From the NFL to Crime Fiction: Andre Hardy on Tear the City Down (E237)

Bookish Flights: Themed Book Recommendations for Busy Readers · Sep 2, 2026 · 41m

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In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Andre Hardy, a former NFL player turned writer and author of the debut crime novel Tear the City Down. Set in San Diego against the high-stakes world of professional football, the novel draws on Andre’s own experiences in the NFL while exploring the darker sides of the sport and the city. We also talk about his path to writing, the role of jazz throughout the Coltrane series, and the experiences that shaped his storytelling.

Episode Highlights

Andre’s journey from professional football to writing and what led him to put his own NFL…