![Bernard Nomberg Recollects Vanderbilt Football Past](https://nomberglaw.com/wp-content/uploads/vanderbilt-university-article-unsplash-7WENOYvnm44.webp)
Nomberg Law Firm attorney Bernard Nomberg has recorded more than 200 interviews with football alumni
The founder of Nomberg Law, Bernard Nomberg, was recently featured in an article for Vanderbilt University entitled “One Guest at a Time.” The article chronicles Nomberg’s evolution from a disappointed young Alabama fan to the host of the “Conversations with Commodores” podcast, which focuses on preserving the rich history of Vanderbilt football.
As the article describes, Nomberg’s journey began in Dothan, Alabama, where he cheered for the Crimson Tide during Paul “Bear” Bryant’s era. His earliest memory of Vanderbilt football is marked by disappointment: attending a game on September 29, 1984, where an unbeaten Vanderbilt team stunned Alabama with a 30-21 victory. This event left a lasting impression on the 16-year-old Nomberg, who would later become teammates with some of the players from that game.
After high school success as a quarterback, Nomberg received a scholarship from Vanderbilt head coach Watson Brown. Recognizing his passion for law and the opportunity to compete in the SEC, Nomberg accepted the offer, although he faced challenges on the field with limited playing time. Upon graduation, he shifted focus to law school and co-founded the legal firm Nomberg Law Firm with his brother, David, leveraging social media to build a community through an interview show highlighting local leaders and business owners.
Inspired to preserve the legacy of his high school after it merged with a rival, Nomberg launched the “Conversations with Commodores” podcast in January 2020. This initiative aimed to create a community for Vanderbilt football alumni, coaches, and supporters. The podcast has become a vibrant platform, with around 500 members in the associated Facebook group, where they share stories, memories, and photos that spark engaging discussions.
Nomberg’s podcast features more than 200 episodes, showcasing a diverse array of guests, including former players and coaches. The conversations often evoke nostalgia and a sense of belonging, allowing guests and listeners to reminisce about their shared experiences at Vanderbilt. Notably, the first guest was Taylor Stokes, Vanderbilt’s first Black scholarship student-athlete, who discussed the challenges and triumphs of his pioneering role.
These stories often delve into significant historical moments and the struggles faced by those who helped integrate the program, shedding light on experiences that many teammates may not have fully understood at the time.
Through these narratives, Nomberg has created a platform that honors the past while fostering a sense of community among Vanderbilt football supporters. His work ensures that the stories of wins, losses, hopes, and dreams remain alive, connecting generations of athletes and fans alike. The podcast serves not only as a repository of memories but also as a means of understanding the complexities of the shared history within Vanderbilt football, reinforcing the importance of storytelling in preserving the legacy of the program.