Mayfield High School · Ohio
Ohio roots, three-time All-Ohio running back
Long before Harvard Stadium, Nick Palazzo made his name on the football fields of Northeast Ohio. At Mayfield High School, he became one of the most decorated running backs in the state — a three-time All-Ohio selection whose senior year earned First Team All-State honors and a place in the running for Ohio Mr. Football.
He was a three-time First Team All-Conference and three-time First Team All-Northeast Ohio running back, and spent two seasons in the Greater Cleveland Conference — one of the toughest high school football leagues in America. Over three years as a starter he amassed nearly 5,000 all-purpose yards and nearly 60 touchdowns, leading Mayfield to the 1998 Ohio State Semifinals, the program's first since 1984. As a senior he was named Western Reserve Conference MVP after winning the conference title.
Despite heavy recruiting, Nick Palazzo did not receive a scholarship offer from his dream school, Ohio State, because of his height. He chose the Ivy League instead, narrowing his decision to Harvard, Yale and Princeton — and committing to Harvard to play in The Game, the oldest rivalry in college football.
Harvard University
From Ohio to the Yard
Nick Palazzo stepped onto Harvard Stadium in 2001 and became one of the Ivy League's most electrifying running backs. Over three seasons he amassed more than 2,500 all-purpose yards and nearly 30 touchdowns at 5.7 yards per carry. He always credited every yard to his teammates, coaches and offensive linemen — and to his faith.
2001 season · The comeback
Harvard vs. Dartmouth — the greatest comeback in 128 years
In 2001 Nick Palazzo helped lead Harvard to its first undefeated Ivy League championship since 1913. Against Dartmouth he was sidelined with a pulled hamstring — but with the Crimson down 21-0 at halftime, he suited up and asked to play. He scored two touchdowns, including the game-tying score, in the greatest comeback in Harvard's 128-year history. ESPN featured the celebration on the ESPN.com homepage.
2001 season · Game of the Century
Harvard vs. Penn — the Game of the Century
Penn arrived in Cambridge with the nation's top rushing defense, allowing just 30 yards per game, in the first modern Ivy League matchup of two undefeated teams that late in the season. Down 14-0, Harvard fed Nick Palazzo the ball. On 3rd and 1 at the 1-yard line he was hit in the backfield — and broke six tackles to score.
With the game tied 14-14, he abandoned his route to pick up a blitzing defensive tackle, buying time for a 60-yard touchdown pass. Then, on 3rd-and-12 with time running out, he ran through three Penn defenders, including a future NFL safety, to ice the game — sealing the first undefeated team in modern Harvard history.
Career highlights
A body of work that spoke for itself
Who is Nick Palazzo?
Nick Palazzo is an entrepreneur, investor and former Harvard running back from Mayfield, Ohio. He was a member of Harvard's 2001 undefeated Ivy League championship team and a William V. Campbell Trophy nominee. Today he builds companies in sports and media through NP Ventures and 2x2 Sports, and writes about recruiting, NIL and youth sports on NickPalazzo.com. He says the principles behind that championship — discipline, perseverance, faith and brotherhood — drive every venture he builds.
