Scott Nizolek ranks among Branford’s finest football players. A standout at Notre Dame High School in West Haven, he earned All-District League honors in 1977 and 1978, was named Connecticut High School Football All-State Honorable Mention in 1977, selected to the Connecticut High School All-State Football Team in 1978, and capped his prep career with High School Football All-America honors that same year. Playing under legendary coaches Ray Tellier and Jim Guercia, Nizolek excelled as safety, wide receiver, and kicker.
In addition to football, he was a three-year letter winner in basketball under coach Joe Tonelli, contributing as both a guard and forward. Highly recruited by numerous Division I programs, Nizolek accepted a full scholarship to Boston College, where he enjoyed a remarkable collegiate career.
At Boston College, he was a four-year starter at wide receiver under coach Jack Bicknell, catching passes from the legendary Doug Flutie. He also handled punting duties during his senior season. Nizolek earned All-ECAC honors in 1981 and 1982 and was named a College Football All-American Honorable Mention in 1982.
Following his college career, he played two seasons in the United States Football League (USFL), suiting up at tight end for the Philadelphia Stars in 1984 and the Baltimore Stars in 1985.
Back home, Nizolek remained a dominant presence in Branford’s Recreation Department Softball League and was equally committed to giving back to the game. Residing in Madison, he dedicated many years to Madison Youth Football, Basketball, and Lacrosse, and twice served as a varsity football coach at Daniel Hand High School (2004–2005, 2019).
Most recently, on September 11, 2025, he was inducted into the New Haven Gridiron Hall of Fame.
Scott and his wife, Kerry, are the proud parents of four children—Ryan, Brendan, Kelly, and Kevin—and the grandparents of three: Chloe, Crewe, and Charlie.
