Chuck Amato’s NC State legacy lives in the players he inspired, the stadium he helped transform & the stories still shared around the tables at Amedeo’s.

On this special episode of THIS WAS THEN, presented by Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant, Tim Peeler joins co-owner Dave Parker at the beloved Raleigh gathering place to remember an Alpha Wolf whose ties to the Wolfpack ran far deeper than football.

Through personal memories & behind-the-scenes stories, they revisit Chuck & his brother Rosie’s arrival at NC State in 1963, the DeAngelis family’s embrace of the brothers & the lifelong bonds that made Raleigh home.

From lasagna deliveries for Bobby Bowden to emotional homecomings, these stories reveal the personality, loyalty & passion behind one of NC State’s most recognizable figures.

🏈 AN ALPHA WOLF’S JOURNEY
Remembering Amato as a Wolfpack player, ACC champion wrestler & head football coach — with Philip Rivers & Jericho Cotchery among the stars of his coaching era.

🐺 WOLFPACK HISTORY, FIRSTHAND
The story of the 1967 “White Shoes Defense,” the Gator Bowl triumph over Notre Dame & a memorable trophy celebration at Amedeo’s.

🏟️ A VISION THAT STILL STANDS
How Amato helped drive the transformation of Carter-Finley Stadium, advancing the ambitions of legendary coach Earl Edwards & leaving a mark generations of Wolfpack fans can see every Saturday.

❤️ FAMILY, FOOD & A LASTING LEGACY
The Amato & DeAngelis families, Rosie’s enduring influence & the restaurant traditions that connected football, friendship & community.

Pull up a chair for a heartfelt tribute to Chuck Amato — told by people who knew the man behind the sunglasses.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome to Amedeo’s
00:51 Chuck Arrives at State
01:19 Family Ties at Emilio’s
03:10 Chuck’s Restaurant Traditions
05:48 Rosie Amato’s Legacy
07:20 Hired to Build a Vision
09:01 The White Shoes Defense Story
12:33 Gator Bowl Glory
14:55 Trophy Night at Amedeo’s
15:21 Coming Home to Raleigh
16:20 Cancer & Hall of Fame
18:06 A Lasting Stadium Legacy
19:30 Final Tribute to Chuck

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