Editorial Review

When a potentially career-ending shoulder injury left quarterback Drew Brees without a team—and facing the daunting task of having to learn to throw a football all over again—coaches around the NFL wondered, Will he ever come back? After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, leaving more than 80 percent of the city underwater, many wondered, Will the city ever come back? And with their stadium transformed into a makeshift refugee camp, forcing the Saints to play their entire 2005 season on the road, people questioned, Will the Saints ever come back? It takes a special person to turn adversity into success and despair into hope—yet that is exactly what Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees has done—and with the weight of an entire city on his shoulders. Coming Back Stronger is the ultimate comeback story, not only of one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, but also of a city and a team that many had all but given up on. Brees’s inspiring message of hope and encouragement proves that with enough faith, determination, and heart, you can overcome any obstacle life throws your way and not only come back, but come back stronger. ... Read more

Reviews

Great for teens and sports fans
Just read this book today and wanted to quickly share a "two thumbs up." This is the inspiring true story of Drew Brees' life, including being injured and having a comeback in professional football. Not to reveal the whole story, it is inspiring and involves a lot of courage and stamina on Brees' part as he faces challenges throughout his life, including a lengthy physical rehabilitation. The book is current and tells of the ups and downs, laughter and tears, victories and defeats of his life. Very interesting read for sports fans, and terrific read for teens whether they follow him or not. I have a couple of teen boys in mind who will love receiving this for a gift. I know teens aren't always keen on reading about adversity, but it's a great reality check and good book for conversations over dinner or a campfire.

If you want to read about a positive example, role model, mentor, or hero for young men today, Drew Brees is a great one!

one quick correction: the audio version is read by Chris Fabry and would be terrific for a car trip/vacation)

A Real Treasure!
This is an enlightening well-written book for anyone! One lives through some days of adversity with Drew from a high school injury, college, draft, and the San Diego injury. These moments all played a role in preparing for his opportunity to play for the Saints. I began to see how his attitude, focus, preparation and team spirit has brought him to where he is today. I've been drawn to Brittany as I've seen her on television and was happy to see how much credit she is given as part of this story of success. This is definitely a very special family! Some incidents were quite amusing when the "idiot quarterback" at Purdue meets Brittany and his first thought is "I'm going to marry her" and she won't even talk to him and for good reason as Drew freely admits. I laughed out loud when Drew six months later is trying to get acquainted with Brittany and offered to drive her home in her car with a stick shift. Also special were Drew and his brother Reid as kids, the birth and naming of Baylen, and the weeks in the New Orleans home with a mattress on the floor and two camping chairs to sit in at night. We've all taken a turn at "camping in" in an empty home but it was just surprizing to see one additional revelation I could strongly identify with in the book. Finally reading about their Foundation and the enormous accomplishments to help others - children with cancer, schools and parks in New Orleans, Purdue Sports and the other ways Drew has helped in the community and supported our military. Adversity knocks on everyone's door and Drew offers some great advice on how to get yourself through it.

great story, great guy
already liked Brees - this just reenforces my belief that he is a stand-up guy. wish we had more athletes like him for our kids (and us) to look up to.

A Role Model for the New Era
I live in Northeastern Ohio but have been a Saints fan since the "Dome Patrol" Era in the late 80s. I have always been my own man and I did not want to be like my father and like the teams he liked (he is a Browns fan). Fast forward to this past year. We (as in the Saints) won the Super Bowl and The Browns are looking for their first trip.

When I was exercising at my local Natatorium and saw the interview with Drew Brees about his book, I knew that was my Summer read. Right before my family went to Canada for vacation, I got the book and in record time, finished it in 3 days.

I didn't know much about Drew Brees up until his injury. I knew he played for the Chargers and that he was a decent Quarterback hidden in the shadows of Tomlinson at the time. When Katrina hit the Gulf and destroyed New Orleans, I was scared for the team and the 3-13 record reflected that. I loved Drew's upbringing, his discussion of his birthmark, his college days, the passion he had for winning and the struggles to not only impress his wife Brittany but to impress the Saints and the people of New Orleans. One negative side was that he had his team chants in there. The entire 2009 season people wanted to know what that was and he always told them that it was a team thing and he would not disclose it. Now, if other teams wanted to use it, they can since it is spelled out in the book. Although I wanted to know what they said, I think that he gave away a part of their success in the book.

The progress of success continues throughout the book and his faith maintained as well. I am always a little skeptic when reading about someone's faith because it turns into preaching and it is always forced. Drew never did this. He told about how faithful he was to his religion and that he always knew he was destined for something through God's will. In the end, he was...is. His love for his faith, wife, team, city, child culminated in Superbowl 44. Even after the climax of the Superbowl, Drew gives one more surprise at the ending and it gave me tears in my eyes because how similar his life and mine are in regards to his thoughts on his family.

I completely recommend this to any sports fan even if you are not a fan of the Saints. In a world of sports stars who are using PEDs, involved in scandals, always surrounded by shootings, robberies and drugs, Drew Brees is a role model for anyone and I truly wish there were more sports figures out there like him. After you read this, you will be in complete agreement with me.

Enjoy.

Great Read and Inspiring Story
Few books can both inspire and entertain at high levels, but I found Drew's book to be one of those rare exceptions.

A great man, a great book.
This book was written beautifully, from the beginning when Drew painfully describes his near career ending shoulder injury, it feels like you were feeling it yourself. I also enjoyed his sweet story of meeting Brittany and his determination to show her the real Drew. But what really affected me was (and I don't know how I could have missed this when it happened)his realization of his mother's suicide, so sad and shocking. I love that throughout the book he very much defines what faith is through his actions and his openness to let God guide him. I have met Drew and Brittany and Baylen several times and they really are such a humble, giving and loving family. The impact they have had on New Orleans can never be overstated. Now everyone can know how truly great the man is with this book.

My Brees!
I loved this book! Drew Brees believes that everyone has a purpose in life and that we should all live up to our potential. He expresses his faith throughout the book. Drew Brees takes you on a journey through his life which led up to the defining moment of winning the Super Bowl and receiving the blessings from the people of New Orleans, Louisiana, and the rest of us WHO DAT NATION around the world! It is an easy, enjoyable read for anyone who loves the SAINTS or for anyone who can appreciate an athelete doing something worthwhile with the talents they have been given.

A Relaxing Read...
Enjoyed the book. Nice to hear from football star that isn't selfish. He had to overcome many odds to achieve his dream. It is a valuable lesson to everyone. We learn more through our failures and trials.

Beyond Awesome and Inspirational
I have been a New Orleans fan for the entire existence of the team first watching the games as a little girl when my father would watch them on Sunday. I attend all Saints home games and as many away games as possible. I originally purchased the book because of my devotion as a Saints fan but was pleasantly surprised to learn that the book was so much more than another tome about football. To say that COMING BACK STRONGER is an inspirational book about the courage it takes to wade through everyday life is a gross understatement. I have already recommended this book to several people and will definitely recommend it to my eighth grade students. My favorite quote from the book, and a wonderful testament to the kind of person Drew Brees is, appears in the acknowledgements: "And last but certainly not least, I would like to thank the city of New Orleans for embracing me at a time when I needed it most. You saved me." And Saints fans thought he saved us!

Excellent book by an excellent person
What an incredible book. I have been a Drew Brees fan since he first stepped foot on the field for Purdue. This is an incredibly well-written and well-detailed account of the different points of adversity he has had to overcome in his life. I've met Drew a few times, and let me tell you, he is just about the nicest and most personable man in such a high position that you could ever meet. He has a chapter in the book titled "A Few Good Men" and in the chapter he explains how one day at church as a teenager he was listening to a pastor talking about how God wants 'a few good men' to "carry on his teachings and walk the walk with Christ." I can honestly say that Drew is certainly one of "A Few Good Men", not only in athletics but in the world today. The book is a must-have, whether you are a sports fan or not.

Oh, and I got my copy autographed today at his book signing at Purdue in West Lafayette, Indiana. :D

Drew, you're the best! ... Read more

Editorial Review

From the advent of the vertical passing game to the development of ever-more-sophisticated blitzing schemes on defense, professional football in the last half century has been a sport marked by relentless innovation. For fans determined to keep up with the changes that have transformed the game, close examination of the coaching footage is a must. In the words of Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary, “The film does not lie.”

In The Games That Changed the Game, Ron Jaworski, a one-time NFL MVP turned Monday Night Football analyst and pro football’s #1 game-tape guru, breaks down the film from seven of the most momentous contests of the last fifty years. With an eye toward the brilliant game plans and seminal strategic breakthroughs that revolutionized play on both sides of the ball, Jaworski offers readers a drive-by-drive, play-by-play guide to the evolutionary leaps that now define the modern NFL, as well as portraits of the seven men who exhibited both creativity and courage in bucking established strategies. From Sid Gillman’s development of the Vertical Stretch, which culminated in the San Diego Chargers’ victory in the 1963 AFL Championship Game and launched the era of wide-open passing offenses, to Bill Belichick’s daring defensive game plan in Super Bowl XXXVI, which enabled his outgunned squad to upset the heavily favored St. Louis Rams and usher in the New England Patriots dynasty, the most cutting-edge concepts come alive again through the recollections of nearly seventy coaches and players interviewed for this book.

Writing with the same vivid, passionate, and accessible style that has made him television’s go-to X’s and O’s maven, Jaworski fills in the blanks for fans who aren’t satisfied with merely dropping the terms “West Coast offense” or “46 defense” into conversation, but want to understand them fully, in context, as they were experienced by the men who played the game. You’ll never watch the NFL the same way again.



Foreword by Steve Sabol, president, NFL Films
... Read more

Reviews

If you're no pigskin geek, wait for a reasonable price, November 10, 2010
Being a huge fan of the game itself, I truly enjoyed this book. "Jaws" takes you through 7 historic NFL games that had a lasting impact on the way the professional game was/is played - because these games introduced new coaching schemes or even ideologies that can still be felt in today's game: the grandfathers of the modern passing game, Gillman, Coryell and Walsh; defensive contributions like the Cover-2 and Dick LeBeau's Zone Blitz. Each of these schemes or concepts is demonstrated by analysis of a specific game.

The reader is taken through each game quarter by quarter describing in detail relevant plays, their impact on the game specifically and in general, including a few play diagrams. Now, if this sounds very geeky to you - then you're right. Don't get me wrong - the book is no play-by-play box score compilation. Jaworski and his co-authors focus exclusively on one team and the decisions made by that team's coach or coordinator and how each play figured into the overall scheme of that coach.

The book is fun and easy to read, a huge ensemble cast of former and current players and coaches get to have their say, and depending on your age, you either get to gain some insights of the NFL before you were born (Sid Gillman's Chargers and the Steel Curtain were before my time), too young (I only knew about Don Coryell, Dan Fouts and Kellen Winslow Sr. from highlight reels), or you get to re-experience great games that you may have seen but not thought about for some time.

What I really like was the back and forth between offensive and defensive innovations - it demonstrates the arms race in the NFL very well. The offense starts to air it out - the defense catches up. The offense creates ever more complex formations and plays - the defense overloads and blitzes unexpectedly, and so on. The book also offers some refreshingly raw language that you'd expect from players and coaches in football, instead of the highly polished "speaking but not saying anything" in today's media-centric league.

The reason that I'm giving it only 4 stars is that the chapter titles are somewhat confusing sometimes - Sid Gillman's Vertical Stretch, for example is showcased in a game where the Chargers won by relying on their running attack. Which they could do only because the defense expected them to air it out, but still. The Air Coryell chapter is is actually more about Winslow's breakout game, and the begin of the receiving tight ends of the modern era.

But these minor inconsistencies didn't really bother me. The price did. Now, unless you're a die-hard NFL geek looking for something meaningful to do while ESPN is showing skateboarding or oval car races, wait until the price drops. Oherwise - read this book.

The Games That Changed The Game., November 26, 2010
This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the evolution of professional football. I've been a big fan of Ron Jaworski since I started watching NFL Match Up and in this book he explains how individual coaching tactics changed the way the game is played. As "Jaws" always says football strategy is all about favorable match ups and after reading his book I have a greater appreciation for the seven coaches highlighted in the book. One negative note: the cover of the book upside down from the pages inside! ... Read more

Editorial Review

A team of award-winning sports reporters takes down the Great Satan of college sports: the Bowl Championship Series.

Every college sport picks its champion by a postseason tournament, except for one: Division I-A football. Instead of a tournament, fans are subjected to the Bowl Championship Series, an arcane mix of polling and mathematical rankings that results in just two teams playing for the championship. It is, without a doubt, the most hated institution in all of sports. A recent Sports Illustrated poll found that more than 90 percent of sports fans oppose the BCS, yet this system has remained in place for more than a decade. Built upon top-notch investigative reporting, Death to the BCS at last reveals the truth about this monstrous entity and offers a simple solution for fixing it.

Death to the BCS includes findings from interviews with power players, as well as research into federal tax records, Congressional testimony, and private contracts, revealing:

•The truth behind the "Cartel"-the anonymous suits who run the BCS and who profit handsomely by protecting it

•The flawed math and corruption that determine which teams participate in the national championship

•How the system hurts competition by perpetuating "cupcake" schedules

•How "mid-major" teams are systematically denied a chance to play for the championship

•How a comprehensive sixteen-team playoff plan can solve the problem while enhancing profitability

The first book to lay out the unseemly inner workings of the BCS in full detail, Death to the BCS is a rousing manifesto for bringing fairness back to one of our most beloved sports. ... Read more

Reviews

Now you have the information you need to make a REAL case against the BCS, October 14, 2010
Awesome book! Well written and captivating! I've always known I didnt agree with the BCS, nor did I understand how it worked, nor did I believe that it was the best system for determining college football's champion. Unfortunately, I couldn't put together a persuasive argument that held much weight. After reading Death to the BCS, not only can I make a valid case, but I believe the time is very near that a playoff will be coming college football's way.

This book lays out all the reasons I couldnt fully explain before, and also provides me the reasons I didnt even know existed, as well as providing the evidence behind them. The detail that the authors delve into is so overwhelmingly precise, and in many ways, sickening, in that we, as the fan base, have been so misled by college football's elite leaders. The authors take us step by step into how we've been lied to over and over again by those college football decision makers. Those same decision makers exploit our desires as fans by tricking us into believing that they've created the best scenario for us. They also told us that the coaches, athletic directors, boosters, and players believe the BCS is the best way. They told us that college football cant afford the financial downfall of a playoff. They told us everything we thought was necessary to make a football playoff happen would be the beginning of the end for college football.

Read this book, and then make your own decision. If nothing else, you'll come away with a real understanding of the bowl system, and how it effects every team, and you'll be armed with the knowledge that those football decision makers dont want you to know. You'll be able to punch holes in their rationale, and offer critical evaluation of the current system. From the opening remarks to the last page (I even read the credits), my attention was held, and I cant wait to see the splash that this book will make in college football.

Now is the beginning of the end for the BCS, and the beginning of a new dawn of enlightenment for college football fans.

Lays Out the Case Against The BCS, November 2, 2010
In almost every sport outside of gymnastics and figure skating, players and teams compete on the field. The winner is judged the best. And the sport continues to the next game or contest. Ultimately the top teams play each other and the winner is the champion. But college football is more like gymnastics and less like any other team sport. At the highest level, teams compete for recognition from mostly anonymous judges and various computers (with mostly hidden programs). The "winners" are then invited to immensely profitable bowl games with two dubbed the best in the country, while everyone else tends to lose money. It is a strange system, largely anti-competitive, and it promotes tremendous disagreement every year among fans. This book lays out precisely what is wrong with the BCS, and how it can be changed.

The Bowl Championship Series (BCS) is not an NCAA sanctioned championship. It is in fact a collusion created by the most powerful conferences in college football to monopolize the revenue generated by giant bowl games. The premise of the BCS is that polls and computers decide which teams are the top teams in the nation and the championship game is played among the two selected. Other top teams are admitted to other high paying bowl games. But there is more to this process than meets the eye. Nearly all college football teams are affiliated with one of eleven conferences. Six of these eleven "automatically" qualify for a bid into the big money games. The other five conferences do not. This is an obvious instance of collusion and suggests a violation of anti-trust laws. It is all the more odious because the money for all the schools involved comes largely from the government itself. They are, for the most part, state sponsored institutions and even the private universities still receive government grants, student loans, etc to fund their business.

This situation could be almost forgiven if indeed the teams that came out of these six power conferences were in fact the best teams. As the book reveals, however, they are not always the best and indeed, one of the major purposes of the BCS is to exclude teams who might pose a threat to them, most notably Boise State. A small university in a Pacific Northwest state, Boise State is not what many fans think of when they think, football powerhouse. But Boise has quietly built a program the old fashioned way (winning games) and does so with a budget that is but a fraction of what the schools in major conferences make. So the BCS tries every strategy under the sun to keep Boise out. As early as 2001 Boise was already highly ranked in the computer programs that make up 1/3 of the polls. So the BCS ordered the computer ranking services to discount margin of victory in order to weaken Boise's standing. When the venerable Associated Press (AP) poll refused to play along with the BCS games and withdrew rather than taint their poll for the benefit of big conferences, the BCS created its own poll, the Harris Interactive, made up of largely ignorant voters who simply read the news and pass on the opinions of sportscasters on ESPN. Finally, the BCS maintains the power of its favored conferences by using a coaches poll. The majority of the coaches in the poll are from the same favored conferences and have a financial interest in voting teams from these same conferences higher than those from the non-favored conferences. As a result, teams like Boise State are routinely eliminated from major post season bowl games. This is not for what they have done on the field, but because voters and neutered computer ratings keep them out. With 5 undefeated regular seasons, Boise has only played in two major bowl games.

But the BCS does more than just monopolize revenue and handicap small but successful football programs. It harms the sport in a myriad of ways. The authors of this book note that the BCS encourages teams in the major conferences to play weak schedules out of conference. It increases the number of teams playing against lower division football opponents. It decreases the number of marquee games in a season. In short, the BCS hurts football as a competitive sport. And it does not have to be this way. The authors provide readers with an exciting alternative: a workable playoff system that can actually determine champions on the field, increase revenue for all colleges, and promote sportsmanship. Unfortunately, getting those with the power to give it up might ultimately (and literally) take an act of congress. Many are loath to bring politics into college football, but given that state institutions of higher learning are the ones behaving in such an anti-competitive way as to make the typical robber-baron blush, perhaps that is what is needed.

A must read for any fan of college football, October 18, 2010
As an avid football fan of both BCS & non BCS affiliation, I found this book to be both enlightening and shocking. It goes deep into the problems with the bowl system selection process. Yet, with those problems, the book is not all "doom and gloom". It offers a playoff scenario that gets the reader excited for the possibilities that college football could become. Death to the BCS gives every college football fan a voice, one that gives every fan with a playoff plan something to turn to and say, "this is how it should and could be if these power players change their minds, or get removed from their position."

Must read for ALL college football fans!!!, October 18, 2010
The writers do an absolutely brilliant job of researching and exposing every flaw and injustice in our current college football postseason, exposing the greed, corruption, and lies that have perpetually plagued the sport. Any college football fan should fully educate themselves by reading this book. By logically showing that the current bowl system is not a financially sustainable enterprise for college athletics, the writers offer great hope that the BCS will soon implode. The writers' solution to how a playoff should be conducted is the perfect plan that completely maintains (and actually improves) the current regular season. All who care passionately about college football should do all they can to support this plan. I think it would be the best sports postseason in the world if implemented, a far cry from the current system, which in my opinion is the worst.

Absolutely terrific, October 14, 2010
I loved this book. Whether you're a fan of the BCS or a proponent of a playoff, Death to the BCS is a must read for all college football fans. It is even a great read for non-football fans as a story about power and corruption. Based on a stunning amount of research and statistics, the underbelly of the BCS and current bowl system is exposed and the case for a 16-team playoff is deftly laid out. Each chapter rolls into the next as the incredible evidence against the BCS as a fair system for determining a national champion mounts with each turn of the page. You will be shocked at the financial numbers uncovered by the authors that expose the BCS and bowl system as an archaic sham. Wetzel, Passan and Peter break the walls down and override the BCS with such a well-reasoned solution, it's a crime that it is not already in place. I can't imagine there's a better laid out argument against the BCS anywhere else. This is the new authority on a college football playoff system. Highly recommended.

Fantastic, October 15, 2010
Death to the BCS is a must read for anyone that purports to love (or even like) college football. Anyone on the fence about the BCS, and even people who accept it at face value and like that it creates a "true" national champion, will be convinced that the BCS is actually a huge scam. A scam that is taking advantage of a great sport and its traditions for the sake of money and power.

The book reads well and seems to lay out all the facts against the BCS system. Each argument in favor of the BCS is addressed and eviscerated. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

Great investigative reporting, compelling arguments, October 22, 2010
This is a great read for the college football enthusiast who's tired of the BCS, but maybe isn't aware all of the distinct politics behind the most-loathed championship format we have in American sports. Each chapter seeks to drive home a specific angle about why we continue to collectively bemoan an inferior structure and have uncomfortably avoided a tournament-style championship for so long, in lieu of a polling system that in a growing number of documented cases, has failed followers of the sport.

The supporting evidence is well-gathered and organized logically, and likewise presented as such. It's a great, quick, undiluted analysis of the money behind the athletics.

The only knock I might have about the book is that the authors might be too slanted in their arguments. A strong case is made against the BCS and the "Cartel" controlling it, without much consideration from the other side. But then, this might be the point - stating once and for all how non-socialist the state of college football, the grandest game in the land, is and continues to be.

Builds a great case!, October 21, 2010
This book builds a great case against the BCS. It will be interesting to see if any of the chancellors look into this issue and take action.

Fast, easy read.

A Must for College Football Fans, December 6, 2010
Is there really much I can add to this subject talked to death by sports junkies? Probably not but let me admit that I am one of the few NOT in favor of a playoff and the impact this book had on this opinion.

First, I must comment that I don't like books to persuade your opinion which start with blatant statements of how stupid the other side is. A good debate requires some level of understanding how and why the other side could be right rather than a political debate that has total disdain for the other side. However, once the authors begin the theory I have to admit that my thoughts were changed somewhat. Why do I not think a playoff is a panacea? Well, being on the athletic board of a Conference USA team with a mediocre football team, how could we ever compete for athletes when BCS schools with massive football factories can sell the ability to play for the big prize? You really can't. But you also can't compete with the money that the bad BCS schools have. And that's somewhat what the book attacks. Its main strength is the logic that bad bowls provide graft for local bowl directors (think $600,000 salaries of once a year games) and an avenue to help the lower tier BCS teams. The book spends substantial time showing the absurdity of these games and builds a compelling case that the few profitable bowls pay for these unprofitable bowls. I remember Stanford going to the Rose Bowl and the President saying they would lose money on that trip. Is that possible? Well, evidently so.

So we are governed by a system not controlled by the NCAA which feeds local bowl committees well and doesn't maximize revenue by 200%? Well, maybe they're right and the system should be changed. His most compelling arguments show the BCS commissioners hiring a public relations firm after every statement they make. Unfortunately the correctness of the current system being the best in these statements is always being shot down. The BCS arguments really do begin to look ludicrous like they are hiding something. They're not. They just control the money and want to continue to control the money.

This is not typically the type books I like as sports is discussed entirely too much. But their arguments here are strong and have managed to sway my opinion. I recommend this short, fast read to provide good information for which you may not be aware.

Very Readable....Very Informative....Some Flaws, November 15, 2010
The authors make a fast reading, thought provoking and seemingly well-researched case for replacing the badly flawed BCS system with a sixteen team championship playoff ending up at the Rose Bowl. They make a convincing case that their proposed system would produce a true national champion, preserve at least most of the present bowls and generate far more money for college football than does the current system.

Everyone knows the current system is a bad joke. Year after year, college football's fans are treated to a debatable "national champion" with one or two legitimate contenders consistently excluded. This year, it is entirely possible that one of two extremely legitimate and undefeated candidates (TCU or Boise State) may not even be invited to a BCS bowl. Absurd!!!

One by one, the authors blow up the myths perpetuated by the BCS to explain why a playoff is not practical....be it a plus one, a sixteen team playoff or something in between. Most enlightening was the extensive discussion of the current bowl system including its minimal impact on most local economies, its embarrassingly low level of charitable giving and the often high costs to participating schools. The absurdities of the human and computer rankings are also well explored.

The book does have some flaws. First, I was disappointed that the authors did not spend more time explaining exactly how the BCS is structured and why it has such traction. Similarly, I would have liked to have seen a discussion of the relationship between the BCS and the NCAA and why, if the money in a playoff system is so much greater, we don't already have one. We all know that both the NCAA and the BCS are really about the money.

Another shortfall to me was that I felt like the authors were shouting at me throughout the book. I also had the feeling that, while they are generally right, they play a little loose with some of their financial calculations. I am not sure that even Big Ten fans will sell out their stadiums at $150 per ticket when their teams play the Sun Belt champ in the freezing rain.... Finally, I fail to see the magic of the Rose Bowl and why the authors feel it should become the Omaha of college football. I would vote for the Superdome (or Jerry World), but that is just me.

In the end, this is a very informative book that every college fan and every college president should read. It provides a real framework for a solution to a crazy system that seems to serve primarily the Big Ten.

... Read more

Editorial Review

“Your only job is to help your players be better.” That single idea had a huge impact on Tony Dungy when he heard it from one of his earliest mentors, and it led him to develop the successful leadership style so admired by players and coaches throughout the NFL. Now, a storied career and a Super Bowl victory later, Tony Dungy is sharing his unique leadership philosophy with you. In The Mentor Leader, Tony reveals what propelled him to the top of his profession and shows how you can apply the same approach to virtually any area of your life. In the process, you’ll learn the seven keys of mentoring leadership—and why they’re so effective; why mentor leadership brings out the best in people; how a mentor leader recovers from mistakes and handles team discipline; and the secret to getting people to follow you and do their best for you without intimidation tactics. As a son, a football player, and a winning coach, Tony has always learned from others on his path to success. Now you can learn to succeed for your team, family, or organization while living out your values—by becoming a mentor leader. ... Read more

Reviews

Great book by and for the Mentor Leader
The Mentor Leader is an excellent book that is both inspiring, challenging, and practical. Coach Dungy offers a truly unique perspective as a Super Bowl winning football coach, a devoted Christian, and a man who has benefited much mentoring and who has intentionally sought for years to have a positive influence on the lives of those he touches. The book is certainly not shy of principles and thoughtful teaching on the topics of mentoring in leadership, but it really shines as a practical and wise approach that has been borne in the laboratory of life rather than taught in a business school. Author of best-selling book Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life, he has seen firsthand "that the way to bring the best out of an individual or a team is to teach-by example and through one-on-one, step-by-step mentoring." The book is packed full of stories and anecdotes, but it is not just a random assortment of anecdotes. Dungy actually covers a lot of material, and arranges it thoughtfully.

Table of contents
Chapter 1. The Mandate of a Mentor Leader
Chapter 2. The Mind-Set of a Mentor Leader
Chapter 3. The Maturity of a Mentor Leader
Chapter 4. The Marks of a Mentor Leader
Chapter 5. The Moments of a Mentor Leader
Chapter 6. The Model of a Mentor Leader
Chapter 7. The Means of a Mentor Leader
Chapter 8. The Methods of a Mentor Leader
Chapter 9. The Measure of a Mentor Leader

If you're a fan of leadership books, you'll recognize ideas and quotes by leadership experts such as Ken Blanchard, Steven Covey, John Maxwell and others. If not, that's ok too, as he weaves these in naturally along with stories and real-life illustrations. Dungy also does a great job at pointing out where ideas like mentoring and servant leadership are taught and modeled in the Bible, especially in the life of Jesus.

Some of the topics or concepts that I thought were particularly interesting: focusing on strengths, the preeminence of character and integrity in the live of a leader, building a team whose strengths complement yours and each others, the importance of just hanging out and being present in the lives of those you hope to influence, the need to create a culture to effect change, and the idea of treating those you lead as volunteers. Now, there's nothing ground-breaking in any of this, but Dungy does a great job of modeling all of this, and of explaining it in a down-to-earth way.

Towards the end he finishes by acknowledging that a lot has been covered, and the idea of being a mentor leader might be a daunting one, a lot to remember. So he encourages us with this advice: "Don't worry about remembering it. Think instead about beginning to live what we've talked about - each and every day, in every setting of your life. And let me encourage you to start right where you are, with the people right around you, doing something as simple as engaging with them and talking. Sometimes the smallest things we do have the biggest impact. Just start."

Being a mentor leader is being about the journey, adding value in the lives of other people in every moment. The Mentor Leader should be of great interest for fans of leadership and football alike.

Mentor Leaders Arise!
We all know that mentoring is the best way to develop key character traits in others, particularly young people because it is based on the model of discipleship. You may recall Jesus and the twelve, and the impact they had on the world. Mentoring Works! Tony Dungy provides an excellent framework for leaders who may not have thought as themselves as potential mentors, and for mentors who would like to become better leaders. Mentor leadership takes servant leadership to a new level. As a board member for a non-profit organization that mentors at-risk youth, I gave each of my fellow board members and staff one at our recent board retreat. And now many of the principles in this book are showing up in our mission, vision, values, and goals statements, and are being implimented in the field. A must read for anyone who aspires to be a true leader or mentor.

Excellent
America is in the midst of a leadership crisis. Politically, socially, spiritually and in the family, leadership is in high demand and short supply. Concepts of what effective leadership is, have come and gone in our society, but I think the concepts in this book are here to stay. In the Mentor Leader we learn the importance of not only creating teams, but leading those teams in a way that helps them be effective in their roles. The goal is not to make the leader "look good," the goal is to help each team member be their best. That means the leader must help each team member develop their personal selves as well as develop the group purposes or goals. Definately worth the price and more!

I have read them all and Dungy's take on this is Spot On!
I was Looking for a book that was about LEADERSHIP from a SPIRITUAL persective. Tony Dungy nails that query with this book, Mentor Leader. Previously I avoided his books because I am not a big fan of football and assumed it was all related to touchdowns and tackling. I could not have been more wrong. This book is about mentoring and leading. Good title them huh?

He takes his experiences and that of others and tells how he was mentored what he does to mentor and all in the line of being a leader. Far from an in the ivory tower manager Dungy shows us how to impact others as the main idea in leadership.

Growing others to be leader even more Spiritual Mentors. He uses the Bible to explain his motivation to help others and shows his weakness and how he overcame them to become the Mentor leader he is today.

This book was for someone looking to help others a goldmine. I found this book to be informative, entertaining and Spirit Led. Not only should every manager who wants to step beyond "manageing" to leadership read it, every pastor, teacher and mother and father should grab a copy.

The message Tony wants us to get is that a leader cares little about personal gain and cares everything about doing what they do to help another find Gods direction in their lives. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Today's NFL fans have more viewing options than ever before. Each and every week, football addicts plant themselves in front of big-screen, high-definition TVs and watch the game they love unfold via slow-motion replays and multiple camera angles, pausing and fast-forwarding the action on their DVRs as they please.







Yet while more and more football fans are watching the NFL each week, many of them don't know exactly what they should be watching. What does the offense's formation tell you about the play that's about to be run? When a quarterback throws a pass toward the sideline and the wide receiver cuts inside, which player is to blame? Why does a defensive end look like a Hall of Famer one week and a candidate for the practice squad the next?





These are the questions football fans ask during every game they watch, and for too long, they've lacked the kind of insight and information that courses through coaches' offices, locker rooms, and meetings throughout the NFL. Football fans are starving to learn more about the game they love, to appreciate the intricacies of their sport the way baseball fans do theirs. Now Pat Kirwan, popular analyst for NFL.com and Sirius NFL Radio and a veteran front office executive, and co-author David Seigerman present Take Your Eye Off the Ball, a book that takes you inside a coach's mind as he builds a roster or constructs a game plan, to the line of scrimmage with the quarterback, and deep into the perpetual chess match between offense and defense.



Take Your Eye Off the Ball is not a beginner's introduction to football, nor is it a technical manual for only the most studious of fans. Instead, it clearly and simply explains the intricacies and nuances that affect the outcomes of every NFL game. No more passively watching the action unfold with only the TV analyst's clichés to guide you, no more wondering why one player is on the field and not another. Take Your Eye Off the Ball:







* Explains the pros and cons of different personnel groups

* Tells you what to look for when projecting a college quarterback's success in the NFL

* Gives fans a simple, easy-to-remember checklist to help them understand the action on the field





Baseball claims to be America's national pastime, but football is its passion. Take Your Eye Off the Ball will make fans feel like they've got their own personal head coach by their side each and every Sunday, enhancing the fan experience by making football more accessible, colorful, and compelling than ever before. ... Read more

Reviews

Fantastic Book for the Football Purist, July 26, 2010
This is a fantastic book if you're a football fan and you want to know more details of how the game is played. I've been interested in football (I love the game) for more than 20 years and was itching to get a better picture of what goes on inside teams. For example, how they prepare for games, what are the responsibilities of the different coaches, etc. This book opens up a whole new level of understanding presented by someone who is clearly an expert and who has the resume to prove it. It has some great tips on just how to watch the game. I highly recommend this book!

Succinct and very informative, September 2, 2010
So glad that I got this book. I never played football myself, being the proverbial 80 lb weakling. But, I love football and try to find cost effective matierials like this whenever I can.

The author assumes that the reader is a somewhat proficient student of the game and doesn't waste time with simplistic explanations of what the positions are called or what the rules of football are. This book is aimed at fans familiar with the game.

'Eye Off The Ball' gives some of the best descriptions of position strategies, player responsibilities, why responsibilities developed the way they did and what attributes are important in the player for a given position. It explains the coaches eye for the game, how fans can misinterpret what is happening on the field and what they should consider as alternative points of view.

Pat is amazingly succinct and there are times that you'll find yourself wishing he had spent more time on a subject. Otherwise, the book is very quickly paced, well organized and will be easy to refer to later.

I feel like I gained some football acumen with this one. It's the best book on football I've read, not to dry and not biographical. I'll be looking for other stuff by Pat in the future.

Pro football for the layman, September 5, 2010
While I have never played a down of organized football myself, I still like to think of myself as a Hall Of Fame armchair quarterback. Not sure there are too many people I could convince on the veracity of that objective, but that's beside the point.

Over the past few years, I've listened to the Sirius Radio NFL channel quite a bit. Pat Kirwan is a co-host of the Sirius show called MOVING THE CHAINS. I've been impressed by his football intellect as well as his understanding of the business side of the game of professional football. As a former NFL GM, he was kind of the anti-Matt Millen in the scope of his football erudition.

It's for that reason that I was intrigued to buy this book, and it did not disappoint. While I fully understand the basics of football, Kirwan helped me to see how all the Chess pieces on the field fit together on both the offensive & defensive sides of the ball.

There is a significant gap in the terminology of the game between what the players know & what spectators understand. I will admit that I've learned quite a bit from playing NCAA Football 09 {football video games are WAY more complex and authentic these days than when the 1st MADDEN games came out in the early 90s}. Kirwan's book has augmented my understanding of the terminology to the extent that if I heard Payton Manning spout out a play call I might be able to decipher(!) at least part of what he's saying.

For myself, college football is my game & Michigan State is my team. Pro football uses a great many more sophisticated schemes ~ I get that. Nevertheless, I've found that this book has helped me appreciate the complexity of the college game as well as the NFL. After all, at the end of the day, football is football be it high school, college or pro.

The book also delves into how NFL prospects are rated & why some players are a much better "fit" for one system than another. I used to think that a cover corner was a cover corner until I read this book. Kirwan has illuminated to me that many of my preconceptions were way off the mark.

Reading this book is kind of like listening to your favorite symphony with Leonard Bernstein sitting on your couch pointing out to you all the nuances of the chord changes & musical phrases. Pat Kirwan has done for the football spectator what Carl Sagan did for the layman science enthusiast. Just as Sagan opened up the frontiers of science for all of us to comprehend & appreciate, so too has Kirwan laid bare the nuts & bolts of what epitomizes the game of football. Well done.

Complete tour around the game, November 24, 2010
Having read Pat Kirwan's articles on NFL.com for a number of years, I wasn't surprised that this book was both an easy, entertaining and educating read.

In a nutshell, Pat takes the reader on a tour through all the positions on the field (except, sadly, the kickers, but that's always been the orphaned part of football). He explains the demands, intricacies and details that may have been lost on the monday morning quarterback, and it really has changed the way I personally watch the game on TV.

While some of the insights really aren't (if the offensive line is standing up, it's gonna be a pass play - duh), most of the book more than scratches the surface of what's really going on on the field, on both sides of the ball, as well as off the field in terms of preparation for a game, a season, how the scouting department does its job, why the play sheet of the coaches aren't restaurant menus and what the guys in the press boxes are really doing.

The last chapter (a look ahead) was sometimes too far out for my taste, and seemed to me like it was filled up with "we-gotta-get-more-pages-with-stunning-predictions" type issues, but as a whole, this is an awesome read for people who have a general understanding of the game - it may be a lot of old news for college coaches, and a little too much information for someone looking for a book to get into the game initially.

Every Serious NFL Fan's Primer, December 1, 2010
This is a thorough and informative book for anyone who considers themselves a serious football fan ... really helps you appreciate the strategy and nuances of what really is a complex game, but written simply and in straightforward language. A great gift for all those 'pseudo-fans' who may come un-informed (and who scream idiotic things at the TV every Sunday)!

wow , without a doubt this is a great read, August 30, 2010
I've listened to Pat and Tim for years on Sirius and I always loved how they took time to explain football to listerns---this book picks up right where they leave off--after reading you will not look at football the same again--the X's and O's actually mean something to you--I've always thought of myself as a great fan of the game and someone with a bit of knowledge about the game, but after reading the book things were more clear than ever before. This is a great book for beginners to experts it has something for all. Worth every penny---PK keep it up

Best of the Rest, December 1, 2010
I`ve played football for a D1 program, currently coaching now, so I have crediability with my info. Pat has done a masterful job of bringing the coaching apsect to the fans. This book is a must read for any and ever football associate. Kudos!

Great book, amazing author!, November 12, 2010
This book really helps you understand the game and what might be happening in the background to create the wonderful game we are watching!

Good Book, November 7, 2010
Enjoyed reading the book. Very good information and knowledge from writer. Very easy to read. I read in several hours. More of an introduction to football schemes, technique, and general information. Does offer some insight to NFL personal discussions and inner workings. Great read for a fan that loves football but has little knowledge of strategy, positions, and schemes.

Again I enjoyed the book but, it was a little too vague for me. I was looking for a little more X and 0 and strategy discussion. If the book had more depth of knowledge, it would be a 5 star for me

tyeotb, November 2, 2010
the book was a gift for my son and he is enjoying it very much ... Read more

Editorial Review

The NFL has never been hotter--witness the $21.4 billion it will rake in on the TV-rights deals now in place (not to mention its own network), the proliferation of football news and information and the game's booming popularity among sports fans, including the 23 millioin who read SPORTS ILLUSTRATED every week. These 320 pages capture, in breathtaking words and pictures, the essence of America's game: the players and performances, the crucial moments and classic matchups, the enduring dynastics and unique characters that have made pro football the new national pastime. ... Read more

Reviews

all around good, November 24, 2009
bought this for my son, a huge football fan, i looked at alot of books, this is a great one. the price is excellent too, it's double in the book stores. definately get it, you won't be dissappointed

The Football Book Expanded Edition, November 21, 2010
This is a well-written book with many details about the history of the game and players. There are photos throughout the book that document important plays, events, and people. I have been a football fan for almost 20 years, but there are many things I do not know. I bought this book to learn more about the game. It is a great "coffee table" book that I plan to keep in sight so that I can constantly refer to it.

Great gift, January 8, 2010
Bought this for my brother as a Christmas gift. He and I are both into sports, so when I received it, I thought it was so great I wanted one for myself. Lots of information, great file photos.

Value for the money, January 7, 2010
This made a great gift! This book is quite large - filled with wonderful photos - and packed with information all things football. It is rather large to take to bed to relax with, in my opinion, but is better suited to view/read sitting in your lounger. I'd buy this book for anyone that loves football....truly value for the money. Great coffee table book.

Very pleased, December 28, 2009
This book was purchased for a gift. It arrived on time, in great condition. Looked just the same as the much higher priced one at the mall. The person receiving the gift, an avid football fan, was very pleased and impressed with the quality and completeness of the book.

Awsome, February 10, 2010
This is a remarkable book with lots of pictures. Great for hardcore football fans. Geaux Saints

Great gift for any Football fan, November 17, 2010
My brother asked specifically for this book as his holiday gift. I sent it early and he's been thanking me ever since. So if you need a gift for the man who has everything and is a big football fan, this is his gift.

Sports Illustrated: The Football Book, January 7, 2010
My son loves this book. He saw it elsewhere but I got a better deal for it from Amazon. I am very happy with this purchase. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The modern game of football is filled with plays and formations with names like the Counter Trey, the Wildcat, the Zone Blitz and the Cover Two. They have become part of the sport's vernacular, and yet for many fans they remain just names, often confusing ones. To rectify that, Tim Layden has drilled deep into the core of the game to reveal not only how these chalkboard X's and O's really work on the field, but also where they came from and who dreamed them up.

These playbook schemes, many of them illuminated by diagrams, bear the insignia of some of the game's great innovators, men like Vince Lombardi, Don Coryell, Tom Osborne, Bill Walsh, Tony Dungy and Buddy Ryan. But football has also been radically altered by the ingenious work of men with more obscure names, like Tiger Ellison, Emory Bellard and Mouse Davis.

In Blood, Sweat and Chalk, Layden takes readers into the meeting rooms-and in some cases the living rooms-where the game's most significant ideas were hatched. He goes to the coaches and to the players who inspired them, and lets them tell their stories. In candid conversations with some of football's most intriguing characters, Layden provides a fascinating guide to the game, helpingfans to better see the subtleties of America's favorite sport.

The game of football is cyclical. Coaches today are getting too much credit for formations and offenses that were dreamed up years ago. Tim Layden does a wonderful job of tracing the origin of those ideas in Blood, Sweat and Chalk.
- Urban Meyer, Head Football Coach, University of Florida

Tim Layden explores the minds and ambitions of the game's formative thinkers. Serious students of football must have this on their bookshelves!
- Steve Sabol, President, NFL Films

Blood, Sweat and Chalk is a must-read for all football aficionados. I, of course, especially enjoyed reading about the great Don Coryell, a true innovator in the game we all love. His ideas changed football-and this book shows you how.
- Dan Fouts, Hall of Fame Quarterback, San Diego Chargers

Tim has created a playbook that's instructional, a history book that's fascinating and a football bible that's a must-read for anybody who loves the game. All in one.
- Dan Patrick, Host, NBC's Football Night in America

Tim Layden does a great job telling the story of the people and the ideas that had a major impact on the game of football as we know it.
- Mack Brown, Head Football Coach, University of Texas

This is one of the most important sports books of our generation-and a lot of fun too. The formations and philosophies that win Super Bowls and national titles are made crystal clear. If you live for fall weekends, this is your book.
- Peter King, Author, Monday Morning Quarterback ... Read more

Reviews

Solid Primer on the Evolution of Modern Football Strategies, August 7, 2010
This is a book for professional football fans who love the history and evolution of the game, and the X's and O's that keep coaches up until the wee hours of the morning.

Author Tim Layden, Senior Writer at Sports Illustrated, has laid out a reasonably well organized set of chapters that goes into the innovations in football strategy that have made the game what it is today.

He starts out back in days of Pop Warner and the Single Wing formation. Back in the rough and tumble days when football was about big men smashing into each other and running the ball, Pop Warner came up with a formation that maximized deception and utilized the full talents of three running backs (with the quarterback essentially handling ball and either handing off or running). He then walks through all the variations of this basic attack in both college and professional football that defined the game for decades.

As we get into the modern era there is an excellent chapter on the late Don "Air" Coryell and his passing attack that really is the progenitor of many of the pass happy offenses in today's NFL. Of course Coryell's strategy was attacking deep with his platoon of great receivers and Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Fouts. Coryell's offense was the origin of some utterly failed and pass� schemes like the run and shoot offense. But it's also the foundation for very successful offenses such as Sam Wyche's no huddle offense that took the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl, the K-Gun Offense with Jim Kelly and the Buffalo Bills riding their pass oriented offense to four consecutive trips to the big dance, and The Greatest Show on Turf highlighting the offense of Mike Martz and quarterback Kurt Warner, culminating in a Super Bowl win.

Bill Walsh's "West Coast Offense" featuring the short passing game and receivers that can run after the catch is, of course, the other great offensive scheme that dominates the NFL's passing schemes today. Layden has a very nice chapter on how Walsh's scheme evolved and its importance in today's NFL.

Thankfully, Layden doesn't forget the defense. From the zone blitz, the cover two (made famous by Tony Dungy and Monte Kiffin in Tampa Bay), and Buddy Ryan's 46 defense that focuses on attacking the quarterback, to the late Jim Johnson's Double A Gap blitz, he lays it all out with clear prose. He tells how and why the schemes came about, and gives us a glimpse into the personalities of the coaches who created them.

There are several excellent aspects to this book. First the author describes the X's and O's and why various formations or schemes evolved the way they did in a prose that is easily understandable to the avid football fan. He also places each scheme within the context of the history and rules of the game that made the formations or schemes more than passing fads but foundations that can be seen in today's game. And finally, he allows the personalities of some of the great football minds to come forth in the book, so it's not just dry chalk talk.

The only drawback to the book is it does not fully explain how changes in the rules are really what have made offensive football today more about the pass than the run by limiting what defenses are allowed to do to stop it. While rule changes are mentioned, and certainly rule changes often spur innovation in the game, these changes are not given enough "credit" for how the game has evolved.

Despite these drawbacks this is a great football book for football fans. It is not a book for the very casual fan, but it clearly is not intended to be. It's impossible to go into all the chapters in one review, suffice it to say there is much more here for the football fan to absorb.

Flawed, August 12, 2010
Tim Layden's book "Blood,Sweat, and Chalk" is so flawed, I hardly know where to begin. I'll concentrate largely on the chapter on the West Coast offense.

All the play diagrams are terrible; rounded, cutesy chalk drawings that are inaccurate, the kind of stuff you see in print advertisements during football season - ten to twelve X's and O's per side, arrows and blocks in all kinds of crazy directions. If you are writing a serious book about innovative developments in football strategy, then it follows that you should have real playbook schematics,i.e., diagrams that are both precise and correctly drawn.

One of the signature plays of the West Coast Offense is "Flanker Drive". Traditionally run out of a two-back set (usually Near), the flanker (or Z) motions tight to the formation before running a "Drive", a crossing pattern at 4-6 yards. The tight end runs an In at 10-12 yards; the halfback runs a Corner at 12 yards; the split end (or X) runs a Streak. The book's diagram illustrates the play out of a singleback set (a rarity for Walsh). There are only 10 players shown because apparently there is no running back. The slot receiver (or Zebra in West Coast terminology) is designated as the flanker(!?); he goes in motion before running a corner pattern. The flanker, designated here as no. 80 (for Jerry Rice) runs the drive, the tight end runs the In, the split end runs the Streak. This play is not a secret, you can find it in any West Coast Offense playbook. For crying out loud, it's been in the Madden videogame for years! And more accurately drawn, I might add.

The chapter consists largely of material cribbed from other sources. No mention of the slant pattern is made, a strange oversight, considering how effective Montana was in throwing it to Rice and Taylor, and how effective they were in yards after the catch. There is the bizarre assertion that Andy Reid brought "zone-blocked power running game"(!) to the WCO, which will come as a surprise to Mike Shanahan, Alex Gibbs, the Denver Broncos and Andy Reid himself.

The chapter on Buddy Ryan and his sons shows the worst depiction of the "46" defense I've ever seen. As far as I remember, the traditional setup featured the D-line covering the guards and center, with Richard Dent in an outside shade over the left tackle. The two out side linebackers. Otis Wilson and Wilbur Marshall were aligned on the line of scrimmage, one shaded inside the tight end, one outside the tight end. Middle linebacker Mike Singletary set up behind the D-line over the strongside B-Gap, while the strong safety aligned over the weakside B-Gap. The book's diagram of the "46" gets everything wrong. The D-line is set up in reverse; yes, the center and guards are covered, but the lone defensive end is set up in the strongside C-gap between the right tackle and tight end. The two outside backers are shown on the weakside, aligned off the line. The Mike backer is over the weakside B-Gap and the strong safety is shown stacked behind the defensive end on the strongside. What the hell?...

I can't comment on the accuracy of every chapter, I'm an avid fan, not a football coach. But these glaring flaws render all the material suspect to me. I wanted to like this book, I really did. Tim Layden's prose is likeable enough but his research is sadly lacking.

Great read for those interested in history of football schemes, August 3, 2010
As a football coach, this book was invaluable as a source of history as it pertains to the various schemes of football. The author presents a very basic, step by step introduction into how football has evolved over time. I found it very helpful and easy to read, informative, and even entertaining.

Each chapter covers one aspect of the game and gives the reader a history of it with quotes from various coaches and players. Some examples include the history and evolution of various offenses such as option, run and shoot, single wing, spread, etc., as well as defensive systems such as Tampa 2, Zone Blitzing, and the double A gap blitz.

While I found the book very enjoyable, the novice football fan may find some of the terms confusing (hence the 4 stars I gave it). If you don't have some background in football as either a coach or player, some of the vernacular may present challenges. Nevertheless, if you love football and want to have a better than average fan understanding of how things got to where they are today, buy this book.

Needless to say, if your a coach or looking for something to get a coach as a gift, they will not be disappointed with this book.

This is a History Book and not a Playbook, September 5, 2010
I saw a chalkboard on the cover photo and the words "Ultimate Playbook" in the title so I was expecting a book about play design. Instead, I found this book to be about the providence of important football plays. Each chapter is focused on a particular football play or formation but the book is light on play design and heavy on names and places. If the publisher were to take the words "The Ultimate Football Playbook" out of the title then it would be pretty much as advertised. I am fascinated by football and read through the book regardless. It was interesting but definitely a bait and switch situation.

Slightly disappointing, August 13, 2010
I was excited for this book initially, because it was advertised as an X's and O's breakdown of some of footballs most used plays. But each chapter spent 1/2 page or so explaining the play and each player's assignment, and the other 8-10 pages profiling the people who came up with the play and their influences. If that is what you're looking for, then this is a very well-written book. But that just wasn't what I wanted.

of two minds, November 11, 2010
I'm of two minds on this book. As a history of football, I give it top marks. It was a fun, enjoyable read. As the "Ultimate Playbook" it is worthless! There is only one diagrammed play per formation given in the book. The intent, it seems, is to just show the "signature" play of each formation and then trace its developement back to the originator. Lots of history, very little X's and O's. Even for the plays diagrammed, the blocking assignments are only vaguely shown against a generic defensive formation. I was hoping for more. If you enjoy, as I did, the history and re-birth of the single wing, etc., then I think you'll enjoy this book. Otherwise pass (or run) over this one.

One ironic theme throughout the book is the number of coaches credited with creating or re-inventing an imaginative offensive formation only to find themselves without a job a few years later. It just proves that if you can coach blocking and tackling, the rest takes care of itself.

Great Book--Needs and Index, August 31, 2010
"Blood, Sweat, and Chalk" is an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn the history of football formations, plays, and defenses. The coaching network and idea sharing by coaches conducted through the years is also an enjoyable read. The dustcover of the book plots the network of coaches who have influenced others along the way. My only complaint: no index, so it is impossible to find all of the references to a particular person in the book.

Great Read, August 20, 2010
Full disclosure: I was interviewed by Tim Layden and I am mentioned in the book.

Tim Layden really knows his football to begin with. To that knowledge he has added exhaustive research and his artistry with the written word, and has produced an outstanding book. He manages successfully to achieve a delicate balance between entertaining and enlightening reading for the average football fan and a deep enough survey of major football innovations to interest more serious followers of the game. He has a unique ability to make the technical both understandable and interesting, without having to dumb things down.

I have been coaching since 1970, and following football since I was a little kid in the 1940s. I am a historian of the game with a rather extensive personal library of football books, and "Blood, Sweat and Chalk" will occupy a proud spot in it.

Disappointed, September 1, 2010
I purchased this book after Peter King plugged it in his weekly MMQB column. King also works for SI and he said something to the affect that this book greatly improved his knowledge of the NFL. This coming from a guy who has been paid to cover football for nearly 30 years. I figured if Peter King could learn some new things, it must be a worthwhile read. I think Peter King must have been throwing bones to his fellow writer. This makes me distrust Peter King's opinions.
The book does give some fair biographical information on some of the coaches who pioneered or re-discovered some of the formations and plays in football history. Some of the personal connections are explored, such as Bill Walsh's connection to Paul Brown. But the descriptions of the formation's and philosophies of the various offenses and defenses are cursory at best. Usually a single play is diagrammed from each formation.... the signature play I suppose. But I wanted to know more about the other plays run from each formation and how the opposing defense (or offense) is kept off-balance.
I also wanted to know more about the blocking assignments from the various formations. For example, I noticed from watching Florida's games the last few years that on almost every play the offensive lineman never fire out of their blocks and attempt to drive their defender backwards on running plays. Rather, they would get into a pass-blocking stance without forming a pocket. They would remain at the line of scrimmage and attempt to cut off the defender in front of them whichever way he wanted to go. It is almost a zone-blocking scheme without the movement. Then the QB makes the decision to run, pitch or throw depending on what the defenders do. It really appears to be quite a different blocking scheme for the offensive line and I was really hoping to get a better explanation of what their thinking was. But it was not to be. The spread offense was made to sound almost the same as the run and shoot. But I believe the spread is vastly different in many ways.
If you've watched pre-game shows or listened closely to analysts such as Ron Jaworski or Chris Collinsworth you won't learn anything new from this book. T

Vince Lombardi Would Give Layden A "2", August 14, 2010
In grading a players'performance in a game, Green Bay's legendary coach, Vince Lombardi, awarded a "2" for a superior block or tackle, a "1" for a satisfactory performance, and a "0" for an unsatisfactory performance.

Sports Illustrated writer Tim Layden's book, "Blood, Sweat and Chalk: The Ultimate Football Playbook: How the Great Coaches Built Today's Game," which details football's greatest play designs and designers, is a "2."

I know. In 2008, I uncovered and told many of the same stories in a scholarly paper, "Quantifying NFL Coaching: A Proof of New Growth Theory." (See [...])

From Lombardi's sweep and the triple option of Bill Yeoman's veer and Texas' wishbone to Walsh's rhythm passing West Coast Offense, Layden nails offense. Other than not giving the great Army coach Earle "Red" Blaik--who mentored Lombardi, Yeoman and Sid Gillman Walsh's foundation)--enough credit, Layden is insightful. In discussing Walsh's signature play, the shallow cross, Layden notes "the tight end runs a 10-yard cross, stretching the linebackers horizontally, while the 'X' receiver runs across the formation from the opposite side, capitalizing on the chaos created by the tight end." Here Layden uses the term "chaos" in the Biblical sense to mean the void or open area that Walsh's design created. It's a reverse "Creation Story." This seems appropriate as like all great football coaches, Walsh loved a well-executed reverse like the one involving Freddie Solomon that he sprung on Dallas in the 1981 NFC Championship Game.

Layden observes that "a play's value is not only in the play itself, but in the counter it sets up." He wryly notes that "innovation is often accidental, and it
certainly is in football." Layden's recounting of how Yeoman discovered the triple option and current Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez discoverd the zone read makes it sound like the exact same historical accident occurred on two different practice fields that were separated by 1200 miles and 30 years. (Yeoman comes across as perhaps the most underrated football innovator in history. His name keeps popping up.)

Moreover, consistent with the principles of Growth Theory, Layden notes that non-rival knowledge that is available to all coaches is at the heart of the game. "Coaches find each other. They hang together and eat together--and
they speak a language that nobody else really understands. It is their way of
finding normalcy. But it's also a way of staying in the endless loop of
innovation. Friends do not hide discoveries from each other."

Layden is correct only to a point here. In Layden's book, "'the offense gets the chalk last,'" to borrow a phrase from run-and-shoot innovator Mouse Davis. "'That's coachspeak,'" Davis told Layden. "'The expression derives from the practice of coaches scheming offenses and defenses together on a chalkboard, passing the chalk back and forth in response to the other's moves. He who moves last has the advantage.'"

History teaches that this indeed is the story of play design in the NFL. In response to Vince Lombardi's power sweep, Dallas' Tom Landry designed the "Doomsday" flex defense. In response to Walsh's passing game, New England's Bill Belichick designed mysterious defenses that to this day defy easy description. However, Landry and the flex are not even mentioned in Layden's book and Belichick is only along as a sort of curator of history. Layden makes no attempt to analyze the most abstract defensive mind in the game's history. (Although, to be fair, Layden does include an excellent narrative on Dick LeBeau's zone blitz concepts.)

I speculate that perhaps the reason Layden overlooked Landry and did not presume to attempt to analyze the inscrutable Belichick is the common human tendency to think of things that are very much alike as being exactly alike when in fact those things have subtle differences. For example, one can think of a Lombardi or Walsh offense as a ship that is trying to cross a sea to get from Port A to Port B. If so, a Landry or Belichick defense likewise must be a ship that goes out to sea and attempts to sack or intercept the offensive ship, right?

Not necessarily. Another way to conceptualize the defense is as the sea itself. On the surface, the sea may appear to be something that it is not below the surface. This deception may result in conditions that keep the ship from ever reaching Port B and, even after succeeding, defy description or tendencies that could be charted in a way that would enable the offensive captain and navigator to know what to expect the next time they go to sea. QC believes that it is this subtle conceptual difference that distinguishes great offensive coaches like Lombardi and Walsh from great defensive coaches like Landry and Belichick.

Nevertheless, it is perfectly clear that Layden gets it right throughout this book. In the end, Layden quotes Duke University coach David Cutcliffe to succinctly summarize the role of play design in football. "'Here's what a system does: It tries to put players in a position to succeed. That's what it is.'"

For that answer alone, Layden gets a "2." ... Read more

Editorial Review

Here's a question for any Browns fan . . .

Why?

Why, more than four long decades after your team's last championship . . . despite a relentless pattern of heartbreak, teasing, and more heartbreak . . . capped with a decade of utter futility . . . do you still stick with the Cleveland Browns?

Good question.

Veteran sportswriter Terry Pluto gets a daily barrage of email from fans letting their hearts bleed out orange and brown. So he decided to ask his readers: Just what is it about this team that makes you love them, hate them, and still keep coming back for more?

A thousand fans responded—in detail. Their stories—along with interviews with former players and Pluto's own expert analysis—deliver the answer. Answers, actually. Because like any intense relationship, it's a little complicated . . .

Covering the Browns from 1964 through present day, this book does for Cleveland football what Pluto's classic about the Indians, The Curse of Rocky Colavito, did for Cleveland baseball: It won't make the pain go away, but it might help you remember why it's worth enduring. ... Read more

Reviews

Pluto is the best, December 15, 2010
Pluto is without a doubt my favorite sportswriter! This book is a tremendous read about why Browns fans continue to be Browns fans even though there hasn't been too much to cheer about for the last twenty years. For anyone that has followed the Cleveland Browns for any length of time, this a very enjoyable book! I highly recommend picking up a copy!

Another Pluto Classic !!!, December 21, 2010
Another good read from Terry Pluto. Being a Browns fan, it was interesting to read all the passion the rest of the fans have for their team. Go BROWNS !!! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Coach Bobby Bowden is an icon of college football who ran his legendary, top-ranking program with a trademark southern charm. With his recent retirement, Bowden is ready to give fans and readers the behind-the-scenes story of his 55-year career and the path that helped him become one of college football's most successful coaches and patriarch of the sport's most famous coaching family.�

In this book, Bowden will reveal never-before-published details of the moments and events that have defined his life, including:�

* The tragic death of his grandson and son-in-law in a 2004 automobile accident.

* The details of his retirement as FSU's coach at the end of the 2009 season. ... Read more

Reviews

Inspiring story of an American treasure!
This is an excellent book and should do very well.

As former President Jimmy Carter so eloquently wrote on the back of Called to Coach, Bobby Bowden is a true American treasure. Whether your a Florida State fan, college football fan, parent, coach, mentor or Christian, you will find a plethora of inspirational stories from the life story of Bobby Bowden. Coach Bowden was not only one of college football's greatest coaches, but he also was one of our countries greatest leaders. The most inspiring part of this book was reading the stories, testimonials and parables from the pregame speeches Bowden delivered to his teams.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who cares about faith, values, and teaching our children to live their lives the right way.

A true legacy
Being a Miami fan, I can't help to envy FSU for having one of the Greatest coaches in college football. Great book. Very inspirational.

Moving story of a coaching legend
Not being a Florida State fan, I was surprised that I enjoyed this book as much as I did. It's a moving story of not just an excellent football coach but an inspirational man. Bowden's story - well told by Schlabach - is a real Horatio Alger tale of a man who worked his way up the old fashioned way, through hard work, perseverance and his enduring faith.

This book is filled with behind-the-scenes stories from from Bowden's long and illustrious coaching career, including his time at West Virginia and coaching against his sons as well as Bowden's early life in Birmingham and as a fledgling coach and husband.

This is not just a book for football fans, but for anyone interested in truly inspirational leaders of our time.

Called To Coach: Reflections on Life, Faith, and Football
This is a great book. I bought it because Bowden is my idol. In this book, he opened me up to the Lord. He showed me that without faith, you are on you own. I would recommend this book to anyone whether they like football or not. GO NOLES!!

Called to Coach
I have followed Bobby Bowden's coaching career since the late 70s, but
being from Alabama myself, it was interesting to learn about his early
years, in Birmingham. I learned he is the fine sincere gentleman, I
always thought he was.
GA

CALLED TO COACH
I ENJOY IT VERY MUCH. IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST BOOK I READ ABOUT FOOTBALL

Bobby Bowden
Great book, Bobby it a great person not just a great coach. And I am UM fan.

Called to Coach
Very inspiring. Coach Bowden brings forth the things that are important in life and gives his testimony in a humble way. The life story of a great man.

amazing Story
This book is absolutely a fantastic read. I recommend it for anybody that loves a great story. It doesn't matter if you like or know who bobby Bowden is because all-in-all, it is just a fascinating look into the life and career of a great person and leader.

Called to Coach
One of the best books I've read in a long time. Bobby Bowden is such a wonderful person. Very inspirational. ... Read more

Editorial Review

They were the NFL's ultimate outlaws, black-clad iconoclasts who, with a peculiar mix of machismo and brotherhood, of postgrad degrees and firearms, merrily defied pro football corporatism.

The Oakland Raiders of the 1970s were some of the most outrageous, beloved, and violent football teams ever to play the game. In this rollicking biography, Peter Richmond tells the story of Oakland's wrecking crew of castoffs, psychos, oddballs, and geniuses who won six division titles and a Super Bowl championship under the brilliant leadership of coach John Madden and eccentric owner Al Davis.

Richmond goes inside the locker room and onto the field with Ken Stabler, Willie Brown, Fred Biletnikoff, George Atkinson, Phil Villapiano, and the rest of this band of brothers who made the Raiders legendary. He vividly recounts days of grueling practices and hell-raising nights of tavern crawling—from smoking pot and hiring strippers during training camp to sharing game-day beers with their hardcore fans (including the Bay Area's other badasses, the Black Panthers and the Hells Angels). Richmond reveals a group of men who, after years of coming up short in the AFC Championship game, saw their off-kilter loyalty to the black and silver finally pay off with their emphatic Super Bowl victory in 1977. Funny, raunchy, and inspiring, Badasses celebrates the '70s Raiders as the last team to play professional football the way it was meant to be played: down and very dirty.

Reviews

RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN SAYS: "GREATNESS IS ONE THING; LEGEND IS ANOTHER; AND MYTH IS STILL A THIRD.", September 17, 2010
The Oakland Raiders regular season record during Hall Of Fame coach John Madden's tenure (1969-1978) was 103 wins 32 losses and 7 ties. That was a better record than even the illustrious Vince Lombardi. When Madden took over they won seven division titles in the first eight seasons. "Between 1970 and 1977 they played in six AFC Championship games and won the Super Bowl to end the 1976 season." This wonderfully idiosyncratic look at the Raiders of those years include everything from the history of Hall Of Fame owner Al Davis to John Madden to all the lovable "BLACK AND SILVER" players... including many Hall Of Famers... and some who should definitely be in the Hall Of Fame also. The author, a Raider fan at least since his east coast college days, lovingly refers to the team known worldwide as *THE-SILVER-AND-BLACK" as the "BLACK AND SILVER"... over and over... and over again. And any fan can understand the author's individual nickname for them. For any fan who loves... and I mean loves... his favorite sports team... undoubtedly has some picayunish... unique... clever... at least in their own mind... nickname for their team. Some are born from superstition... some are born by a mispronouncement... or misunderstanding... or even a bolt of lightning. But any diehard fan... always has a unique personal nickname or phrase for their beloved team. One of the highlights... in a book overflowing with highlights... is the author spewing such an unrelenting, heartfelt love and adoration for his *BLACK AND SILVER* that any true football fan regardless of their favorite team can't help but share the joy of a football love that has no boundaries.

This is a book for any football aficionado. I have read... reviewed... and loved books on the Steelers... the Packers... da Bears... the Colts... the Saints... et al. you can check my prior reviews for proof. So for me to highly recommend a sports book, it absolutely does not have to be about my favorite team or player. Now, it so happens I'm a Raider fan, and in fact I am an original and continuous PSL season ticket holder since they returned to Oakland sixteen years ago... but that's not why I strongly recommend this book. All sports including football have changed (in my opinion) for the worse in the last forty years... so this book lets you travel back in time to share beers... brawls... wins... and losses... with probably the greatest collection of whacko's... brawlers... and believe it or not... highly educated band of outsiders in a team sport in modern times. The author has meticulously combined quotes from forty years ago... and included up to the minute interviews with many of the players and Coach Madden. The love and respect they have for each other after all these years is amazing. In fact the author states that not one single player interviewed all these years later had even one single negative thing to say about Madden. And everyone including Al Davis states that there was no other coach but Madden that could have possibly lead these castoffs and free thinkers to the heights of victory they accomplished.

There are so many great stories from their yearly pre-season training camps... that players looked so forward to... that most of them showed up days earlier than required. They loved football... and they loved the Raider family, which in training camp included bar hopping... drinking beer by the *PITCHER*... bowling tournaments, air hockey tournaments (with cheating allowed)... women... women... sneaking out after bed checks... Hall Of Famers showing up on the practice field riding a horse... streakers... and players like Hall Of Famers, Fred Biletnikoff, and Willie Brown (Just some of the eventual Raider Hall Of Famers.)... and should be Hall Of Famers, Ken "Snake" Stabler... Ray Guy... Cliff Branch... Jack Tatum... stayed hours after practice... to practice more... because one thing you'll learn in this book, is that sure... the Raiders of those days liked to party... but they loved to win... and simply loved the game of football even more than partying.

The backgrounds of all the important and not so important *SILVER-AND-BLACK" / "BLACK-AND-SILVER" players are covered so the reader gets a personal insight into how players known as *THE ASSASSIN*... *THE HIT MAN*... *DOCTOR DEATH*... *FOO*... *THE STORK*... *THE ROOSTER*... *THE GOVERNOR*... *THE TOOZ*... *BOOMER*... *THE GHOST*... and sooo many more... made the Raiders one of the greatest teams in history... and you'll fully understand when a player... even after being traded... says... "ONCE YOU'RE A RAIDER... YOU'RE A RAIDER FOR LIFE!"

**NOTE** Amazon's product description on this page is wrong. Madden's Raiders won SEVEN DIVISION TITLES NOT SIX AS AMAZON STATES!

A Great Raiders Book And A Great Football Book, October 4, 2010
I've been a Raiders fan since 1964, the good majority of my life, and bought this book primarily because of that. I was surprised by how good a book it was in its own right. About a quarter of the way through I realized this would make an enjoyable read for any true football aficionado. I say that because whether the author intended it or not this book really explains what made John Madden's Raiders unique in football history and why there will probably never be another team like it. Here was a collection of people that really loved to play football; loved to tackle and be tackeled. Have you ever had a job that you loved to come to every day? If so, then you realize that's the most incredible experience to have. To get paid for doing something you'd enjoy doing anyway. Madden's Raiders were that. But only Madden could bring those people together without dampening their enthusiasm and this, more than anything else, explains what made that team so unusual and unique. John Rauch couldn't do it (Madden's predecessor) nor could Tom Flores (his successor). I always knew they were special but never understood exactly why until reading this book. It wasn't the winning (for that you could/should back the Steelers, Cowboys, or Dolphins). It had to be something else and it was -- these guys just loved to hit and loved to do things their way. At times I think the book goes overboard on documenting the team's partying because, I guess, that's what sells books. But I think what makes the book special is the other aspects to the team's history. The John Madden era Raiders were truly a family; even Al Davis laments the inability to ever again create that kind of atmosphere for his team (Al's own discription of the Raiders in L.A. vs. 1968-1978 Oakland is very telling in that respect). The discriptions of the selflessness of the players is really something that stands out and I can't see happening in today's me-first incentive-laden contract environment. If you love the Raiders, this one's a no-brainer but even if you only remember the team as different than the rest of the NFL and are curious as to why then I recommend this book as something you will enjoy reading.

For The Fans, October 20, 2010
Even if you weren't a Raiders fan during this wild period, any football fan will enjoy this. As todays players are all, in Raymond Chester's words, "independent contractors, " this book documents a by-gone era, full of characters that, love them or hate them, made the game great.We might not want to admit it, but we miss them.
The wild nights at the El Tropicana Hotel, the "Soul Patrol," the "Just win baby" attitude of Madden's silver and black Raiders--this book recounts the hard-partying ways of a group of castoffs, flakes and rejects, that managed to win alot of football games.
A fun read for any football fan.A must read for anybody who followed the Raiders .

Perfect!, September 17, 2010
I've read almost every book ever written about the Oakland Raiders, and this is one of the best! The prose is lively and perfectly captures the spirit of the colorful Raiders of the 70s. The best quality of this book is that many of the stories herein are new to me; and as I said, I've read many books about this team. And most of the stories I'm already familiar with are given a freash spin and perspective by the author. Excellent book and highly recommended!

Fun read about a memorable team, November 30, 2010
The first half of this book seemed a bit slow and lacking gripping details (a lot of time is spent discussing a foosball tournament at Raiders training camp) but the second half was a fun romp through a lot of memorable games, especially the affairs with the great Steelers teams of the 70s. Though John Madden's name is in the title, possibly to attract video game players, it is Al Davis who is the most important figure in the book and in Raider history. And I would have appreciated more emphasis being placed on two controversial aspects of Raider history: Darryl Stingley's paralysis from a Jack Tatum hit in a preseason game in 78, and Ken Stabler's involvement in the framing of a magazine writer around 1980. The writer of this book, Peter Richmond, is not an investigative reporter, but instead plays cheerleader for the team and the reader. That makes the book worth reading, but it could have been so much more.

Still recommended for sports fans old enough to remember Otis Sistrunk.

One of the best, November 11, 2010
Were the Madden-era Oakland Raiders professional football's renegades, ruthless outlaws, sexual deviants, juvenile delinquents, or just plain hoodlums? Whatever they were, they had charismatic character - and it was a character that matched their city. Peter Richmond's book is a review of hilarious anecdotes, dramatic game reviews and a nostalgic look at a time when players and teams had truly memorable and original personalities.

Rated one of the top 20 new sports books - see [...]

Encapsulates a Period When Sport and Culture Meshed Almost to Perfection ..., December 15, 2010
The Oakland Raiders and the 1970s were tailor-made for each other. It was a time when professional sports (aside from golf) were considered blue collar forms of entertainment ... especially the NFL. The Raiders (like the Steelers and Eagles) personified a blue collar town with their aggressive style of play, production and lack of flamboyancy. The 1970s is an era when many of the fans that filled their stadiums may have been as tough as the players on the field. It was the last gasp of "old school "football where injured players kept playing and the ailment known as "turf toe" had yet to be defined. The only Nike logo in sight might have been on a few pairs of cleats; there was no internet and no fantasy football. Looking back, the Raiders were an icon of that blue collar era of football. One of the lasting images of Monday Night Football was the intro and its close up of Willie Brown's face, with his helmet bouncing around, as he returns an interception for a touchdown. His face is pure Raider - a determined, almost angered look. Peter Richmond hits a grand slam with his book that details the inception, construction and coronation of the most successful Raider team ever: that hodge-podge collection of thugs, animals and boozers that comprised the winners of Super Bowl XI. Not only does Richmond deliver the history and juicy details of the team, his book serves as a time machine that takes the reader back to a long lost period where the business side of the sport took a backseat to the game itself.

One does not necessarily have to be a fan of the Oakland Raiders to appreciate this book as Richmond's work should prove to be an interest to a wide range of readers. Fans of sports, history, business and human interest stories should be able to appreciate this book. As someone with a nostalgic interest of growing up in the 1970s, I particularly enjoyed the time warp aspect of this book because it brings back memories of trading football cards, as my collection of cards included many of the players highlighted in this book (and the Raider players always seemed to look more menacing on those cards). Another personal benefit is that it reminded me of the only NFL game I've ever seen live ... the December 24, 1977 playoff game at Baltimore where the Raiders won in double over-time with Dave Casper's Hall-of-Fame worthy performance. Although the 1977 team isn't the focus of the book, the residual talent of the previous season's Super Bowl winning squad was quite evident the following season.

Richmond starts with a chapter that served as the ashes from which the eventual Super Bowl champion team was born ... the 1972 controversial "Immaculate Reception" playoff game vs. the Steelers that spawned a heated rivalry between the 1970s two most dominant AFC teams. Richmond presents this as the catalyst that spurred owner Al Davis to buy, deal, inherit and assemble the parts of a championship team of players and coaches. With the seeds of the dream firmly planted by the controversial results of that playoff game, Richmond takes us back the inception of the Raider franchise and how a shrewd and business-savvy Davis finagled ultimate control of the Raiders. Paralleling Davis' ascent is the progression of John Madden's coaching progression that eventually leads to the helm of a talent loaded Raider team with a history of regular season success and playoff failures.

With the general framework of coaches and core talent in place, Richmond dissects the guts of team, by taking us into the locker room, on the practice field and out into the decadent Oakland nightlife that occupied so much of the Raider player's time once practice ended. Individual chapters introduce us to groups of men that comprise elements of the team from linemen to defensive backs. Richmond spends a great deal of the book detailing the men, their personalities and the exploits both on and off the field that often generated colorful nicknames like: Foo, Rooster, Dr. Death and Snake. The most amazing aspect is that such an odd band of divergent personalities with virtually no rules could bond so well, work so hard and function totally as a team on a mission. The author successfully corals a majority of the 1976 Raider ensemble to contribute to his book with personal reflections, hilarious stories and affirmation of the bond the men had with each other and their beloved Coach Madden. Even the elusive punter Ray Guy contributes! The details provided in these particular chapters present an addictive reading element as we feel we are actually witnessing these events, both on and off the field.

The book culminates in recapping a successful 13-1 regular season record and a post-season run to the Super Bowl that includes yet another rumble with rival and current Super Bowl champion Steelers. Super Bowl XI is deemed "the Promised Land" and although it was a snoozer of a game (and I remember it as being the first Super Bowl I watched in entirety as a kid), the book captures the energy, excitement, drive and ultimate confidence that Raider team displayed in overpowering the Minnesota Vikings. The game itself may have been unexciting, but the build-up leading to the victory and the euphoria experienced by the players is ever-present.

Peter Richmond took me back to my first real memories of enjoying pro football as a kid. The manner in which he presents this particular group of men is both entertaining and endearing. Additionally, Richmond's book may be considered a throwing-of-the-gauntlet by arguably presenting the 1976 Oakland Raider team as one of the best teams in NFL history. Although I'm not a Raider fan, after reading "Badasses", I might actually agree with him.

Great Read, November 30, 2010
Being a huge Raider fan, I have read many books about the Raiders. This is right up there on top of the list. It is very well written and superbly put together. I could have read more. I have shared it with 2 others already and no one can put it down until the end. I highly recommend it.

A classic, November 14, 2010
I remember John Madden's Raiders in Jr. High School. Being from Pennsylvania it was the Steelers this and the Steel Curtain that, and Franco Harris and Terry Bradshaw, but there was this bunch of West Coast Misfits called the Oakland Raiders that everyone of us in Pennsylvania dreamed of being (and Pennsylvania is rabid about it's football). I usually shy away from books on football because they tend to be so poorly written, there are exceptions, the last one was War Without Death and this one. Having watched John Madden phone in his appearances on MNF the last 10 years, it made me forget how good he was at one time. And that the Snake isn't in the Hall of Fame but Namath is? Well anyone that knows this sport knows that's just ridiculous and Richmond's storytelling reminds of that and just how this bunch of misfits came together. I was a fan of both Stabler and Jack "the Assassin" Tatum and I just loved loved this book. I practically read it in one weekend. ... Read more

Editorial Review

More than any other sports figure, Vince Lombardi transformed football into a metaphor of the American experience. The son of an Italian immigrant butcher, Lombardi toiled for twenty frustrating years as a high school coach and then as an assistant at Fordham, West Point, and the New York Giants before his big break came at age forty-six with the chance to coach a struggling team in snowbound Wisconsin. His leadership of the Green Bay Packers to five world championships in nine seasons is the most storied period in NFL history. Lombardi became a living legend, a symbol to many of leadership, discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, and to others of an obsession with winning. In When Pride Still Mattered, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss captures the myth and the man, football, God, and country in a thrilling biography destined to become an American classic. ... Read more

Reviews

One of the best biographies ever written.
My dad was one of the eight men who played under Lombardi for his entire tenure in Green Bay. In fact he is a frequent contributor to Mr Maraniss's work. Now that my some of bias has been revealed I want to say that this is the finest biography I ever read. Mr. Maraniss filled out so much about a character I thought I knew well. I had heard my dad say the things about Lombardi that are quoted in the book, so in some ways the inclusion of his thoughts in the book were its least interesting parts to me. The author's research into Lombardi's early life and his conclusions from that research, not just names and dates, is a thread carefully woven through every chapter to a point that near the end the effect is nearly haunting. Lombardi was not really the myth he is often portrayed as, but rather a man acutely aware of his surroundings in nearly every circumstance who was able to absorb enough positive material from each that when his opportunity finally came he seized it and delivered all he had absorbed in a way no one ever had and maybe never will again. The true inspiration that comes from this book is not what Lombardi became but rather the revelation of the power of something so simple as paying attention to what makes great things great and staying dedicated to those values. I am forty years old and there is picture in my office that is one of my most prized possessions. The photo is of my dad, my brothers, Lombardi and me getting off the plane before the NFL Championship in 1960. It was always important to me because of its unique representaton of that part of my family. Though I never thought it possible, Mr. Maraniss made it more precious to me because of what he taught me about the only guy in the picture who was not a member of my family.

A Rewarding Sports Biography and more
Although I grew up in during Lombardi's rise to fame in the 1960's, I have never read any other sports book or biography that dealt with him, up to this time, motivated finally more by Mr. Maraniss's previous books on President Clinton, which I have read, than by any great desire to become knowledgeable about this football great.

There is not much that I can add that hasn't already been said in all the other reader reviews that appear on this page. The author's biography presents a no-holds-bared look at this interesting sports coach and personality that fortunately, as another reader said, presents a man whose reality lives up to the myths that have been built up around him.

What I would like to add is that this book also provides some very useful historical context around the Lombardi years that makes his life all the more vivid: life in the fifties and sixties, the rise of professional football to its prominence today and the rise and influence of the media in the sports world as well as in all other aspects of late 20th century life.

This is a book ANYONE will enjoy, not only because of the subject matter it covers, but also due to the meticulous reporting, fluid writing style, and most of all, for the way the book sincerely tugs on the emotions of the reader, for Lombardi, his family and for a time period gone by.

In sum, this is a book that rewards the reader all the way around.

PERFECT GIFT
If there's a better gift for a father or grandfather than "When Pride Still Mattered," I haven't heard of it. This is truly a masterpiece of a biography, probably the best I've ever read. Like most of the reviewers have already said on this page, the book is dripping with details and wonderful accounts not just from Lombardi's players, but his paperboy, high school classmates, golf caddies, etc. I'm not the world's biggest football fan, but it didn't matter reading this book. Lombardi's story is a true American classic. Can't wait for Maraniss' next biography!

One of the Best
When I was a kid, I read Green Bay Packers lineman Jerry Kramer's book Instant Replay, his diary of the 1967 season, and to this day that era still has a mythical hold on me. Indeed, "When Pride Still Mattered: The Life of Vince Lombardi" continued the magic. After also reading David Maraniss' biography on Bill Clinton, I'm convinced Maraniss is one of the best non-fiction writers of our time. With Clinton and now Lombardi, Maraniss proves he has the ability to take a person who has reached unimaginable success, and show us their strengths, weaknesses and flaws, without taking away from what made them great in the first place. This is a book that you wish would never end. It's that good.

Something for Everyone
As he did in First In His Class, his wonderful biography of Bill Clinton, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss has packed so many details and so many colorful stories into When Pride Still Mattered that the book reads more like a novel than a biography. Football fans probably think they already know everything about Vince Lombardi; serious readers may think they have no use for a biography of a football coach. Both don't know what they're missing. There's plenty of football here: great chapters on Fordham's Seven Blocks of Granite, the New York Giants team with assistant coaches named Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry, the immortal Ice Bowl, Lombardi's final season in Washington. But Maraniss sets it all in its proper context, and the reader knows what it's like to live in the New York of the 1930s (even which subway routes to take from here to there), knows Lombardi's weekly routine in Green Bay (clean closets, watch Tom and Jerry cartoons), feels how cold it was at Lambeau Field or how difficult it could be for his family to live with "St. Vince." This is not merely a sports book or only a biography; like Lombardi himself, it's everything -- more than -- and yet nothing, like you'd expect it to be.

An excellent, unbiased, detailed biography
I previously read Michael O'Brien's "Vince" and found it to be a very good read. However, David Maraniss has cast aside the myth of Lombardi even more effectively and created a detailed portrait of an honest, driven, passionate man.

Lombardi is a fascinating character, and this biography does an excellent job delving into the contradictions in his beliefs, his love for his players and football, and his family struggles.

Maraniss paints such a thorough picture of the character of this man that the final pages (which deal with the Coach's fight against cancer) are heartbreaking.

Anyone who enjoys reading biographies about interesting people will enjoy this book.

Well researched and well thought out
As I read this book, the thing that kept running through my mind was how much research the author had to do. That is the difference between this book and other biographies, especially when you think that the two best sources of information - Vince and wife Marie - have long since passed away. I commend him for his efforts as not just a writer, but as a researcher. I will say this though, there are volumes and volumes of information about the Packers and Lombardi, making the writer's job not easier, but less time-consuming because of the availability of all the information out there.

As for the writing, I loved the way he blended Lombardi's day-to-day life with the football seasons. Just when you thought he was going to give you some boring play-by-play, he took you in another direction, describing Lombardi's relationship with a player, an assistant coach, a business leader, even his secretary, and he did so in a thorough and fascinating manner. He then took you back on the field for the play-by-play, and as a reader you felt like you never left.

You don't have to be a sports lover to love this book, because to me it's not really a sport book. Instead, it is a journey into the psyche of a man who was driven to succeed in everything he did. Chapters on his personal appearances, business ventures and other interests were nearly as interesting as the tales of his obsession with football. Lombardi was truly driven to be the best at everything he did.

The title of this book says volumes because to Lombardi pride did matter. Everything he did - except perhaps his relationship with his immediate family - he did with the intent of showing others that quality mattered to him.

I loved the book and despite his many shortcomings, I love Lombardi.

"the man"
picked up this book thinking it would give me a motivational boost...didn't get much of a boost, but did read an outstanding biography. i've heard this book quoted as the "best sports biography ever written", and i have no reason to doubt that. it is a book that looks at lombardi's life as if we were viewing it through a 1960's 8mm video movie camera. would recommend it to any and all!

Brings the Legend who was Lombardi to life.
In his excellent biography of Green Bay Packers head coach Vince Lombardi, author David Maraniss has painted with his crisp and lively narrative an objective, balanced and candid portrait of a legend. Here is seen the complex, driven man that was Lombardi, "warts" and all -- the undersized and underrated lineman who, despite his admittedly limited football skills, used his unconquerable will to became one of Fordham's "Seven Blocks of Granite"; the ambitious and brilliant assistant coach, first for Army, and then for the New York Giants, always aware of his prodigious coaching talents, looking for twenty years to fulfill his destiny as a head coach; as Green Bay's head coach, the tyrannical taskmaster of the pro gridiron, gaining first fear, then grudging respect, and finally love from those who played for him; and the remote husband and father, unable to make the investment of time and emotion in his wife, son and daughter whom he loved. At Maraniss' hands, Vince Lombardi is sometimes easy to dislike, but always remains an admirable figure. This is a book which allows the reader to really get to know its subject. It is one of the finest biographies I've read in many years. Highly recommended!

This is a winner
When I first picked this book up I thought it might not be my cup of tea. I thought if I didn't like it I could give it to my dad. Now, I intend to give a copy to my dad and other male relatives for Christmas. What a book! Having grown up in Wisconsin after Lombardi, this book has filled in so many holes. But, more importantly, I can't put this book down. Every game that is recounted becomes a breathtaking moment. And the analysis of Lombardi, professional football, and our myth making culture is amazing. Anyone with an interest in football will love this book. Anyone from Wisconsin should read this book (it makes sense of the Packer phenomanon). Anyone who enjoys biography should read this. And, finally, anyone who enjoys a good read ought to read this. Happy holidays... ... Read more

Editorial Review

A stirring portrait of the decade when the Steelers became the greatest team in NFL history, even as Pittsburgh was crumbling around them.

In the 1970s, the city of Pittsburgh was in need of heroes. In that decade the steel industry, long the lifeblood of the city, went into massive decline, putting 150,000 steelworkers out of work. And then the unthinkable happened: The Pittsburgh Steelers, perennial also-rans in the NFL, rose up to become the most feared team in the league, dominating opponents with their famed "Steel Curtain" defense, winning four Super Bowls in six years, and lifting the spirits of a city on the brink.

In The Ones Who Hit the Hardest, Chad Millman and Shawn Coyne trace the rise of the Steelers amidst the backdrop of the fading city they fought for, bringing to life characters such as: Art Rooney, the owner of the team so beloved by Pittsburgh that he was known simply as "The Chief"; Chuck Noll, the headstrong coach who used the ethos of steelworkers to motivate his players; Terry Bradshaw, the strong-armed and underestimated QB; Joe Green, the defensive tackle whose fighting nature lifted the franchise; and Jack Lambert, the linebacker whose snarling, toothless grin embodied the Pittsburgh defense.

Every story needs a villain, and in this one it's played by the Dallas Cowboys. As Pittsburgh rusted, the new and glittering metropolis of Dallas, rich from the capital infusion of oil revenue, signaled the future of America. Indeed, the town brimmed with such confidence that the Cowboys felt comfortable nicknaming themselves "America's Team." Throughout the 1970s, the teams jostled for control of the NFL-the Cowboys doing it with finesse and the Steelers doing it with brawn-culminating in Super Bowl XIII in 1979, when the aging Steelers attempted to hold off the Cowboys one last time. Thoroughly researched and grippingly written, The Ones Who Hit the Hardest is a stirring tribute to a city, a team, and an era. ... Read more

Reviews

Loved this one, September 13, 2010


I'm a Steelers freak, and I thought I knew a lot about Bradshaw, Franco, Swan, Jack L and the rest of the crew. But I didn't--not until I read TOWHTH. The background on the coaching and ownership side was fascinating. I also loved the Pittsburgh history, especially the stuff about the growth and collapse of the steel industry, and the corresponding demise of the union. It really gave me a sense of the desperation with which these guys played ball--not just to feed their families but also to honor the underdog who was getting his head kicked in during the 70's: the working man. When you're a kid, you see these gladiators on tv, and you think they're all millionaires, but many had second jobs. And as somebody who loved to hate Dallas, I found that side of the story remarkable as well. My worst fears were confirmed--The Cowboys were a money machine--but I found a new appreciation for them, especially in Tom Landry. I'd thought he was a cold-blooded pragmatist, but he was much more nuanced than I'd imagined. And again, not every Cowboy was a millionaire, I learned. Many came from Steelers-type backgrounds. I think my favorite parts were when Shawn Coyne's family history ties into the major events going on at the time. It gave the book a "you are there" feel. Seriously great read--and a fast one too.

The good guys won (twice), September 4, 2010
This is a good read for any Steelers fan, but particularly those of us who grew up in the 70's and watched this team grow to dominate the NFL.

The authors do a good job of explaining how Chuck Noll's unique personality and drive were instrumental in building the Steelers dynasty. The football narrative smoothly interweaves with the decline of the steel industry and its impact on Pittsburgh. The chapters contrasting the origins and development of the Cowboys provide enough detail to reinforce my dislike of "America's Team". Landry was uptight and unable to connect with his players, and the Cowboys had some jerks like Cliff Harris and Thomas Henderson. The good guys definitely did win in Super Bowls 10 and 13.

The only issue I had with the book was that there were times when I felt like I was reading transcripts from NFL Films and the "America's Game" series in particular. Some of the quotes and anecdotes were direct lifts from those shows. Which is ironic since the authors actually manage to get their facts wrong in places (for instance, Cliff Harris didn't give Terry Bradshaw the concussion in SB10, nor did Roger Staubach's final pass that game fall incomplete - it was intercepted by Glenn Edwards). A little more original research, some new interviews and better fact-checking would have made this good book really great.

The 70's Steelers were a once-in-a-lifetime team, where the good guys (Rooneys, Noll) managed to assemble a tremendous group of athletes who beat some fine but flawed teams - especially the self-promoting Cowboys.

The Seventies, Smash-Mouth Style, September 28, 2010
The Seventies were so thoroughly and unrelievedly awful that many or most of the memories one treasures of them are of sporting events: the literally incredible Ali-Foreman rumble in the jungle, Reggie Jackson's three home runs in one game against the Dodgers in the World Series ... and most of all, for me, Super Bowl XIII between the Steelers and the Cowboys on January 21, 1979. It was and remains the best Super Bowl in history. (The good news: I watched it with a houseful of our friends and neighbors in our new home in Brooklyn Heights, dandling on my lap my four-month-old son--the baby they told us we couldn't have--and I had the Steelers. The bad news, as every red-blooded American male of a certain age cannot forget: the Steelers didn't cover the spread.)

Imagine, then, my inexpressible joy at discovering Chad Millman's and Shawn Coyne's genuinely great new book, "The Ones Who Hit The Hardest: The Steelers, the Cowboys, the '70s, and the Fight for America's Soul." The Seventies, you'll remember, was the decade of the great decline in heavily-unionized commodity manufacturing--nowhere more dramatically than in the steel mills of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. And those years saw the coming of the Sunbelt: the middle class, corporate ascendancy most perfectly symbolized by Dallas. Thus, the rise of the Steelers and the Cowboys to face each other as the decade ended is not just a great football story; it is something in the nature of a sociological study, with one way of life passing and the other coming into its own.

Millman and Coyne follow the development of pro football as it came to the forefront of American life, through the rise of the AFL and its eventual merger with the NFL; they then home in on the starkly different styles and personalities of the Steelers and the Cowboys against the background of the contrasting fortunes of the cities they fought for. (Shawn Coyne is a native of Pittsburgh, and his dad, Steelworkers' union official Pay Coyne, Sr., is as much a character in this story as are Art Rooney, Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene--to marvelous effect.) This is a simply beautiful book, a must-read for everyone who remembers the times, as well as for those who ought to know more about them. It's not just for the football fan--though it is certainly for him or her--nor for Pittsburghers or Texans. It's for everyone who treasures good sportswriting--and even good writing, period.

[This review was written by Nick Murray and published in the current 9/27/10 edition of his Newsletter, NMI. It's only credited to Steven Pressfield at the top because SP did the posting from his computer and that's how Amazon's software works. Nick, I ain't trying to steal no credit from you, baby! (And I love "The Ones Who Hit The Hardest" too.)

Well written and important American history, December 24, 2010
I picked up this book because I am fascinated with NFL history. I love the game and find the rise of the league to the position of the dominant professional sports league in the US fascinating. I had not know a lot about the Steelers/Cowboys period that this work focused on, largely because it is after the major rise of the league to a dominant position and before the change in rules that created the intricate passing games of today.

The book certainly satisfied a lot of my football curiosity with wonderful anecdotes about Noll, Rooney and the rest of the football characters involved, including some new ideas regarding the role of congress in birth/rise of the AFL. About halfway through the book however I realized that what I was reading was actually a very cleverly disguised history of the industrial struggles of the 1970s. The battle of the unions and the manufacturers to remain healthy and relevant is a vital piece of American history, that is all too often not discussed. Placing this struggle within the context of the rise of the Steelers/Raiders/Cowboys rivalry was clever and effective.

The goal of book, to educate regarding this important chapter in American economic history, is perhaps, to some degree, why the writing of the book is at such a high level. The story telling is hits all of the proper notes, from serious to poignant to entertaining and in the end the reader has not only been able to engage in the history, and perhaps their own memories of these wonderful teams, but been given the opportunity to have a deeper understanding of where the US economy has been, and where it might be headed.

Interesting view of a city and how its team helped it survive rough times, November 11, 2010
The ones who hit the hardest is a fascinating view of how the Pittsburgh Steelers because perpetual doormats and losers and rose to become one of the NFL's great franchises. The story telling is straight forward and direct and tells the story concisely and with some flair. The writing is interesting and crisp and is told from a home town perspective so don't expect an unbiased story here.

I liked the angel focusing on the steelworkers and how the union was struggling just as the Steelers were emerging as a powerhouse. I find the one glaring error in this story is that there is no post script to tell us how things ended up for the majority of the Steelers players, the union leaders and the steel industry itself. That in my mind is the major weakness of this book.

All in all a good and enjoyable book. One I am sure Steeler fans will enjoy!

4 1/2 Stars, October 20, 2010
This is the first sports related book I've ever read, so I can't compare it to others, but I loved The Ones Who Hit the Hardest. I grew up in the Midwest, but my family's all from Pittsburgh and I don't remember a time when I didn't root for all things Pittsburgh, especially the Steelers. Unfortunately, since I was just a kid in the 70s, I don't remember much of going to Latrobe for training camp or of the Steelers and the games played during that era, and I knew next to nothing about the history of the NFL. This book was great at filling in a lot of blanks.

It begins with the flashy new era being ushered in by Joe Namath and moves to a brief history of football and of the fledgling attempts to start a national football league. This includes the bad old days when the only thing consistent about the Steelers was that they were consistently at the bottom of the barrel. We learn about those who tried, and failed, to acquire teams, leading to the upstart AFL and the resulting merger of the two leagues into the NFL we know today.

There are chapters devoted to the Cowboys, their players, style of play and leadership (Yes, it made me hate them even more.). However, most of the book is about the Steelers, from the Rooney family to Chuck Noll and the players; where they came from, why they were the type of players they were and how they went from a team no one expected anything from to Super Bowl champions. Interspersed with the chapters about football are ones about Pittsburgh and how steel shaped the city and the blue collar ethic of the people that rooted for the Steelers.

While I agree with another reviewer that some of the in depth coverage of the steel workers' union races wasn't really necessary, I still found the history interesting; a number of NFL players came from steel mill families and not ending up in the mills was part of their motivation to excel in football. I also agree with others that no mention of the fourth Super Bowl win was a little disappointing and a "Where are they now?" chapter would've been icing on the cake. The topic of the chapters did jump around a bit, but that didn't really bother me, and I really liked the authors' writing style.

Overall, this was a really entertaining book that, while any fan of football should like, will appeal most to Steeler fans. It was great to learn about the history of the NFL and Pittsburgh, but especially about the guys whose names are in my autograph book from so many years ago.

Lots of gaps, September 6, 2010
I picked this book up after reading some excerpts here and there, and while I enjoyed parts, there are several huge glaring issues.

For one, and this is a biggie, the book ends after the Pittsburgh third Super Bowl win....no mention of the fourth one, no thoughts on the lingering careers of Noll, Bradshaw, etc....

Second, there are large gaps on players....Bradshaw is a rookie with issues, then the next chapter he is the starter leading them, then gap, back to not doing well, then starter.....

Third, every other chapter discussing Pittsburgh union issues never tied in well. They followed the career of several union workers, but to what end? They were Pittsburgh fans?

Kinda disappointed.

In saying that, the first few chapters focusing on the history of the Steelers and the creation of the AFL were very good. The book falls off after that point.

Mediocre book designed for Steelers fans, October 8, 2010
"The Ones Who Hit The Hardest" is a mediocre book that probably will be enjoyed by Steelers fans.
The Steelers of the 1970s remain, in my opinion, the greatest team in NFL history, so praising the athletic greatness of that team is understandable. In that regard the authors could have offered more detail that they did about how great the 70's Steelers were instead of their unsuccessful attempt to turn the book into some sort of morality play involving the Steelers and the Cowboys in a "fight for America's Soul" featuring the Cowboys being the designated villain. How is Roger Staubach a villain?
In their quest to make the Steelers into the heroes the authors also omit certain topics and make other factual errors. For example, in the section on the "Immaculate Reception" that decided the 1972 playoff game between the Steelers and the Raiders there is no discussion of the controversy as to who the football hit off of and whether Franco Harris's grab of the football was a legitimate reception.
The authors further attempt to give the Steelers an excuse for losing the 1976 AFC championship game to the Raiders 24-7 by falsely stating the Steelers were forced to start a rookie quarterback, referring to Mike Kruczek. Actually, while Kruczek did start some games that season while Terry Bradshaw was injured, in the AFC championship game a healthy Bradshaw was the Steelers QB, completing 14 of 35 passes for 176 yards.
... Read more

Editorial Review

The inspirational true story of how one man led a football team—and a city—to triumph in Super Bowl XLIV.

In the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Superdome became a national symbol of misery and hopelessness, where the truly desperate rode out the storm.
Four years later, in that very stadium, the New Orleans Saints won the NFC championship and earned their first-ever trip to the Super Bowl.
Two weeks later, the Saints soundly defeated the heavily favored Indianapolis Colts 31 - 17 in what would become the most-watched television event in history.
This is the inspirational story of a city recovering from disaster and a team with a history of heartbreak, seen through the eyes of the coach who taught them both how to win.

Reviews

RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN SAYS: "AN AMAZING SYMBOL OF A DUAL TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY... THE NFL SAINTS & THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS!"
The whole world is well aware of the horror of Hurricane Katrina and due to the NFL's international appeal the whole world also knows about the New Orleans Saints winning Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. Because of the constant exposure of these two monumental events, I had first hesitated to buy this book... because I had watched the game... watched the news... read the papers... and I'm a sports fanatic... so I figured how many different ways can someone describe the same game... the same victory parade... and the same monumental havoc caused by Mother Nature? Man! Was I pleasantly surprised when I read this book. Saints coach Sean Payton traces his life from the emotional high... high atop a float in a Mardi-Gras-like victory parade before EIGHT-HUNDRED-THOUSAND-FANS-IN-NEW-ORLEANS back to his roots with not only an "everyman" type dialogue... but even more amazingly Sean delivers a no-holds-barred look behind the scenes at some of the sports well known individuals.

An example of his "everyman" approach... with all the varnish removed as he cast political correctness to the wind... is demonstrated very early on as the Super Bowl victory parade was in full swing when Sean writes: "I WAS SEVEN BUD LIGHTS IN. IT WAS MY TURN TO GREET THE MAYOR. MY WIFE SQUEEZED MY WRIST AND SAID," CONTROL YOURSELF HONEY." The reader is taken from his college ball to short stints in "pro ball" in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Arena Football League that lasted as long as an average blink of the eye. His attempts to make coaching a career had him bouncing around like an out of control pin-ball machine. From graduate assistant-to assistant-to-position-coach from one side of the country to the next. He worked with coaches such as Jon Gruden, Bill Callahan, his most cherished mentor Bill Parcells, and Jim Fassel among others. Payton's tell-it-like-it-is-shoot-straight-from-the-chest-honesty is never more apparent than when he was an assistant and called the plays under New York Giant Head Coach Jim Fassel. The Giants got the ball back with a few seconds left in the first half in a game against the Cardinals and Sean wanted to just "take a knee" and end the half. Fassel overruled him after asking Sean more than once and Sean steadfastly said he wanted to down the ball and end the half. Fassel instead called a pass play that was intercepted and returned for a game-tying touchdown. After the game Fassel blamed Sean for the call to the media. Sean confronted Fassel "mano- y- mano": "UH, COACH," "WHOEVER TAKES THE BLAME FOR THAT CALL IS UNIMPORTANT TO ME. BUT YOU KNOW THAT WHEN WE DISCUSSED IT ON THE SIDELINE, I SAID, "WE SHOULD TAKE A KNEE." That season was Payton's last with the Giants. When Payton took over the Saints he made it clear that he was installing new goals and expectations. Some notable players didn't seem to "get" the message. "DONTE' STALLWORTH, THE SAINTS FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK IN 2002 AND THIRTEENTH OVERALL THAT YEAR, SHOWED UP LATE FOR MANDATORY TEAM MEETINGS MORE THAN ONCE. I HAD A WORD WITH DONTE' AFTER THE SECOND TIME." I'M DYING TO TRADE OR CUT YOU, I TOLD HIM". ".YOU'RE MAKING IT EASY FOR ME." "HE WAS A SLACKER. IN THIS NEW SAINTS OFFENSE, SOMEONE WHO WAS UNRELIABLE WOULD HAVE A HARD TIME FITTING IN." "DEFENSIVE TACKLE JONATHAN SULLIVAN WAS ANOTHER PLAYER WHO SHOWED UP ON THE RADAR-AND NOT IN A GOOD WAY. HE TOO WAS A FIRST-ROUND PICK, SIXTH OVERALL. HE WAS OVERWEIGHT NOW AND DIDN'T SEEM EAGER TO EXPEND MUCH EXTRA EFFORT."

*BOTH PLAYERS WERE SOON ON OTHER ROSTERS.*

There is a chapter on Sean's interview for a head coaching position with the reclusive... mysterious... Hall Of Fame Legend... Oakland Raiders owner, Al Davis... that is absolutely a classic. From Al's constant habit of changing topics faster than Larry King changes wives... to his less than impressive choice of dinner. Where other potential employers wined and dined Sean in the fanciest restaurants... Mr. Davis eschewed such class establishments and instead sent an aid out for ten McDonald's kid's meal cheeseburgers and coleslaw from KFC. And for what it's worth Sean makes sure to let you know that despite the Super Bowl rings on Al's fingers... he was a sloppy eater.

There are countless insider tales such as these along with many "cold-ones" being thrown back. Along the way it's refreshing to read about all the motivational tools that Payton uses during training both before and during the season. Everything from paint ball wars... to water park contests... to Bill Belichick imitations... to charitable causes that brings tears to the players and coaches eyes. And of course the comeback of a team and a city. No football fan... regardless of your favorite team... will ever think the same way about Coach Sean Payton after reading this book!

Great, "bring back the excitement "read!
For those of us who have followed the Saint's journey to the big game, this book creates and allows the reader to relive the excitement of their championship season. Coach Payton does a superb job of telling his story in a simple, but interesting and totally readable manner. I read it in two nights. i just couldn't put it down! He provides interesting background information regarding securing a coaching job and the social networking associated with it. His re-telling of the motivational events and activities for the team gives great insight into his brilliance and leaves no one to wonder how he brought this team to the Super Bowl. The only thing I felt was missing is that I wished he would have discussed the Shockey acquisition. I think Shockey and his contributions to the team are formidable, and i'm sorry that that was not highlighted. Otherwise, a perfect book for Saint's fans, football fans, and anyone who wants an inside look at a NFL's team success.

Loved it!
I am born and raised in NOLA and I loved this book! I don't read much but I finished this book in two days. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the saints and the city of new orleans.

Great read for every saint fan. It is very easy to read and i could not put it down!

Awesome book!

Best book I've read so far in 2010
Full disclosure - I've been a fan of the NFL and a fan of the NO Saints for all 43 years of their existence. But even if I were not, I would have absolutely loved this book.

In an interview, Sean Payton said that this book was the literary equivalent of sitting with him in an airport bar and this would be the resulting 5 hour or so discussion while waiting for a delayed flight. He is right. The book is Sean Payton telling his story and the story of the Saints and their City.

It is at once wonderful and enlightening. Through his eyes you see the unique City of New Orleans, the people of the City and how the team and the City interact. Nowhere else does a city and a professional sports franchise have this kind of symbiotic relationship and that relationship is hard to fathom for those who haven't seen it first hand. Still Payton and his author, Ellis Henican manage to create a clear and lucid portrait of these 2 entities.

This is truly a wonderful book. You do not need to be a Saints fan or even a football fan to get a lot out of it. It speaks of people, of motivation, of desire, of love and of fortitude. This is not intended to be a motivational tome, but just observing Payton and the City through his eyes and words, you can't help but be moved and even motivated.

Wonderful Read, truly a behind-the-scenes look at coaching
Before the book was released, Sean told an interviewer he wanted the book to read like someone got 5 hours with him at an airport bar when their planes are delayed. Mission accomplished. This is not your normal rah-rah coaching to win book. This is truly a behind-the-scenes, warts and all look at a team, and a city, in shambles that was taken to the pinnacle of success in 4 short years by a man who embraced the challenge of the circumstances and grew to love the city and their wildly loyal fan base- while that fan base grew to love and respect him and his team.

An easy, fun, humorous and touching read - I highly recommend it!

Great Book
Rarely does a football book bring tears to my eyes but this one did. Payton's love for New Orleans, his team & the team's fans is remarkable & so is this book.

Great Book
As a long time New Orleans Saints fan (I was born wearing a black and gold jersey), I was absolutely thrilled when the Saints won to the Superbowl. Life in New Orleans went from crazy to ecstatic very quickly. In this book, Payton talks about his career before the Saints, the decision making process, and then truly focuses on his commitment to the New Orleans Saints and how he brings the team--and the city--to life.

Payton is completely honest in the book. From how he wanted the Green Bay job to his dislike for certain players, and it's all revealed in this book. The behind the scenes traditions and sayings are all explained and nothing is left out. Payton said, before the book was released, that he wanted it to feel like the reader and him were sitting at a bar, just talking. When I closed the book after the last page, I felt just like that.

GREAT read!

Home Team
I dont read books very often, but this I could not put down till I finished it. Everyone who loves football should read this. This man is so down to earth, that is a good reason for being a winning coach. If you are a Saints fan, you really need to read this. I Loved it.

Great book about a great city and a great team
This is the story of Sean Payton's rise to become the Super Bowl winning coach, but more significantly it's the story of the return of a great city from the worst Hurricane Katrina had to give. Equal treatment is given to the coach, the team, and the city, and they are woven together extremely well. It presents the city and the team we love and how they were both rebuilt, at least partially through a commitment from each of them to love the other, no matter what. I think it's a great book that belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who loves football, the Saints, and/or the City of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. ... Read more

Editorial Review

2009 Retailer's Choice Award winner!
Super Bowl–winning coach and #1 New York Times best selling author Tony Dungy has had an unusual opportunity to reflect on what it takes to achieve significance. He is looked to by many as the epitome of the success and significance that is highly valued in our culture. He also works every day with young men who are trying to achieve significance through football and all that goes with a professional athletic career—such as money, power, and celebrity. Coach Dungy has had all that, but he passionately believes that there is a different path to significance, a path characterized by attitudes, ambitions, and allegiances that are all too rare but uncommonly rewarding. Uncommon reveals lessons on achieving significance that the coach has learned from his remarkable parents, his athletic and coaching career, his mentors, and his journey with God. A particular focus of the book: what it means to be a man of significance in a culture that is offering young men few positive role models. ... Read more

Reviews

Good Follow Up to Quiet Strength, January 27, 2009
Recently retired Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy delivers an outstanding follow-up to his bestseller Quiet Strength in his new book, Uncommon. The name of the book is derived from a quote by former University of Minnesota coach Cal Stoll, who said:

"Success is uncommon, therefore not to be enjoyed by the common man. I'm looking for uncommon people."

Dungy first heard these words as a freshman on Stoll's football team almost three decades ago, and they have stayed with him ever since. The only difference is that it is now Dungy summoning men to an uncommon life of significance.

The book does not differ much from Quiet Strength, as it is written in a casual tone similar to most sports figure's memoirs. It is, however, less autobiographical, leaning more toward an advisory manual on how to live life. It is divided into seven parts, each dealing with important issues that men deal with in their lives, such as family, friends, career, and relationship with Christ. It is sprinkled with stories from Dungy's personal life which illustrate the themes of each chapter. Perhaps most refreshing is the coach's tone. He is never condescending or preachy, adamently proclaiming that his way is the best way. Reading this book is almost like talking to a big brother who is handing out advice because he's been there.

For those who are weary of self-help books, have no fear. Dungy's focus is on service to God, family, and fellow man. There are no get-rich quick schemes in this book, or promises of blessings. This is just Tony Dungy trying to instruct men how to be better husbands, fathers, and human beings. He doesn't claim to have all the answers; he's just willing to share what he's been through.

It's a quick, easy read, and there's enough football mixed in to keep most guys interested. There's a Q & A with Tony Dungy in the back, giving his opinion on more direct questions. My only knock on this book is the goofy picture of Dungy on the back cover. But it's definitely worth the money. Tony Dungy scores again.

The Road Less Traveled, January 27, 2009
Tony Dungy, best selling author of Quiet Strength, has penned another Super Bowl quality book in Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance. The two books cover similar terrain: how to win in life. However, Dungy's latest work focuses especially on how young men can pursue and achieve a life of significance and success.

Dungy is eminently qualified to write such a book, given his lifetime of leadership coaching not only athletes in sports, but men in the proverbial game of life. Additionally, his own drive for success, not simply defined by wins and loses, but by other-centered relationships, is Dungy's ultimate qualification for writing Uncommon.

Dungy begins by defining success, not from the world's perspective, but from his Christian worldview. He then notes how uncommon true success and significance are, outlines many of the reasons, and prescribes practical pathways: attitudes, ambitions, and allegiances.

What Rick Warren achieved with Purpose Driven Life, Tony Dungy has accomplished with Uncommon. Both books are user-friendly, easy-reads, without being dumbed-down or simplistic. And both books, while maintaining a Judea-Christian ethic, are not preachy.

Though focused somewhat on young males, Uncommon is for every person pursuing a life of meaning, a path of purpose, and the road toward significance. Learn from an uncommon man the uncommon art of leaving a lasting legacy.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction.

Much needed hope and help for a better life, January 30, 2009
Taking one's life beyond success in business, the author describes how to be a person of significance and how to make our life truly meaningful.

He reflects on lessons he learned from his parents, his mentors and career and his faith. He provides fresh insight into becoming significant, someone who matters.

A particular focus of the book is what it means to be a man of significance in a culture that is offering young men few positive role models. I personally think this is an excellent thing and much needed.

Highly recommended.

- Susanna K. Hutcheson

Outstanding, January 27, 2009
Retired Colts head coach Tony Dungy has scored once again. I've read most of his books, and I really enjoyed Uncommon. I'm a bit older than who I think his target audience is, but it never hurts to read positive thoughts. I think young men and women will greatly enjoy and take away a new spirit as they look at life and what is ahead of them. Tony Dungy has been working with young men in and out of sports for decades. I think he is a true hero and I highly recommend this book to younger men and women just starting out on that interesting road we call "life."

I also recommend a book given to me by one who knows I love American heros. This memoir from an 82 year old WWII Navy vet ties in with the 64th anniversary of our fight for Iwo Jima this coming February 19th. Take a look at Walking Through Fire, An Iwo Jima Survivor's Remembrance

Three Things I Learned from This Book, May 11, 2009
Tony Dungy, head coach for the Indianapolis Colts, can't help but speak from his faith. It saturates his life, his work and his personal history. Anyone who knows anything about this man knows he's a Christian believer.

His first and previous book, "Quiet Strength," was autobiographical, with a little help from co-author Nathan Whitaker. So it focused on his upbringing in Detroit, the powerful influence of his parents and family, how he came to professional football, his faith, and all of the career triumphs and tragedies that led to the Colts winning the Super Bowl.

"Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance" is also autobiographical, but only in the sense that it distills how this man lives his life, or strives to. There is much to admire here -- would that we all strive to live our lives like this man has, and teach our sons and daughters to do the same.

He says at least three things in this book I found especially insightful, regardless of one's faith or lack of it.

First, what you do is less important than how you do it. The "how" ultimately has much more influence and impact than the "what."

Second, the opposite of courage is not cowardice. The opposite of courage is conformity. I had to think about that for a while but he's got it exactly right.

Third, don't let the bad things that happen to you define who you are as a person. Instead, what defines you as a person is how you respond to the bad things, and the good things, too, for that matter.

In "Uncommon," Tony Dungy says obvious things -- treat people well; love and honor your wife; teach and be there for your children; see successes and failures for what they are; character matters. That they sound surprising or "preachy" says a lot more about us and our culture than it does about the author.

DUNGY continues to inspire me, February 3, 2009
I am not a football fan, but I admire Coach Tony Dungy's leadership, attitude, work ethic, faith, and generousity. He sees the bigger picture, always, and puts the rest into perspective. "We do what we do, no excuses, no explanations." He has helped so many players, coaches, families, children, fathers. His support for ALL PRO DAD is admirable. His book will certainly continue the momentum and progress his previous works have started. Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning LifeYou Can Do It! His books have positively influenced my approach to my own life, family, and career, and I know they will do the same for you. Don't pass on this book. Take the hand off and run with it!

Uncommonly good, February 18, 2009
Uncommonly good
Simply a Magnificent book. Well done Coach Dungy. I bought this wonderful book for my son's 25th birthday and read it in 2 days before giving it to him. Coach hits ALL the high points about what all this is about.
Strong recommend. Lots of good stories and examples. Excellent use of biblical quotes and examples. Enjoy.

Something For Everyone, January 14, 2010
In Tony Dungy's first book, "Quiet Strength", the esteemed NFL Head Coach primarily focused on his journey through life, with personal stories peppered into a basic biography of his football career. Now, don't get me wrong...it was a great read! This second effort, however, feels more like what Dungy perhaps had in mind to begin with...a collection of advice from his years living the Christian life.

Basically, if you are looking for hard-core football stories or X's and O's talk, steer clear of this book at all costs, as instead of taking that approach, Dungy in its place doles out advice about any and all aspects of life, from family to friendship to religion to just plain trying to be a good, respectable person in an often-corrupt world. Though some may argue that the message comes off as preachy, I beg to differ. It is really just Dungy's attempt to share his wisdom with others...one can either take it or leave it (but most of the time you will want to take it!).

Thus, with "Uncommon", Dungy was able to achieve what he likely set out to do in the first place...using his status as an NFL Head Coach to connect with others and help them walk the Christian walk. In that respect, the book truly does live up to its title.

Uncommon is an inspiring account of how you can find the path to significance., January 10, 2010
I enjoyed reading UNCOMMON (see also Section 2), written by Tony Dungy
with Nathan Whitaker . . . it's the former football coach's inspiring account of how
you can find the path to significance, particularly if you heed the advice Dungy
was given when he was on the freshman football team at the University of
Minnesota . . . Coach Cal Stoll told him:

* Success is uncommon, therefore not to be enjoyed by the common man. I'm looking
for uncommon people.

Those words always struck with him, and they became the basis not only
of this book--but also of much of his life as a player, coach, father and husband . . . in
addition, they became the theme of what he wants to share with others; i.e., what
needs to be done to become successful . . . I found this one example
especially on target:

* Our children are watching; there's no doubt about it. If you tell your son that it's
important to treat women well and then don't demonstrate that in your actions toward
your wife, he will get the real message of what you believe. Or when you treat honesty
as an abstract point, and then voluntarily tell the cashier that she gave you too much
change and hand money back to her, your children will see that, too. If they see that
work and status--above your family--are what drive you as a man, then no matter what
you say and how many times you say it, they will learn to value these things as well.

There was much advice that I found relevant not only for me, but perhaps for
many other readers--such as this tidbit:

* I can get a great deal done the day before we're headed out on vacation.



It's a pretty remarkable phenomenon, that ability that we all have to ensure that we get
a week's worth of productivity done ahead of time so that we can leave the office with a
clear desk and a clear conscience. We've got our list of things to work through, and
during the day--check, check, check--we move down the list, crossing things off.

And I very much liked the concluding "Q&A with Coach Dungy," which featured
this advice that I personally need to follow more often:

* When you deal with conflict, either at home or on the job, what do you do to stay focused
on solutions and communication?



The easiest thing to do when there is a difference of opinion is to look at it from my
standpoint--here's what I think, here's why I think that way, and here's what I want to do.
I try to look at why the others feel the way they do. Why are they taking the position they
are taking? By looking at it that way, I try to see the benefits of what they're saying. In the
end, I still might not agree with them, but it opens me up to looking at things in a different
way and lets them feel that their position is being considered. And, above all, I try not
to take things personally.


UNCOMMON is certainly for football fans, but others will benefit from it as well . . . be
forewarned that it often quotes the Bible; however, that's not surprising because
Dungy is a devout evangelical Christian . . . that fact should not defer you from
appreciating the book, even if you are not that particular religion.

Better for 24 than 54, September 12, 2009
An easy read. Probably a better book for a 24 year-old to read than a 54 year-old. Illustrated again what an uncommon man Tony Dungy is. Some good lessons, but I am at this point the one that has made the mistakes and learned. Not to say I still don't make them, as I surely do. Certainly not a waste of time to be reminded. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Magnificent. Stunning., November 12, 2010
Mr. Sullivan has created a marvelous book detailing with pictures, interviews, and his personal insights the first 50 years of one of, if not the, most significant sports franchises in our history. He is a sublimely capable researcher, writer, editor, and his efforts are equal to the vastness of his subject.

Opening this book releases a flood of memories for anyone who has ridden the roller coaster over the decades, come lately to this storied franchise or even is merely a casual fan of the legacy that is the Cowboys. Each picture, remark of a participant, discussion recalls so many more from the lore that could not be included or that is personal to each of us. Reviewing for example the "Hail Mary" or Clint Longley pass however encountered is to remember all the impressions of the event or its descriptions and the thrill or agony of the moment. Here are so many momentous events often portrayed in new perspectives such as Tony Dorsett's longest run in history which he said was not even his best run. Of course, long before these triumphs were the first of so many heartbreaks--the "Ice Bowl," "can't win the big one," and "`Next Year's Champion." All these are magnificently rendered here for which I am most grateful.

I think any sports fan would find this book remarkably enjoyable (and I have no bias).

5 Stars for A BIG Star, December 9, 2010
I know there are many books on the Dallas Cowboys, I have read nearly all of them, but a book this huge that covers the teams first 50 years is certainly a must.

Mr. Sullivan did great job in covering 5 decades of America's Team. It also features some nice inserts inside such as Super Bowl tickets, game day program cards and letters. Spectacular pictures, stories on players that may not be household names and a nice chapter on the Dallas Cheerleaders. I'm already looking forward to Jeff's book on the first 75 years of America's Team !

Awesome!, December 28, 2010
Bought this for my husband and step dad for Christmas, they loved it. Heck I even love it since I am also a huge die hard fan. Very detailed and even has replicas of tickets and letters, etc. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The ultimate fan's guide to America's most popular sport

Since the last edition of Football For Dummies, new stadiums have been built, new stars have ascended, and records have been broken. This new edition has been revised to reflect today's game, giving football fans up-to-the-minute information on all the rules and regulations, positions, plays, and penalties. Featuring coverage of the newest stadium technologies, revised greatest players and legends, and pro-football must-do experiences, it also includes expert advice on training and gearing up for those who play the game. Fans will discover the best ways to enjoy football-at home or at the stadium. ... Read more

Reviews

Very Satisfying, January 20, 2000
The only thing I knew about football was from watching it on TV. I picked up enough information to enjoy the game, but occassionally I got perplexed by commentator remarks and wished I knew what they were talking about. So I bought the "Idiot's Guide to Football", learned a lot more, but still felt unfulfilled. Then I broke down and bought another book, the "Dummies" version, and got exactly what I wanted. This book covers much more detail and doesn't talk down to you. The Idiot's version, while trying to be humorous, succeeds only in insulting your intelligence. If one were to absorb all that is contained in "Football for Dummies", you may not get any calls for head coaching jobs, but you'll certainly better understand the jargon and the meaning behind a lot of the decisions that are made during and before a game. It even covers team motivation, player training and diet, fantasy leagues, the draft, game scheduling, high school and college football information, and a fairly large football- speak section that covers more ground that most other glossaries I've seen. This book contains everything you need know about football to understand and enjoy the game.

A lifesaver!, October 29, 2002
I used to HATE football, mostly because I just didn't understand what was so exciting about watching a bunch of guys chase an oblong-shaped ball and pile on top of each other every time the whistle blew. But, after a life of sitting through high school football games as a marching band member, after attending a Division I college where football was a big deal, and after having a boyfriend who lived and breathed the sport, I finally decided to learn about football and understand what the all hype was about.

I'd like to say that, after reading "Football for Dummies," I finally get it.

Football is one of those sports you have to understand in order to appreciate. This book is a great starting point for those who know absolutely nothing about the sport. Howie Long (the cute guy from the Radio Shack commercials) explains every aspect of the game clearly and with great enthusiasm. His passion for the sport comes right off the page, and you can't help but feeling the same. Howie touches ALL the bases...from the rules to terms, positions, plays, penalties, referee hand signals, the history of football, uniforms, coaches, even fantasy football. He leaves no stone unturned.

The book opened my eyes to America's most popular sport. Now when I watch a game, I actually ENJOY it. It managed to erase my prejudices against the sport and instill a new love for it. And believe me, that was no small task. This book demystifies a complex, yet fascinating, sport.

Not bad, but pretty confusing, January 28, 2000
I'm English, my girlfriend is American and mad about football. I know absolutely nothing about the football so I thought I better find out about it. The book started off very promisingly outlining the basics, what football is, what the field looks like and what the players wear. I found all this very helpful. Then it went onto rules and positions and I got a little lost. There was just too much information to take on and the layout of the book wasn't consistent in my mind, the information seemed to jump around a bit and you would read something then a little later you would read something else that made it make sense. Then there were the diagrams! Now I'm not stupid but I couldn't make out what they were trying to tell me, all these lines, circles, triangles and letters just confused me! The "Football Speak" section was very good though, just what you need if you want to understand what commentators are going on about. Overall a good book, I know more than I did, but it can get quite complicated

EXCELLENT SOURCE OF INFO FOR THE NOVICE!, April 6, 1999
I cover high school sports and received my first football assignment the past year. While I've always been a football fan as far back as I can remember, I've never played the game and could never understand the Xs and Os like those who play or played the game. My first game I covered, I was lost. I needed a source to go to that I wouldn't be embarrassed to ask what must seem the most obvious of questions, especially when it comes to things I'd need to use for scorekeeping, recognizing penalties, and the location and purpose of the players. This book was the answer. I feel much better versed in football, even though I thought I already understood the game sufficiently. This book is a credit to the "Dummies" series. Kudos to the "Dummies" for including Football in their many subjects.

Keep Chapters 1-12 next to the remote control...., January 4, 2007
The first 220 of this book's 400 pages will save the bacon of any football newbie who wants to follow the game without embarassment: they describe the rules of the game, the various positions, various forms of offensive and defensive plays. Did you know the difference between a 4-3 and a 3-4 defense? If not, this book will tell you. Keep the book with you as you watch the game on TV and soon you too will know what penalty the ref is calling from his hand signals alone, and you will know why to expect a pass when the announcer says "they're lined up in I-formation." The circles and triangles and arrows of football diagrams may start to make sense.

But if you read that sentence and found yourself saying "geez lady any dummy knows those things already," then you are not the Dummy for whom the book is written. You know too much for the front half of this book. You might, however, be interested in Chapter 13 and on, which seem geared to a different audience altogether. They offer advice on how you as a player might train in the off-season, how the draft proceeds, etc. This seems more attuned to the interest of players and intense fans, who are probably not the right audience for this book.

Moroever, this part seems a little musty and out-of-date...for example, it suggests keeping fantasy football statistics manually, but does not seem aware of the possibility of following a fantasy team on-line.

In short, I'm happy to have this book, but the good stuff up front is padded with stuff not meant for newbie readers and stuff that was written in the last millenium and carelessly updated. Keep the first half only next to the remote control; you will be quite satisfied.

You never can know too much..., July 14, 2002
I've been a football fan for over 25 years and enjoy the game a great deal. So picking up a Dummies book seems a little embarrasing considering that I should know everything about the game. However I learned awhile ago that the only dummies are the ones who assume they know it all. I've read a few on different subjects and learned quite a bit to even impress so called experts on many subjects, so I though what the heck I might pick up a little more knowledge right? In this book Howie has something for everyone. As an avid fan I enjoyed covering the basics and learning a lot more about the finer points of the game. It is put in a simple and informative way and Howie shows little biased in his opinion even though he was a defensive star. Now I truly understand the game from a whole new perspective. Of course this book won't make you a head coach but I'm positive it will enhance your viewing experience. Now when I pick up an NFL preview magazine or watch the upcoming reports on TV I get even more pumped for the season. This book was definetly a great buy and it will sure come in handy when the girlfriend asks what a 'nickleback' is. It sure is easier to pass along the book than to have to explain. Even though thanks to Howie I finally undersatnd what it is myself. Great book!

Not perfect, but find me a book that is....., February 5, 2001
I've been a fan of football for years, but there are a lot of ins and outs you simply cannot learn from television and radio.

Howie Long (assuming he did in fact write this book) sets it up as a book for women wanting to understand why their husbands, boyfriends, etc. are so tied up in the game of football. Whatever. Its still a thorough read on the game, from the basics to the coaching strategy. Long is very detailed about each player's responsibilities, and the varied setups used most often on offense and defense (he also explains what the offense and defense are, in case you don't know that much yet). He has chapters devoted exclusively to college football and the NFL, and talks a little about high school football as well. There's also a chapter on conditioning and fitness for the game, and a chapter on fantasy football for the seriously hardcore.

Truly, Howie Long leaves no stone unturned here. Once you've read this book, you will understand this complex sport through and through. The only part of football he left out was the cheerleaders, but hopefully the XFL will take care of that.

Excellent for General Knowledge, December 15, 2005
I coach football both youth and amateur. I am always look for new information on football. I found the "Dummies" book a little bit better than the "idiots" book. Why? The "Dummies" book is about football in general and the "Idiot" book leans towards NFL football. Someone new to football may want to read this book if they will be watching any other level of football other than the NFL.

Highly recommend, January 9, 2007
I knew NOTHING about football and had never really cared to learn. When I got married my husband tried to explain things to me but what he didnt realize was I knew NOTHING and so the things he was telling me didnt make much sense. From reading this very simple and straight forward book I learned what a first down was and suddenly it all just clicked and I started to understand what was going on! After reading this book I can now sit and watch a game with my husband and now the things he tells me make sense and I am learning more depth now that I have a basic concept from reading this book!
I am totally satisfied and highly recommend this book to anyone wanting the basics.

This book is clearly value adding your football experience, January 29, 2002
This book is simple and yet it describes complex matters and delivers a valuable understanding of all need-to-know facets of the game. If you are a football fan you will easily increase your understanding of not only the rules and the game, but of all positions on the field, what it takes to play, defensive and offensive tactics and strategies, coaching roles etc. All this is coming with entertaining stories of Howie Long and a very user friendly illustration of the play books. IF YOU READ THIS BOOK THEN I PROMISE YOU WILL ENJOY YOUR NEXT FOOTBALL GAME EVEN MORE due to your increased understanding. This is a book not only for beginners, but also for us couch-coaches who think's we know it all. Top rating - value for money. ... Read more

Editorial Review

They are loved and they are hated. There is no team in the NFL, no football team in the nation that stirs as much emotion, coast to coast, as the Dallas Cowboys. They are “America’s Team.” Born in 1960, the Cowboys did not win a game in their first season, finishing 0-11-1. From those humble beginnings emerged a franchise for which winning, and winning it all, was expected. Eight Super Bowl appearances, five Super Bowl victories—and, oh, the glory and the glamour that has surrounded this team. The names leap out of NFL history: Dandy Don Meredith, Bullet Bob Hayes, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson, Tom Landry, Jimmy Johnson, Barry Switzer, Bill Parcells, Bob Lilly, and Mel Renfro to Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and on it goes.

In

Dallas Cowboys the rich heritage of this famous football team is captured in an extraordinary collection of stories, a spectacular selection of images from the best photo archive in all of sports, and a mind-boggling array of stats, arcana, anecdotes, and memorabilia. It is the ultimate celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Dallas Cowboys.

Reviews

A Must Read For Cowboys Fans, August 21, 2010
Last week, I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of the soon to be released "Dallas Cowboys: 50 Years Of Football" by Sports Illustrated.

Now I've read my fair share of books on the Dallas Cowboys over the years, but this is the first one that I immediately cherished as a collectors item. Believe me when I tell you, that once you get this fine book in your hands, you'll find it very difficult to put down, and I'm not kidding you either.

The book is loaded with some of the most sensational anecdotes and articles about the Cowboys as brought to you by the some of the best sports writers in the country.

I love the way they broke it down into decades.


The photography is stunning and the book is loaded with a vast collection of unforgettable shots that captures the entire history of this historic franchise.

Here is some additional information from the publisher:

Sports Illustrated will release `The Dallas Cowboys: 50 Years Of Football' on August 24th.

The rich heritage of the Cowboys is captured in this extraordinary collection of stories by the finest sports writers in the world, including Peter King, Tim Layden and Dan Jenkins, a spectacular selection of images from the best photo archive in sports, and a mind-boggling array of stats, anecdotes and memorabilia. It is the ultimate celebration of the Dallas Cowboys.

Sports Illustrated The Dallas Cowboys: 50 Years Of Football gives fans an insider look from Sports Illustrated senior writer, Peter King, whose in depth access to "America's Team" includes a three-city scouting trip with Jimmy Johnson to a training camp sit down interview with Tony Romo to discuss his personal life in the off-season.

From the teams humble beginnings to emerging in to a franchise for which winning, and winning it all was expected. Eight Super Bowl appearances, five Super Bowl victories and the glory and the glamour that has surrounded this team. Sports Illustrated The Dallas Cowboys: 50 Years Of Football revisits the names that leap out of NFL history: Dandy Don Meredith, Bullet Bob Hayes, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson, the lineage of head coaches is a Who's Who list - Tom Landry, Jimmy Johnson, Barry Switzer, Bill Parcells and the Hall of Famers who could fill their own wing - from Bob Lilly, Mel Renfro, Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, Troy Aikman to Michael Irvin.

As you can see, this is an incredible book that any Cowboys fan would be proud to own.

Hopefully, all of you have already registered for our contest as we are giving away 25 free copies of these stunning hard covered books. You can still register by going here. [...]

Stunning photography, impeccable reporting, August 20, 2010
Review: "Dallas Cowboys: 50 Years of Football", edited by David Bauer

Sports Illustrated The Dallas Cowboys: 50 Years of Football

Bauer, David (ed). Dallas Cowboys: 50 Years of Football. New York: Sports Illustrated Books. 2010 192p, illus. 29.95 (list) ISBN 978-1-60320-114-8

My first impression when opening this book was "it's big, very big". Not by page count, but by page size (11 x 12 inches). It is easily larger than the other Cowboy histories issued so far this year by Aron, Housewright and Miller. My second impression: the photographs are stunning. Coming from Sports Illustrated I would've expected no less.

This book follows the successful format established by "The Football Book" (2005; revised 2009) and "The College Football Book" (2008): lavish illustrations accompanying excellent contemporary game articles. This is the first team-specific edition published by SI and it is a worthy addition to the canon. It deserves a spot on the bookshelf of every Dallas Cowboys fan.

The book is organized by decade, with more articles devoted to the championship decades of the 70s and 90s. Given the top-flight reporting and photography that SI is known for, it is easy to love this gorgeous volume and hard to find anything to criticize about it. Still . . .

The most obvious question that came to my mind was: what does Mark Cuban in a towel have to do with the Cowboys (photograph on page 166)? Or a 70s-era Southwest Airlines airlines stewardess dressed in hotpants (page 60), or Ann Richards and her shotgun (page 134)? And others too numerous to mention. I suppose in the minds of SI's East Coast editors, these are examples of Texas' popular "culture", and the Cowboys are the most widely known example of Texas culture. And that's fine, except nowhere in the book does anyone explain this. These "cultural" shots are thrown in without explanation and with no obvious tie to the Cowboys, other than the fact that all are from (or represent) Texas. The reader is left to puzzle this out for him (or her) self. It would have been nice if the jacket blurb had at least mentioned why these otherwise unrelated pictures were thrown in (pictures which most likely were never shot by SI photographers, let alone published in its pages).

OK, so how about the pictures that ARE about the Cowboys? As expected, most are stunning. But at least two of them have erroneous captions. On p41 Cowboys QB Eddie LeBaron has saddled a DL identified as Ed Hussman -- but that's not Hussman. According to Cowboys superfan and memorabilia expert Stephen Liskey, the DL is actually Joe Nicely. Later, on p67, a leaping Tom Landry is identified as being in Super Bowl X. But the Cowboy players in the picture are missing the Bicentennial shoulder patch worn by members of both teams. So Tom must've been leaping about something other than the Steel Curtain (hats off to fellow fan Marty Ogelvie for pointing this out).

The articles, while well-written, cannot hope to cover the entire history of this storied franchise, and they don't attempt to. Although it results in uneven coverage of the team's history, these snap-shots in time will give today's fans a valuable and unvarnished glance at how the Cowboys were viewed at the time.

These very minor criticisms don't diminish from an otherwise superb book.

� Copyright Fred Goodwin, Aug 20, 2010
americas_team@hotmail.com

50 yrs of Dallas Cowboys, September 15, 2010
Outstanding book--vy well written.
It covers the Cowboy's 'golden years' right up through the Jerry Jones era...excellent story.
Steve Gilbert
Denver
303-521-0520

Wonderful service, September 17, 2010
My book came in excellent condition and was delivered promptly. I was very, very pleased with the service. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The book behind the Academy award-winning film starring Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw.Opening in theaters November 20, 2009, The Blind Side is a feature movie based on Michael’s Lewis’s New York Times bestseller, produced by Alcon Entertainment and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The Blind Side tells the inspirational story of Michael Oher, a homeless black teen taken under the wing of the Touhys, a wealthy white Memphis family. Oher’s size and speed on the football field bring him accolades. But learning the game’s strategy and making it as a student take the help of his new family, coaches, and tutor.

Sandra Bullock stars as Leigh Anne Touhy, the sharp-witted and compassionate matriarch. Tim McGraw stars as her sports-enthusiast husband. Oscar winner Kathy Bates plays Miss Sue, Oher’s indefatigable tutor. Quinton Aaron has his first major role as Oher. John Lee Hancock, who directed The Rookie and The Alamo, writes and directs the film.

Michael Oher was just drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. This edition includes a new afterword bringing Oher’s life up to date through college and the NFL. ... Read more

Reviews

A touchdown, November 4, 2009
I became a Michael Lewis fan years ago when I read Liar's Poker. Fan may be too strong a word. I realized then that I enjoyed his style and so when browsing the book store, and with the movie trailers out, seeing that the book was by Lewis, i decided to give it a shot.

I was not disappointed. Lewis has a way of writing that brings something which you are not a part of into your life and make you one with it. Some of his short works i still find that I remember vividly, twenty years later and recite from on occasion.

Here we have an encouraging story of a young black boy who really has nothing in his life but his athletic ability. We have a good family that certainly does not need to exploit the boy. So they did what we all should want to do if our situations allowed, take the boy in and help. But the story is not just about that, it covers the evolution of football, these last thirty to forty years as marquee quarterbacks, or productive west-coast offense systems come into play.

In essence it is two books because of that, and it is what makes the story. I had to call my football buddy up half-way through and tell him I had a book he needed to read. Now I have to watch a game and wonder what the left tackle is doing.

This book was a very good read, and well worth the time and effort. It may not be as fun ultimately as Playing for Pizza by Grisham, but it is pretty good in its own way.

Multiple Stories, All Good, September 26, 2006
An incredible human interest story detailed further below but first.........the author of Liar's Poker and Moneyball is at it again with an offbeat interesting subject, or multiple subjects which are intertwined. This is an analysis of the evolution of the left side tackle designed to protect the quarterback's blind side, particularly from the evolution of speed rushers in the Lawrence Taylor mode. Lewis starts with an in depth analysis of Joe Theisman's famous leg break with some interesting facts even Joe didn't remember including who may really have been responsible. Separate stories are then presented of the new prototype Left Tackles like Jonathan Ogden whose investment banker father showed him that his value at Left Tackle would out way any interest in playing college basketball for his 6'9" son. This part of the book is intertwined with a historical perspective of how the passing game developed mainly through the Bill Walsh West Coast offense which downplays the significance of the quarterback. This section of the book is intertwined around the personal story to be described and while extremely interesting to football fans will have virtually NO appeal the typical female fan or other casual fans.

But what will be of greater human interest is the overlay of the story of Michael Oher, the "man/child" currently playing football at Ole Miss. Oher shows up at a predominantly white Christian school in the 9th grade with virtually no school history and horrible family background. An incredibly shy 350 pound kid struggles but ingratiates himself to faculty and staff and manages to stick around. Finally one Thanksgiving Day a volunteer assistant coach and his wife see him at a bus stop in his usual shorts and recognize that in addition to no money for food, he is traveling to the gym to watch practice just to be in a heated room. Through incredible acts of kindness and caring this young man is taken in by this wealthy Christian family who attempt to socialize and educate him for the future.

But little did they realize that at 6' 6" with an incredible frame and quick feet, football coaches would see their answer to possibly the most important position on the football field and they would relentlessly come calling. This presents many problems as Oher has virtually no chance of attending college with his past educational background. Thus begins the odyssey of the recruiting wars for this individual who by the end of high school has been called the best pro prospect even though he has played in only 15 football games.

This portion of the book dominates approximately 70% of the book. It is incredibly touching and I certainly applaud the sympathetic, caring approach by Leigh Ann and Sean Tuohy. This book is not just for football fans as the issues here are much greater. How does a child get to the 9th grade with virtually no retention of knowledge or ability to function in a social setting? What can a change in culture and caring do for this young man? And other questions will also appear such as is their potential ulterior motives for selecting this student out of so many and wasn't the final steps to eligibility really inappropriate? As to my opinion I choose to believe that the Tuohy's were interested in helping another human being, and in the process, it enriched the lives of their family, this young man and the possibilities that a loving, caring environment can create.

I strongly recommend this book for football fans, sociologists, and people with interest in politics, religion, or Southern Culture as there are many issues intertwined. Once again, the weakness to this book may be that he narrowed its focus by making it a "sports book". It's not. Its main message concerns underprivileged kids and how a change in environment can produce incredible results.

As a matter of disclosure, I live in Memphis, have leased Tuohy's his plane in the past and have many mutual friends. He and his wife have exceptional reputations and I applaud their involvement in helping this man.

Inspirational Story, September 25, 2006
Like in Moneyball and Liar's Poker, Michael Lewis examines a culture, e.g., baseball, stock market, and now football, while interspersing a biography illuminating the underlying culture.

In this case, Mr. Lewis shows how the left tackle position has rose from obscurity in the 1960s into one of the highest-paid positions in the current game. The initial focus is in how specialized a person must be to play this position as the highest level (more rare than many other positions). After this description, Mr. Lewis introduces us to Michael Oher, a person who has all of the physical tools and then some but has never played organized sports and has basically been abandoned since early childhood.

The people (parents, coaches, etc.) all want to help Mr. Oher fulfill his potential. However, it doesn't come off as being completely altrusitic as all benefit whom are in his presence, e.g., coach parlays his involvement into a college coaching position. In addition, the recruiting battles for Mr. Oher's services amplify these traits.

His adoptive parents and coaches seem angelic compared to the NCAA in this story. One of the most sobering statitistics quoted in this book is that only one of five players capable of playing in the NFL ever make through the legal and educational morass that is the NCAA.

It's hard not to root for Mr. Oher and I would think we'll see his name at the top of the draft board in 2007-2008. Excellent book and highly recommended.

Beyond the Game of Football, October 16, 2006
As both an avid sports fan and reader of sports literature I found this to be by far the most outstanding sports related book I've ever read. (I've read lots of them)
Michael Lewis does a superb job of combining football statistics with human life drama as he chronicles the serendepidous coming together of the Touhy family and Michael Oher and all that follows.
If you love big time college football you'll enjoy reading about recruiting tactics of big time coaches, i.e. Fullmer, Saban, & others.
If you love NFL football you'll enjoy the statistical based reasoned explanation of how the game has evolved & changed over the past couple of decades. Throw in descriptions of personalities about prominent NFL people, i.e. Walsh, Ogden, Wallace, and others and you have a statistical based explanation with a genuine human approach.
Lewis is "Grishamesque" in his treatment of Michael Oher - I'm pulling for Michael to become an all pro left tackle.
Details of Michael's struggles, perserverance and successes brought tears to my eyes. Details of the Touhy family's care and nurturing of Michael reinforced my belief in the good of mankind. The world needs more people like them!!
Michael's final encounter with Antonio Turner caused me to jump to my feet, thrust my fist into the air and say, YES!!!!
This book is an incredible read about life, fate,big time sports and the economic value of highly skilled athletes. It is also about something more - the great economic and cultural divide in this country as evidenced by Urban America in general and Hurt Village and Dixie Homes in particular. Political leaders and public policy makers should read this book - it strikes at the heart of one of our country's greatest challenges in the 21st century - how do we close the gap between the "haves and have nots?"

Michael Lewis' great book is more than just the tale of Michael Oher, November 30, 2009
There are some off-base reviews here of people who loved the movie and figured that Michael Lewis' book would be the perfect follow-up. For those people, please note: the movie is BASED ON the book. Movie != Book. The movie represents just one thread of Lewis' excellent work. The sub-title of Lewis' work is "Evolution of a Game." Lewis' main thesis is hinted at in the brief voice-over that Sandra Bullock (in the persona of Leigh Anne Tuohy) provides at the outset of the film: that if the quarterback is the highest-paid position in the game, then the evolution of the game is that the second highest-paid position is the one that provides insurance to that position: the left tackle....the gentleman that protects the quarterback's blind side. Michael Oher is then presented as someone with the potential - five years in the future at of the time of Lewis' research - to assume that role in the NFL. Thus, at the time of Lewis' tale, we come to understand why he's such a heavily recruited commodity. From there, Lewis peels back the onion and we come to know of Oher's upbringing and the role of the Tuohy family.

I have to admit: I went in cynical about what to expect in the movie, fearing the worst. But director John Lee Hancock does a wonderful job here extracting the essence of Oher's tale. Because let's face it: the rest of Lewis' book - while fascinating to those of us interested in the sport - doesn't translate well to the screen. But of Oher's tale: it seems the stuff of a Hollywood movie. And it has the added benefit of being the truth. But, again, all credit here to director Hancock: I had hoped throughout the film that he'd have the good sense to finish the tale in the most powerful manner possible: by showing footage of the real Michael Oher selected in the 1st round of the NFL draft. And, that's exactly what Hancock does - followed up by a series of emotional photos provided by the Tuohy family. [Stay for the credits to see them.]

One note about where the book and movie are very divergent: the role of Sean Tuohy. In the movie, Sandra Bullock's Leigh Anne Tuohy is the driving force and Tim McGraw's Sean - while agreeable - seems along for the ride. Readers of the book know this is far from the case. Lewis cites Tuohy's special connection to high-school athletes and mentoring personality. Plus, what readers of the book don't see: how Michael Lewis happened upon this story in the first place - he and Sean Tuohy are childhood friends and high school classmates.

An unusual, interesting, moving, slice of American life, December 4, 2006
I really enjoyed this book, read it one sitting, and then read all of the reviews just to justify continuing to think about it. Some of the reviewers didn't rate the book as highly as I did, but I can understand their complaints. The (minor, in my opinion) errors of fact are annoying, but probably only to a pretty serious football fan. And yes, if you consider the title only narrowly, you might be disappointed to find a book that is not just about football strategy and how the game has evolved. But, and I may be stretching a bit here, if you consider the title more metaphorically, there are other "blind sides" and "evolutions" at work here than just right-handed quarterbacks and the role of left-tackles.

I love football and probably have a slightly higher-than-average knowledge of the game (for a chick who was never allowed to play on a real team!) but this book taught me a few things about both the game and the business of football, on the college and professional levels.

Another "blind side" is the view of some serious holes in our society: that such desparate poverty exists alongside such immense wealth; that a child can be lost for YEARS without housing, education, health care, or any measure of security; that most of us really ought to be both more generous and more clear-minded about our responsibilities to each other and our ability to be of use. For me, this book's view of the generous acceptance, and the limits of the generosity and acceptance of a Southern Evangelical Christian community was alone worth the price of admission.

And perhaps "evolution" also includes the gaming of the ridiculous NCAA eligibility/compensation system, the dance of altruism and self-interest among some of the characters, and the growth of the young man at the heart of the story. But maybe I'm over-reaching.

I'm thinking of the old expression "neither flesh nor fowl nor good red herring." This book is like that; it's about a lot of different ideas. I think Michael Lewis does a terrific job of telling the story, without a tidy conclusion and without telling us the motivations of the people involved, instead letting us decide.

Personally, I applaud the Touhy family, here's a quote from the book by the adoptive mother: "I want a building...we're going to open a foundation that's only going to help out kids with athletic ability who don't have the academics to go to college. Screw the NCAA. I don't care what people say. I don't care if they say we're only interested in them because they're good at sports. Sports is all we know about."

If you want just one thing from a book, a football strategy guide, a tale of unlikely success, or a primer on Ole Miss, you might be disappointed. But if you want to take a deeper, closer look at a piece of our society (and you don't think that sports are a waste of time) I think you will be richly rewarded by this book. I was.

Womens Book Club Winner, September 9, 2009
Our womens Book Club is based on a group of middle aged women in a Methodist Sunday School class in Texas. We selected the Blind Side for our book this month. It was a huge success. The story is heartwarming and you finish the book (and the meeting) upbeat and hopeful. Only one member is a big football fan, but most of us work as teachers, lawyers, or in social services. The author did a wonderful job telling a compelling story of "the social services/education system" as well as the game of football and the left offensive tackle position (not that most of us could identify that position on the field, even after reading the book).Many, many laughs at our meeting concerning our ignorance which seasoned the other serious messages in the book concerning the hypocrisy of college athletics, the culture of poverty, and the Religious Right of the South. We recommend this to any womens book club.

Michael Lewis, Football, the Good Samaritan, & a Good "Rags to Riches" Story, December 29, 2006
If you like Michael Lewis, football, the biblical story of the Good Samaritan, or a good "rags to riches" story, you will love Lewis' latest work, "Blind Side." The book is the true story of Michael Oher, a black kid from the poorest, drug infested part of Memphis (Tennessee), who broke from the cycle of being hopelessly poor to making it as a highly recruited college football player. His is an unusual story because it was the white world that had so unusually aided and abetted his rise.

"Blind Side" tells the story of how Oher's odds in life changed dramatically with the help of a coach, Big Tony, who promised Oher's dying grandmother he would make sure Michael got a good Christian education. Big Tony landed Michael on the doorstep of a rich, evangelical, Republican Memphis family, the Touhy's. "He left a neighborhood in which he could drive all day without laying eyes on a white person for one where a black person was a bit of a curiousity."

Illiteracy, bad grades, car crashes, a night with the Memphis police, and NCAA investigation, men in the street who offered to become his agent could have all sent Oher back to his former home, Hurt village, the prison of his past, if it were not for his social connection to white people. Instead, the world that had once taken no notice of him was now so invested in him that it could not afford to see him fail.

The problem for Michael, as it is for many children mired in the world of poverty, was not intelligence, but rather, access to the system. While sports is the closest thing to a pure meritocracy in America, five of six public school kids with the ability to play college sports (the way out) fail to gain access due to academic disqualification. "Blind Side" is the story of academic and emotional support culminating in access.

Lewis is generous in developing the key figures in Michael's life. The book is full of interesting storylines relating to people responsible for his impoverished background, and for his unusual journey out of poverty. Lewis also devotes considerable space to the emergence of the left offensive tackle (he protects the "blind side") as the second most valued, after the quarterback, position in professional football. The rising importance of the left tackle position is another convergence that plays a key role in Michael's successful outcome.

"Blind Side" is a great, thought provoking read. It may challenge your thinking about those born into poverty and their inability to escape their environment to gain access.

Not the Disney version of Oher's story, November 23, 2009
Warning to potential buyers: this book is not the text version of the Sandra Bullock movie, which from the trailers appears to have simplified the story down to Disney level. This is a book about football first and foremost, with the story of Michael Oher interwoven.

The author begins by providing a history of the economy for specific types of NFL players using anecdotes and data about changing trends in football. This is all done so that we can understand how Michael Oher's arrival on the football scene became such a sensation, and also quite possibly for the love of the game as well. I found these parts of the book incredibly educational and enlightening.

The story then begins to focus on Oher himself. This tale is not as simple as the movie would perhaps have you believe. As much as my heart would love to think that the Touhy family saw him sitting on the side of the road, brought him home, and adopted him, this book makes it clear that it was not that simple. Without telling the entire story, it definitely left me wondering what would have happened to Michael Oher if he couldn't play football, and for me, called into question a bit the Touhy's motivations. Oher must be an absolutely brilliant young man if he improved academically in the way described in the book; but these talents are not encouraged by the Touhys except as a way to get into college so he can play ball. Then again, that may just be the whole point of the book--the power of football.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book's primer on the history of player market value in the NFL, as well as the background on coaching styles. To football diehards this information may be old news but it's worth a second look. Finally, regarding the Oher part of the book, I confess that I was not left with a great impression of the Touhy family. However, the author's analysis of the nuances involved in this story was appreciated far more than the sanitized version.

Pity the Inner-City Child with the Skills to be a Mortgage Broker or Financier, November 27, 2007
The Blind Side by Michael Lewis continues the discussion started in Moneyball about assessing the value of athletes. This story begins by discussing the role of passing vs. running, the way that a one or two gifted linebackers could put a passing game in jeopardy, and - therefore - the need for even more gifted offensive linemen to stop those linebackers. Since the most vulnerable line of approach for the quarterback is from the right linebacker, then the left offensive tackle is now exceptionally valuable. The title The Blind Spot refers to the, usually right-handed, quarterback's blind spot to his left as he prepares to pass.

However, in a very real sense, this book is really about our inability to see the inherent value in the people who are around us every day. Michael Oher - pronounced like oar - is the left tackle profiled in the book. Through a series of unlikely events Mr Oher goes from being a gentle giant of a teenager with no family, no education, and no future except, perhaps, as a bodyguard to a functional college student with tremendous potential as a professional athlete and/or businessman. This is the real story of The Blind Side.

The real question that must be asked after reading this book is how much human talent and capital is being wasted because we simply can not see it in front of us. If we could only find and develop that talent, how much richer, healthier, and free would we be as a country? The answer is not clear.

Nor is the story of Mr Oher completely finished yet. At the risk of passing a judgement that I'm not qualified to give, Mr Oher seems to have had some sort of mild autism, which ironically protected him from some of the more unsavory elements in his environment. Even so, the hardest challenges may be yet ahead of him. Many gifted athletes from Jim Thorpe to Mike Tyson have allowed fame and wealth to destroy them.

This is a thought provoking book that can be read on many levels. Strongly recommended.
... Read more

Editorial Review

They dominated college football and stood strong for their faith. Now, as they storm the NFL, learn all about "the three quarterbacks": Bradford, McCoy, and Tebow. Dubbed the "Holy Trinity" by sportswriters, the Oklahoma Sooners' Sam Bradford, the Texas Longhorns' Colt McCoy, and the Florida Gators' Tim Tebow are now eyeing professional glory. But starring on Sunday afternoons follows years of developing Christian faith on Sunday mornings. Playing with Purpose will introduce you to three young men of both physical and spiritual strength, athletes at the top of their game who also speak publicly and convincingly of their belief in God. Includes a section of color photographs! ... Read more

Reviews

A light in the darkness, October 6, 2010
This is a refreshing look at the life of three young men, who have their priorities in order. In a world full of darkness they provide a light at the end of the tunnel, their love of God and the Christian way of life is not overshadowed by the fame and celebrity status they have obtained. This is a fill good book that gives parents a role model for their children and hope for the future.

A strong pick for any analytical football collection and for Christian studies collections, October 14, 2010
With the pre-game prayer, Christianity and football aren't complete strangers to one another. "Playing with Purpose: Inside the Lives and Faith of the NFL's Top New Quarterbacks" looks at three new figures in the National Football League, hailed as both good Christians and good role models. An analysis of how faith will stack up on the field, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, and Tim Tebow are discussed as both players and people, and provides an intriguing debate for Christian NFL fans. "Playing with Purpose" is a strong pick for any analytical football collection and for Christian studies collections.
... Read more