Gridiron
Aficionado
The War Room
Welcome to Gridiron Aficionado — the ultimate magazine for die-hard football enthusiasts, and congratulations on joining our exclusive community! By opting in, you've become part of something bigger than just another sports publication — you're now a key player in the Gridiron Aficionado movement, and we couldn’t be more excited to have you onboard.
I'm Manny Matsakis, and my journey in football media began in 1994 when I launched American Football Quarterly. Since then, I've been immersed in the world of football — coaching at the professional, collegiate, and high school levels while launching multiple successful football publications through Parthenon Media Group.
Media, especially sports media, is broken. In February of 2024, I decided it was time for something new, something bold. Gridiron Aficionado is here to bring you a premium football experience, one that transcends click-bait articles, stale advertising, algorithms, and shallow social media soundbites.
Gridiron Aficionado was born to change that. We’re bringing football storytelling back to its roots — with insider knowledge, untold stories, and a passion for the game that’s unrivaled. Football is more than a game; it's a lifestyle, a tradition, and a story — and we're here to tell it like no one else can. This is football from an insider’s perspective, and we’re delivering it straight to your inbox, feed, and mailbox.
Gridiron Aficionado
"But here’s the thing — this isn’t just our magazine. It’s yours."
Large Format Coffee Table Limited Edition
You’ve joined us on this journey, and we need your help to shape the future of football storytelling. With a talented team of seasoned writers and football insiders — some old friends and new faces — we’re bridging the gap between the rich history of the game and its exciting future. Alongside a dedicated community of passionate members like you, we’re creating something truly special.
As we move forward, your voice will be key in shaping the stories we tell. Whether through sharing insights, engaging with others, or following along, your involvement helps push the boundaries of football journalism. We’re not just covering the game — we’re building a community where fans, writers, and insiders unite to celebrate the sport. Each story brings us all closer to the heart of football, and we’re excited to have you with us.
Now that you’re with us, we need your help to take Gridiron Aficionado to the next level. We’re building a community of football lovers who deserve more than what mainstream sports media offers — and we know you have friends, teammates, and fellow fans who feel the same way. Help us bring them into the fold.
Share our landing page with those die-hard fans you know, the ones who live and breathe football. Every new subscriber strengthens the movement and helps us continue creating content that speaks to the heart of the game. The more people we unite, the more powerful our message becomes.
Exclusively in Print
What Comes Next?
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Our inaugural issue launches in 2025, and when you get the opportunity to subscribe, you’re in for an exclusive “white glove” experience. You’ll get insider updates, sneak peeks, and first looks at what’s coming down the pipeline.
But we can’t do this without you. So, stay tuned, get ready for what’s ahead, and most importantly, spread the word. Let’s start a revolution and make Gridiron Aficionado the go-to source for the football insider.
Thank you for being a part of this. Now, let’s build something great, one fan at a time.
The Gridiron Aficionado Podcast Forging Men.
One Episode at a Time. Smoke curls. Whiskey burns. And somewhere under the lights, the real story kicks off.
This isn’t just a podcast — it’s a brotherhood forged in football, fire, and personal truth. Hosted by Manny Matsakis and Stan Bedwell, this weekly live show dives deep into the culture of the game, the rebirth of the masculine man, and the behind-the-scenes grit of the Ironmen, the Raid & Shoot offense, bourbon wisdom, and more.
Respectfully,
Manny Matsakis