Palazzo's Football Number Holds Deep Personal Meaning
Nick Palazzo's football number has been a constant thread throughout his life, weaving together themes of family, faith, and passion for the game. For Nick Palazzo, the number 22 isn't just a jersey digit—it's a symbol of divine blessings, childhood triumphs, and unbreakable family bonds. From his early days on the field to profound spiritual insights, this is the story of how Nick Palazzo's love for faith, family, and football became eternally linked to the number 22.
A Letter to My Little Girls: Why the Number 22
You know how deeply the number 22 is intertwined with my life—it's more than a number; it's part of Nick Palazzo's identity and our family's shared story. I want to share the full details here, so you understand why it holds such profound significance for us.
Nick Palazzo has worn number 22 since that fateful sixth-grade season, and it continues to inspire his journey in faith, family, and football.
Nick Palazzo's Lifelong Love for the Cleveland Browns and Early Inspirations
My journey with numbers began with my lifelong passion for the Cleveland Browns. Growing up, my favorite player was Eric Metcalf, a dynamic running back known for his blazing speed and elusive moves. Eric wore number 21, so from ages 8 to 11, I followed suit in every sport I played. I dreamed of emulating his style on the field.
Back then, tackle football wasn't available until sixth grade, so I honed my skills in CYO flag football through our local church. Our team was unstoppable—we rarely lost a game. If we fell behind, the coach would switch me to quarterback, and I'd scramble for touchdowns play after play. That's likely why modern NFL Flag rules prohibit the QB from running outright. One mini Eric Metcalf (or should I say, a young Nick Palazzo) could dominate the game entirely. It wasn't even fair!
Nick Palazzo's Rocky Start in Tackle Football
Sixth grade brought the thrill of tackle football, but it nearly ended before it began. Our church's CYO team was for sixth through eighth graders, and the minimum weight requirement was 85 pounds. At sign-ups, I tipped the scales at just 77 pounds—eight pounds short. I felt humiliated, too small to even join the team. Devastated, I fled the gym, where I confided in another parent.
He reassured me and cleverly stuffed heavy rocks into my pants (yes, the infamous "rocks in his pants" story you've heard). When I weighed in again, I hit exactly 85 pounds. Ecstatic, I jumped for joy—and a rock tumbled out. The coach, puzzled at first, later admitted he figured out the trick but let me join anyway. He assumed my small size meant I'd never see the field. Boy, was he wrong! Nick Palazzo always finds a way, and that year, I played a pivotal role in our team's City Championship win. But that's a tale for another post.
How Number 22 Became Nick Palazzo's Signature
After making the team, it was time to choose a jersey. Numbers were assigned by age, so options were limited for a sixth grader like me. I scanned for 21, but it was gone. Then, my eyes landed on number 22—a bold red jersey with crisp white numerals. In that moment, I recalled Grandma Dee's favorite phrase from family card games: "Deuces are wild." I wanted to run wild on the football field, just like that. Grandma Dee, who lived right next to our church, always said the number 2 brought good luck and blessings to our family. It certainly helped her win at cards! (btw: You'll read more about Grandma Dee sometime soon and the amazing impact she had on my life.)
I claimed number 22 that season, and soon, remarkable coincidences—or what I see as divine interventions—began to unfold. My mother reminded me I was born at 2:02. We had a family of four (2x2) growing up. My brother and me—makes two boys. Even our last name, Palazzo, features Z's that resemble stylized 2's. But the connections ran deeper, especially when I delved into the Bible and discovered Psalm 22.
The Spiritual Depth of Psalm 22 in Nick Palazzo's Story
While many cherish Psalm 23 for its comforting words, Psalm 22 helped inspire my faith and belief in Jesus. Written nearly 1,000 years before the Crucifixion, it prophesies Jesus' suffering with astonishing detail. Here are the first "22" verses for your reflection, all of which foretell the Crucifixion:
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.
3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;
8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”
9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts.
10 On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help.
12 Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me;
13 They open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion.
14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast;
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death.
16 For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—
17 I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me;
18 They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
19 But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid!
20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog!
21 Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!
22 I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.
These verses vividly foreshadow Jesus' Crucifixion:
- Psalm 22:1 echoes Jesus' cry: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).
- Psalm 22:7-8 describes mocking crowds, fulfilled in Matthew 27:39-43, Mark 15:29-32, and Luke 23:35-36.
- Psalm 22:16-18 predicts pierced hands and feet, divided garments, and casting lots, as well as all of the elements of Jesus suffering on the cross and crucifixion in detail—mirrored exactly in Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, and John 19:23, 37.
Psalm 22 stands as powerful evidence that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. For me, then and now, seeing the number 22 everywhere feels like a divine sign of God's blessings, and a vivid reminder of the eternal love Jesus has for us all. He died for our sins. He died so we could be saved.
Remember John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
So, what started as an ode to my favorite player and my beloved Grandmother, became something so much more.
22 is our number. Jesus is our Lord.
About the Author - Nick Palazzo
Nick Palazzo is an industry recognized sports technology entrepreneur and marketing innovator appearing in numerous publications and broadcast programs, including The New York Times, the “Today” show, Mediaweek, MIN, Folio, Sports Business Journal, Forbes and Adweek, and is a frequent keynote and panel speaker at sports, media and technology industry events. Earlier in his career, Nick Palazzo was featured as a “C-Level Visionary” by Folio as part of its annual Folio:40 list of media industry influencers and innovators. Palazzo was also featured in the acclaimed book Upstarts! How GenY Entrepreneurs are Rocking The World of Business.
A graduate of Harvard University, where he finished as one of the football program's all-time leading rushers and scorers and a key member of the first undefeated championship team since 1913, Nick Palazzo is passionate about expanding the possibilities available to today’s student-athletes from under-resourced areas.
Nick Palazzo was also a nominee for The William V. Campbell Trophy aka the “Academic Heisman”, the most prestigious and desirable academic award in college football. The trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
While a Harvard athlete, Nick Palazzo founded STACK which grew into a global athletic training content sensation with a mission of educating and inspiring youth athletes. STACK was the originator of athlete-centric content produced “For the Athlete, By the Athlete," with a focus on training, nutrition, skills and gear. LeBron James was the first athlete featured by the platform where his high school workout was shared with the world.
Nick Palazzo is a proud #girldad with four amazing daughters. He is also a devout Roman Catholic having been involved in the Harvard Catholic Student Society and a variety of other catholic organizations over the years. Nick Palazzo's favorite Bible verse is Romans 10:9. Jesus is Lord.
Business Site: https://www.npventures.com
Personal Blog: https://www.nickpalazzo.com/
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-palazzo/
X Profile: https://x.com/nick22palazzo
Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/nick22palazzo
Sports Site: https://www.2x2sports.com
