Book Description

The first truly comprehensive biography on George Halas, the father of professional football

The founder of the National Football League and father of the Chicago Bears, George Halas single-handedly changed the way Americans spend their Sundays. Papa Bear tells the incredible story of how one man grabbed an outlaw game by the throat, shook it up, and made it into the richest and most popular spectator sport on the planet.

Nearly 20 years after his death, Halas remains one of the towering figures of professional sports--rivaling the legendary Vince Lombardi--yet there has never been an authoritative biography published about this great American success story. At last, Papa Bear fills that gap. Written with unprecedented access to Halas's family, his closest friends, and associates, this thoroughly researched account includes exclusive interviews and a treasure trove of never-published archival materials on the Hall of Famer and his enduring legacy.

Book Description

Adam Taliaferro had it all:smarts, an easy-going personality, and incomparable athletic ability.None of that seemed to matter, however, on that fateful September day when his father was given startling news:Do not expect your son to walk again.Ever. Since that numbing day, Taliaferro, the Penn State freshman cornerback who was paralyzed after tackling an Ohio State running back, has defied the odds.Before he had spinal-fusion surgery, he made a vow to his mother:"Mom, I'm not going out like this."Three months later, he walked out of a Philadelphia hospital on crutches, determined to complete his amazing recovery, making the name "Adam Taliaferro" synonymous with courage and perseverance. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

This really is a miracle!!!
After finding out that Adam Taliaferro couldnt walk again ever. His father and mother urged him to push on. His spirits were high always no matter what. This is a triumphant story about courage and self-determination and a little help from some up above

This is a Great Book
This book is good for anyone whether you are a football fan or not. I personally am a football fan, and I would especially recommend this book for those football fans out there. This book is inspirational and well documented. It is also at a good price now, and it is a quick read.

Compelling, but to drawn out
I'll be honest. The book compelled me for the most part. I couldn't put it down for the most part. I truly felt pain for poor Adam, and can't imagine going through anything like this story and still bouncing back. The only complaint I have is the book is too drawn out towards the end. Pehaps it was written to soon, perhaps the author felt the need to repeat himself 3 or 4 times. Still, once you get past this, the book is a good read and an amazing story. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to be inspired.

Inspiring
All too often in today's world of youth sports; parents, coaches and players miss the meaning of sportsmanship. Having been involved in youth sports for 14 years, I have witnessed over bearing parents and tenacious coaches. I suggest they keep a copy of "Miracle in the Making" in their equipment bags. This book highlights the true meaning of a parent/child relationship and a coach/player relationship. Adam is the definition of courage, kindness and strength. His family's support during his recovery is awe-inspiring. The writers did a terrific job of bringing me along on Adam's journey to recovery. I will be on the sidelines cheering; watching as Adam wins the biggest game of his life!

A Penn State Fan Must Have
Adam is definately a hero to me. He demonstrates that if you have a strong will, you can accomplish anything. This book ran me through a gauntlet of emotions. Anger, sadness, sympathy, and laughter. This book really demonstrates what it is meant by Penn State being a family. EVERY Penn State fan needs to read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

In "Laying It on the Line: Notes of a Team Player", Howard Griffith shares his motivational story of how sheer determination made him a National Football League star and Super Bowl champion. From his days as a troubled youngster in his dangerous southside Chicago neighborhood to his years as John Elway’s and Terrell Davis’ teammate with the two-time world-champion Denver Broncos, Griffith tells the reader how "beating the odds" became much more than a cliché to him. "If you learn to expect the barriers and anticipate the bumps and bruises along the way," says Griffith, "you pad and protect yourself, and prepare the way towards personal success. Becoming a team player is absolutely crucial to your ultimate success.""Laying it on the Line" will help the readers reach their goals, too. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

An inspiring story from a high class football player.
This is a book for anyone with dreams, or for someone who just wants to be a better person.

Howard Griffith is a first-class football player. In my honest opinion, Howard is the most underrated football player in the NFL. Year in and year out he is busting his butt for guys like Terrell Davis and Mike Anderson, and not complaining about it. This man made Terrell Davis. And hopefully he will get his pro-bowl before its all over.

Enough about him as a football player, on with the book. In this book, Howard talks about his life and the trials he has been through. This is a story of a man who never lost sight of his goals. While he has had a tough life, he never gave up, and always does his best to help his team - even if that means taking blocking assignments and never getting the ball. "Laying It On The Line, Notes Of A Team Player" teaches people to better themselves... ...to better the world. With his actions speak louder than words attitude, he teaches independance, how to be a person free from following others and just being the best person you can possibly be. He teaches about responsibility and maturity, and taking life seriously.

Reading this book was a turning point in my life. Before i read it, I was, simply stated, and punk kid. This book taught me the importance in doing your very best at everything you do and how important things like you education are to you. He shows you how you can be indepent but still conform, not to stick out. After reading this, It opened my mind really. Before hand I was quick to judge just about anyone that didn't believe exactly how I felt. Now I think empathatically, and am not so quick to judge. I know it's irrelavant, but its amazing what certain situation you can be put in can change you life around in a totally different manor.

Props to Howard Griffith with this truly inspiring story. This is a perfect book for anyone with dreams, and that is willing to work. Howard Griffith's book deserves every 5 stars I gave it, maybe more (if I could). Simply stated, this book can change you life.

Phenomenal
This self-proclaimed bookworm ranks this book as one of her all-time favorites. To those who aren't necessarily interested in football, to those who don't understand football, and for those who don't even know what football is, believe me when I say, you will undoubtedly connect with some, if not all of this autobiography. Indulge yourself in this down-to-earth, eye-opening, and often comedic drama that chronicles the ups and downs of life, as it relates to Griffith's chosen career of football. I see this book as more of the spiritual journey of a young man's life, explained through the metaphor of football. It could easily be a training development manual for any business consisting of more than one person - it's all about teamwork and the success, respect, honor and glory that can be achieved if all involved are confident and secure with their individual roles and truly understand the concept of "team." If you need to be "pumped up" and inspired about anything you're trying to accomplish in your life right now, I suggest you purchase this book - it just may be the medicine you need.

The best motivational book that I 've read thus far!
This a truly remarkable account of Griffith's story and the obstacles that he's faced to get where he is today(the best fullback in the NFL). There were so many points in his life that he could have given up--but he didn't. Don't think that it's your "typically" sports book--it's not! This book is for anyone that aspires to fulfill their dream. I highly recommend this book. Kudos to Griffith!!!

NFL's Finest!
As a professional book reviewer and avid reader, all I can say is: It's about time that a story like Griffith's gets some "air-time." LAYING IT ON THE LINE is uplifting and inspiring, while dispeling many of the myths about players in the NFL. It highlights the positive aspects of professional sports and reveals important ways in which team sports can develop one's mental and physical "game." Griffith is a living example of what it means to be a true champion, on and off the field. This book's a winner! ... Read more

Book Description

Like most athletes encountering fame, fortune and females, including Oscar winning actress, Halle Berry, in abundance for the first time, Reggie ate it up, yet it was not enough. There was a void in his life which he discovered could not be filled through his high living.

The story of Reggie Rucker takes the reader on a journey through the Washington D.C. most tourists didn't see in the late 1950's. Within the shadow of the White House, monuments and the seat of legislative power, Reggie and his mother, Nancy, walked down C Street, looking for food and a place to sleep at night. From these humble beginnings, Rucker was inspired to move beyond life as a homeless child in the ghettos of our nation's capitol to become an NFL star wide receiver. Reggie Rucker, #33, was an acclaimed member of one of the most exciting professional football teams of the 1980's, the Cleveland Browns' Kardiac Kids. He was known for his good hands and sure catching abilities.

This inspirational story offers fun and information about life as a professional football player, from training camp as a rookie to becoming a star receiver and the perks that came with stardom. In addition, it explains how a professional athlete can be put into many situations that others don't face, and how, without the guidance of his faith, Reggie was not able to overcome many of the temptations which came his way. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of the best
This book, I'll tell you is one of the best books you'll read. I found it easy to read, it flowed well, I could not put it down. You are talking about a real roller coaster ride.
I am a christian and I would like to see more professional athletes put aside pride and ego and recognize that all that we are is due to the grace of God. The inspirational message is that circumstance may be unavoidable but ambition, hard work, and perserverance can make us into whatever we wish. If one had faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, as Mr. Rucker, then all things are possible.

Rugged, tough, inspiring account!
This is a story that actually made me cry. I have been a fan of the Cleveland Browns and the Kardiac Kids and Mr Rucker was one of my favorite football players. I have read accounts of his life in newspaper articles but never did those articles go into the depth of this book. I was simply fascinated by his early life struggles and the depravity of an american family in our nations capital. Reggie Rucker truly enjoyed the blessings of a guardian angel, I would agree with him that he was favored. A lot of young black men never make it out of the squalor of ghetto life. Somehow, he was able to marshall all the forces of his inner circle, pick himself up, and commit himself to his own survival.
Too bad he didn't realize his gift when he had that stage, like many of today's athletes, the temptations are so readily available that these men think they can get away with whatever. Sometimes we get a peek into their world and if this is genuine, we can use his life's experiences inspirationally. I know there are young men in similar circumstances that if they take a moment and read this book, they will certainly realize that anything is possible in this great country. And, if God is with us, who can be against us. In short, I think the authors did a great job of bearing the soul and a man who has obviously, come into the light.

At best this book is a draft for a future book.
About two weeks ago, I heard Reggie Rucker talk about his book on a local Cleveland sports talk show. Having grown up with the Cleveland Browns and the "Kardiac Kids", I felt compelled to run out and buy the book to find out how this man had gone from the ghetto to finding God.

At best, this book is a first draft. It has the potential of being a good book; however, it is far from being finished. Who ever the editor is could not have even proof read it.

Reggie does share with us his life as an African-American growing up in the ghetto's of Washington D.C. but he seems too interested in sharing with us his sex cappers rather than more about Reggie the person. We are able to catch a few glimpses of the person but so much more could be told. He received an academic scholarship to Boston University yet he makes no attempt to explain how he became such a good student under his living conditions. While taking us through his football career, he talks about his first experience at Dallas and then arriving at New England and leading the league in catches. In one sentence we are told this information and he makes no attempt to share with us how he went from being an unknown to leading the league? What was that season like - how did it make him feel? We'll never know. All we'll know about is girl after girl that climbed into bed with him while he was married including the under age high school student while he was a teacher during the off season.

In learning all about Reggie's sexual advetures, he does not mention any of the women by name. But when he gets to Halle Berry, he can't wait to drop her name and tell us all about how he at 35 took advantage of this at the time 19 year old future star.

This book is less than 200 pages long. The first 195 pages Reggie tells us about escapades of the sex life of a Black male in the 70's and 80's and the last five pages of how he has become a born again Christian.

Mr. Rutger has a story to tell. He just needs an editor that can help him tell it. Again, this book at best is a draft of what could be. ... Read more

Book Description

In a sport full of players who are larger than life, Terrell Owens towers above the crowd.

It isn't just that he holds the NFL record for catches in a single game (twenty) or that he's the most feared wide receiver in the game. It's also his penchant for unique self-expression -- spiking the ball on the midfield Texas lone star in front of a hostile Dallas Cowboy crowd, pulling a Sharpie from his sock to sign a game ball after a touchdown, and dancing with a cheerleader's pom-poms after another TD. Never politically correct and always controversial and colorful on and off the field, Terrell Owens has transformed himself into "TO," the outrageous gridiron personality who has rocked the entire NFL and the sports landscape. But Owens is more than touchdowns, dancing, and celebrations. In this wickedly insightful book, he's full of sharp-eyed observations on the contentious, demanding, insane phenomenon that is pro football.

In Catch This! Owens takes readers back to his hardscrabble childhood in rural Alabama, where he was raised by a stern grandmother and loving mother. By the time he won an athletic scholarship for football at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, the once small, bullied boy had transformed himself into a very large man with a super body and an iron will to succeed. He takes us behind his apprenticeship to -- and eventual eclipsing of -- the legendary 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice. He pulls no punches when it comes to his extremely public fight with San Francisco coach Steve Mariucci -- a relationship so sour that they didn't speak at all during the crucial final weeks of the 2001 season. And, finally, he lets loose on the free agent scandal that shook the NFL in 2004 -- and reveals the truth behind the NFL's attempt to deny him free agency, his fraudulent trade to the Baltimore Ravens, and his ultimate happy landing with the Philadelphia Eagles.

For those who think they know both Terrell Owens and TO, catch this story. ... Read more

Book Description

Few people around the National Football League envisioned Ben Roethlisberger becoming such a clutch performer so early in his professional career. The starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, however, has quickly turned into one of the game’s biggest stars after taking over the starting duties in the season’s second week. Meanwhile, fans in Pittsburgh are witnessing a revival of their team’s dominance that carried them to four Super Bowl titles in the 1970’s.

Roethlisberger: Pittsburgh’s Own Big Ben details the amazing first-year success of this budding superstar through stories and full-color action photos from the award-winning archives of The Associated Press. "Big Ben" became a first-round draft choice of the Steelers in the 2004 NFL Draft out of tiny Miami of Ohio, where he rewrote every school game, season, and career passing record on the way to being named an All-American his senior year. In Pittsburgh, he has engineered an offense that has led the team to the top of the AFC North and impressive wins over Philadelphia and the defending world-champion New England Patriots. The incredible accuracy and ability to stay composed in crucial situations has allowed Roethlisberger to keep the Steelers atop their division by winning the close games.

Ben Roethlisberger has already set NFL records for most wins by a rookie quarterback and he is not ashamed to say that he wants the ball in his hands at the end of a game. Not bad for a native of Findlay, Ohio, who only played one-year of football in high school. Roethlisberger: Pittsburgh’s Own Big Ben celebrates the rookie’s outstanding season and recaps his unbelievable NFL rookie success in vivid detail, making it a must-have item for any fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers or Ben Roethlisberger. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

TOUGH AND HARD NOSED
DITKA IS A VERY ENJOYABLE BOOK. MR. DITKA DOES A GREAT JOB TELLING THE STORY OF THIS LIFE AND CAREER. I FOUND HIS OPINIONS AND INSIGHT VERY HUMAN AND INTENSE. HE WAS CERTAINLY A GLADIATOR ON THE FIELD AND A TAKE NOTHING FROM NOBODY COACH. I REALLY LIKE HIS STYLE AND HONESTY IN THIS BOOK. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR ALL FOOTBALL FANS AND ESPECIALLY FOR BEAR FANS. HE IS ONE OF THE FIVE GREATEST BEARS OF THE MODERN ERA HALAS, SAYERS, PAYTON, BUTKUS, BEING THE OTHERS. A MUST READ

a revealing and candid autobiography
The fiery New Orleans Saints head coach provides fans with an insightful look on his childhood, playing career with the Bears, Eagles and Cowboys and transformation from an assistant coach to a head coach. Ditka also discusses his coaching philosophy, relationships with many of his star players and family life. You will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It seems somehow fitting that the first pass Peyton Manning, the $48million man, threw as a professional went for a touchdown. His father ArchieManning, in this team effort from two of football's more interestingquarterbacks, stresses that "My only hard rule [with his sons growing up] wasthat they finish what they start." Peyton, the All-American Phi Beta Kappagraduate of Tennessee, obviously listened to his All-American from Ole Missfather, whose strong right arm almost made the Saints competitive over 12seasons in New Orleans.

Though both father and son get equal billing, this is really Archie's book, hisstory, and the story of his family that he wants to tell. He gets the first wordand the last in this hybrid joint first-person memoir with chapter intros andstructural transitions provided by Sports Illustrated veteran JohnUnderwood. Like most sports biographies, it's rife with inspiration, decisionsto be made, challenges to face (Peyton's older brother had to cut short hiscareer when he was diagnosed with a potentially fatal spinal cord disease),tragedy faced (Archie's father killed himself while Archie was in college), andexpectations exceeded. But it also has a lot of straight talk from Archie aboutfamily and football, and he's not above throwing a few penalty flags on thegame. He's loud and clear on college recruiting abuses--as is Peyton. He worriesabout youth leagues putting pressures to succeed over fun in playing, hates allthe taunting and celebrating in the NFL, and thinks there's just too darned muchmoney and too little team loyalty in football's veins these days. The fire stillsmolders in his belly, and Manning is at its most interesting when hestokes up the flames. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Aaron Lemay's review
Archie and Peyton Manning were the best father-son quarterbacks out there. As a kid Archie wasn't sure what he was going to do with his life. He was just an average kid who loved sports. As a kid Peyton dreamed of being like his father Archie. He continued the family name by breaking more records and leading just as good of a career as Archie.
Archie went to Mississippi college but wasn't sure what sport he wanted to play. He ended up playing football and was very good at it. After college football, Archie was drafted onto the Saints. Archie broke the record for highest paid rookie. When Archie was drafted onto the Saints they were on a bad loosing streak and Archie joining the team didn't change that. For the first time Archie was getting booed. Archie was a very good player but one person doesn't make a team. Eventually Archie's career took off and he became famous.
As a teenager Peyton knew he was going to play football, he just didn't know what college he was going to go to. Peyton was already somewhat famous, being Archie's, son so he had a ton of choices for which college he wanted to go to. Surprisingly, he chose to go to a college other than Mississippi. This was very surprising to his father because Peyton wanted to be just like Archie but chose not to go to the same college. Once he was in the NFL he was, like his father, the highest paid rookie ever. Peyton was drafted onto the Colts and they weren't doing so well when he was drafted. Peyton's rookie year was 3-13, but he broke several team and league records. Peyton's career had skyrocketed just like his father Archie's.
Overall, this was a great book. It tells a lot about Archie and Peyton's careers. I think it was really cool how the book described their feelings and their lives. The book tells a lot of details about their careers and what they were thinking before games or major decisions.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes football and would enjoy reading about it.

Exceptional story of the importance of football in the South
When I tell people I read this book they are very surprised as I attended a competing school and would not allow my children to attend Ole Miss for race issues. But that would be small minded to not enjoy the history of an exceptional Southern American family.

I throughly enjoyed reading this memoir from Archie about his life and journey to sports. He is an exceptional human being with many fine qualities. It's all here: 1. His feelings of the college game, 2. Inducements he may have received at Ole Miss, 3. His feelings of race, 4. life in the NFL, and 5. the good and bad of Southern passion for football and how it effected the recruiting of his sons.

Peyton also wrote some sections and did an excellent job. It's interesting to read his perceptions on such subjects as confrontations with coaches as well as his Tn freshman competition with Brandon Stewart. The story shows his passion and obsession with football and reading some of his stories, you can see where he probably generated some enemies amongst his teamates. He closes one chapter with thoughts of the college game and whether eventually there will be minor league pro teams.

Cooper Manning comes off as the star. What a great guy. You can see Cooper knew how to charm parents, classmates and his parents.

Eli is projected as a quiet, shy kid much like Archie and Olivia is the rock of the family.

I strongly recommend this book if you like football, southern culture, or stories about inspiring American families.

A good read
I bought this book with skepticism but overall I liked it. I thought it was pretty truthful to the Manning legacy. The SEC's most famous bloodline's story is here. I recommend it as I do "A Tailgater's Guide To SEC Football" which also showcases the Mannings.

Manning
Unlike any other sport, football has captured the hearts of endless fans. Likewise, many fans have fallen in love with a true football family, the Mannings. Manning, by Archie Manning, Peyton Manning, and John Underwood, is an incredible biography, not only of Archie and Peyton Manning, but also of the entire Manning family and the hardships, triumphs, and accomplishments they have endured and achieved.

Manning is the story of the careers of Archie and Peyton. The book does not only portray the lives of these men and their family, but vividly presents the men's opinions on the way the game has changed. The Mannings describe the "cash fever" and "big money madness" of the NFL and present the "rituals of bribery that mark college recruiting." Not only do Archie and Peyton represent true American football players, but professional athletes who resisted money corruption and only play for the love of the game.

The authors seldom use literary devices, but write with a certain style that makes the reader feel as if he has known the Mannings his entire life. The authors' use of a personal style of writing enables the reader to easily relate to the problems these incredible men have faced.

I thought Manning was an amazing book. If you are a fan of the Mannings, or football in general, this is the book for you. The book has no specific theme, but its purpose is to present the life of two of the greatest NFL quarterbacks to ever live and to prove that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Source of Pride
There are few things to make you proud of being born and raised in a town solidly founded on all night sex, drugs, booze and jazz. There are even fewer things to make you proud of being a Saints fan. That being said, I was an "Awchie" fan before this book. Now, I'm simply in "awe" of him. They say you can judge a person by his/her children. Well, Cooper, Peyton and Eli speak VOLUMES as to the true character of Archie and Olivia. Dare I say it? The Manning Family makes me proud to be from New Orleans. This was an uplifting, lighthearted book that I hated to see end. Thank you, Archie, for EVERYTHING. ... Read more

Book Description

He's a man who knows the importance of hard work -- and he's living proof that it pays off.

TERRY BRADSHAW
IT'S ONLY A GAME

This is the absolutely guaranteed 100% mostly true story of the man who gained sports immortality as the first quarterback to win four Super Bowls -- and who became America's most popular sports broadcaster. As honest, unexpected, and downright hilarious as the man himself, It's Only a Game shows the many sides of Terry: the former pipeline worker, cattle-raiser, professional singer, youth minister, actor, television and radio talk-show host, and public speaker -- and replays all the hard-hitting, bone-crunching details from his heyday with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

More than a collection of his funniest stories, It's Only a Game is the personal account of Terry's search for the life before and after football...as only he could tell it. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Terry Bradshaw On Terry Brandshaw
There's no denying it. You either love this guy or you can't stand him. I've yet to meet anyone who feels any other emotion about Terry Bradshaw. This book just might change some of the perceived negatives about the man, if the reader keeps an open mind. What Bradshaw is most proud of is justified. The man loves his children, is proud of where he came from, & he can't get enough football. The first QB to win FOUR Super Bowl rings doesn't wear them! He says it's enough that he knows he has them & why. (I like that a lot!) The book is filled with typical Bradshaw country yarns, football stories, etc., & most are self-effacing. I bought the book as an admitted voyeur into the workings of the NFL & it didn't disappoint. It gave me many a good laugh & I counted on Bradshaw doing that too. If you love football & good short stories, Bradshaw provides both in an easy read to pass an afternoon. With Terry Bradshaw, what you see is what you get. His book is a reflection of the man and he's a very good man indeed!

You Don't Have To Be A True Steeler Fan To Love This Book!
I must admit before I go any further in my review that I am a Cleveland Brown fan for as long as I have been on this earth...let's just say I my generation was the 60's generation.

This was one of those books that as soon as I saw the cover, I swooped one of the three copies available at this bookstore I was in and never cracked it open to "pre-read" the book jacket. The book written BY Terry Bradshaw and ABOUT Terry Bradshaw was enough for this finicky reader (only few noted authors get this kind of purchase from me). I remember Terry Bradshaw on the field leading the Steelers and I watch Terry Bradshaw every NFL weekend on the FOX pre-game. I quite didn't know what to expect out of the book when I swooped it up, as a lot of players and coaches who author a book tends to relive each and every second of each and every game they ever coached or played. I love football but it's great when you can also read and get to know the person who you are supposed to be reading about.

The reader was alerted that there could be some serious laughter coming from the book and if caught in that situation in front of people...just look up, smile and point to the book! Let me tell you I ended up pointing more than once to the book with belly laughs and tears in my eyes....even sitting, of all places, on the tarmac in a jet liner at the Cleveland airport awaiting clearance for the jet to taxi and take off!

In the book, Mr. Bradshaw gave us a view of what his childhood and family was like...what ethics he was taught as a child that influenced as a foundation of how he grew up, as a guideline for how he would handle the fame of being a NFL quarterback to being a Television Analyst and motivational speaker. (Okay so, I am leaving out his run in the Cosmetic Industry.) When life gave him lemons (as life does everyone at some time or another), he doesn't glide over it like frosting on a cake but he showed how he turned those lemons into lemonade.

When you are reading this book, it isn't as if you are merely reading a book but that time just slips by as if you were sitting down with Terry Bradshaw with him sharing his life story. It's done in an honest, open and humble manner which this reader appreciates. If he made a mistake in life, he tells us about the mistake and his error of ways--he doesn't pawn the blame on to someone else to look good.

Not only will you find yourself listening to a friend, time slipping quickly by but you will find yourself laughing outloud at times at Terry's antics and even some of the behind the scene antics. Laughter is truly good for the soul.

It's an easy read and I don't think any NFL fan (regardless who your team is) will ever go wrong buying and reading this book. This Cleveland Brownie LOVED the book!

The only problem was when it came to the end! I WANTED TO KEEP READING! Okay Mr. Bradshaw....when can we have another installment??

Loved this book
I could hardly put this book down. Very interesting stories about his childhood, football career from grade school through the pros and life after the NFL. All the things that went on during his career in the NFL. I found this book very enjoyable. He doesn't hide anything and I admire his honesty.

Laughed Out Loud
This is one of the funniest autobiographies I have ever read. Several times during the course of my reading, my wife feared for my sanity as I laughed hysterically. Two incidents in particular had me howling: Terry's adventure with the horse, and when his Dad opened the box from the marketing firm.
Terry has always been one of my football heros and now I have a great deal of respect for him as a person. This account is warm, funny, and honest. By the way, he called his own plays . . .

The Real Terry - an entertaining ride
This book covered everything I hoped to hear about - from college QB thru Pittsburgh and into TV's best pre-game show. The book is fast paced, enjoyable throughout and quite informative. All that's missing is a couple of one-on-one hours with Terry to ask more about everything. ... Read more

Book Description

At the age of thirty, Bob Cowser, Jr., is leading a happy life as a husband, father, and English professor in upstate New York. But he misses the exhilaration he felt as a young man when he took the field for high school football games. In what is every Monday morning quarterback's fantasy, Bob Cowser, Jr., revisits his days as a football star by joining the Watertown Red and Black, the country's oldest semi-professional football team. With the hesitant blessing of his wife, Cowser drives the lonely sixty miles to try out for the team in Watertown, New York, a former mill town of soldiers, corrections officers, and blue-collar workers that is a far cry from his leafy campus. Over the next five months he will make this journey many more times as the Red and Black weathers everything from team feuds to agonizing losses to the deployment of some of its players to war. From the first kickoff, "Professor" realizes that he will have to work hard to earn the respect of his hard-edged teammates. The fulfillment of his boyhood dream will teach him some unexpected lessons about real life as an adult. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A GREAT Book
Kieth Dorney is one of my teachers at Cardinal Newman High and he let me read his book when he got back from his publishing trip. I thought it was a really great book for football and non-football fans alike!

a GREAT book
Keith Dorney is one of my teachers at Cardinal Newman and when he got back from his publishing trip he let me read his book. I thought it was a really good book for football and non-football fans alike

black&honolulu blue
Awesome book,I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more from the Author.It is a must read for football and even non football fans.I found the book hard to put down and wanted more at its conclusion,Bravo Mr. Dorney (big cheese)I really enjoyed the memories you shared it brought back alot of good ones for me also.Keep up the good work!!!

Football in layman terms
A great read, brought back many memories & emotions from my years gone by on the gridiron. It'll stir you whether you played Pee-Wee, HS, College, or Pro Football.
Don't let this one go by without reading, you won't be sorry..
Thanks Keith!!!

hey Dorney!
This book is great! I really like the Bark Like A Dog chapter, it paints a really good picture in your head. I wish that everybody in the world could read this book because it is great! See you in 3rd period.
Michael Gilles period 3 english ... Read more

Book Description

Jim Otto is generally reconized as one of the greatest andmost durable offensive centers the game of football has ever seen. He wasn't drafted by any NFL team so he joined the Oakland Raiders of the new AFL, went on a strenth program to increase his weight by 50 pounds and became Oakland's starting center for the next 15 seasons. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Jim Otto 'The Pain of Glory'
Reviewer: Bisoneyes from Redditch, Worcestershire United Kingdom
Jim Otto. The Pain of Glory is a book that covers Otto's life to date, but pays particular attention to the early years of the storied NFL club the Oakland Raiders.

Beginning with his poor childhood in rural Wisconsin, the book tracks Otto's progression to college, and on to the NFL. It outlines Otto's determination to succeed when all about him were telling him he was too small to play college football at the centre position, let alone go on to the Pro game.

Once at the Raiders the book highlights the painful beginnings for the club, and the struggles Otto overcame to become an All Pro centre. Otto's obvious love for the club and for its owner Al Davis shine through the pages. Along with this Otto highlights the key players with whom he played football with and tells some great stories about the likes of Ben Davidson, Kenny Stabler and other Raider greats.

He speaks out in the book against the modern NFL and the attitude of the player and their agents. He rages against the inclusion of players he consider unworthy of selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but whose busts stand side by side with his. Finally he lambasts the NFL who called him a liar.

Most movingly though Otto speaks of the 'Pain of Glory'. About the untold operations he has had on his once primed body, which is now giving up on him as he pays for the success he enjoyed in ways he probably never thought of. This section is an emotional, insightful and tragic commentary on professional football.

In summary 'The Pain of Glory' is a superb reflection on an exemplorary career. Its a must read for all Raiders fans, and those interested in the NFL.

THE ORIGINAL RAIDER
THIS BOOK IS ABOUT ONE OF THE TOUGHEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME. JIM OTTO WAS TRULY A MAN DEDICATED TO HIS PASSION. HE PLAYED THRU SO MANY INJURIES THAT WOULD HAVE KILLED MANY CAREERS. HIS DESCRIPTION OF HIS MANY KNEE INJURIES HAD ME WINCING AND MY KNEES WERE HURTING JUST READING ABOUT THE PAIN HE ENDURED THRU OUT HIS CAREER. AN AMAZING MAN WITH SUCH A TOLERANCE FOR PAIN. HIS RETELLING OF EARLY RAIDER DAYS WAS VERY NOSTALGIC. I ENJOYED HIS COMMENTS ABOUT LYNN SWANN AND VARIOUS OTHER FORMER PLAYERS AND OWNERS. A MUST READ FOR ALL RAIDER FANS AND FOR FANS WHO LIKED PLAYERS WHO WERE AS TOUGH AS NAILS.

Weirdly compelling
Jim Otto's injuries have left him a pitiful cripple, in constant pain, who can't do even the simplest physical tasks that normal people take for granted. He will probably die soon from their aftereffects, in fact should have died from them several times already. We know this because he says so, while matter-of-factly stating that, if he had it to do over again, he would do things exactly the same?! I don't get it, and even if I did get it I wouldn't approve of it--if there is anything worth putting yourself through this kind of hell for, it is surely not the fleeting "glory" of the football field. In spite of, or maybe because of, all this, the book is endlessly readable and interesting--his hardcore masochism holds the same kind of strange fascination that makes people watch car wrecks (and football games, I suppose). It helps that Otto comes across as very likable, even admirable in his way--honest, conscientious, and of course dependable. Even if at times he seems to be rather, um, stupid.

Title says it all
A very straight forward book by Jim Otto. There is a price when one wants to achieve or aspire to achieve glory on the gridiron. Jim Otto is that person and he candidly tells us what he was willing to sacrifice to reach that plateau. For the Raider fan at heart, or a football fan in general, this is the book to read.

Excellent football book!
A great football, as well as a great Raiders, book. All football fans will enjoy this simple yet articulate story of one of the true iron men in professional athletics history. Raiders fans will enjoy it for some insight into the early history of the team as Jim Otto was there from day one. Very humourous as well! Jim Ottos is a walking miracle. Highly enjoyable & highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Changed my attitude
After looking through this book it changed my attitude and outlook on a lot of items.

Very good read.

A Wonderful Tribute to The Man in The Funny Hat
If you are a Dallas Cowboy fan, then you will truly enjoy what Mr. St. John did in this wonderful biography. Having received this book as a birthday present, I completed this touching tome in three days.

During this journey inside of Landry's fedora, anger raced through me as I pictured myself in the bowels of Texas Stadium at the time of Landry's dismissal. That someone who touched so many in spite of his stoicism would be uncerimoniously canned the way he was is one of the greatest travesties this sports world has ever known.

I went with Tom and Alicia Landry back in time, from his days as a a defensive with the New York Giants (can you actually Imagine Tom Landry and Vince Lombardi as assistant coaches? WOW!!! BTW- I'm currently reading my other birthday present - When Pride Still Mattered.) and marveled as his innovative genius. From the 4-3 system he implemented to the "Flex" defense he employed in Dallas, he was ahead of his time.

Reading about the Cowboys through his eyes brought back so many memories. Remember how the offensive line used to do their "Set" in unison after breaking the huddle? How about the Shotgun formation in the 70's? I was almost ten years old when watching the "Hail Mary" break the hearts of many Viking fans in Metropolitan Stadium, even younger on that Thanksgiving Day in 74 when Longley hit Drew Pearson for the winning touchdown. I won a bet with my brother over Super Bowl XII. Having watched all those Green Bay/Cleveland heartbreaks on NFL FILMS on numerous occasions, I found myself rooting for his eventual breakthrough as if I were transported back to the late 60's early seventies. That ICE BOWL loss was something. But as champions do, Landry steered his team through the mental anguish, further adding to his legacy. That he also stayed the course with his father-like image to so many of his players definitely impressed me, for he was cognizant that Professional Football is only a small portion of a man's like. (He later proved this is his last decade on earth after football.)

However the things that touched me the most about this tome is his Christianity and the love he shared with his wife Alicia. I felt his goodness burning through the pages, as his EVERYDAY Virtues inspire me to aspire for greatness when doing life's simple things.

Perhaps the best tribute of this man came in his passing. So many of his players came back; from Eddie Lebaron to Danny White, Don (MEREDITH), Craig (MORTON) and Roger (STAUBACH) mixed in between. When my day comes to shuffle off, I can only hope that I made a difference in lives as this man did. What a great man!!!! What a great Book!!!

A Blinding Tribute to a Great Man
It has always been easy to hate the Dallas Cowboys. One can point to their arrogance spawned by an extraordinary success spanning four decades. Perhaps the gruff, bull-like intensity of Tex Schramm was never endearing. The egotistical hillbilly antics of Jerry Jones is certainly a factor. And then there's Michael Irvin, Nate Newton, Duane Thomas, Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson, Jimmy Johnson, Barry Switzer, Don Meredith, Dan Reeves and...my God.....the list never ends.

But it has never been easy to hate Tom Landry. A constant monument for 29 years as head football coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Landry in many ways became the leader of professional football and, more importantly, the community of Dallas. "Landry: The Legend and the Legacy" author Bob St. John embraces this theme with his loving tribute to a man he covered for many years as sportswriter for The Dallas Morning News. Anyone who ever stood in the presence of Mr. Landry could sense his strong character and kind nobility. Bob St. John, undoubtedly, stood in his presence many times and he was certainly blinded by that aura.

I know Tom Landry had his faults, but you will be hard-pressed to find them in "Landry: The Legend and the Legacy." And that's why Bob St. John was the wrong man to author this biography. What a story this would be if a writer from outside of Texas could pen this multi-layered tome. In many ways, a great American is still waiting to be discovered.

But let's not get too negative here. "Landry: The Legend and the Legacy" is a terrific account of the life and times of the one and only Tom Landry - high school football star in Mission, Texas; University of Texas football player and assistant coach; New York Giants defensive back and punter; New York Giants defensive coach; friend and rival (and personal opposite) of Vince Lombardi; head coach of the Dallas Cowboys; loving family man; community volunteer; strong Christian; heartbreaking victim of modern-day business/sports.

Mr. Landry's story is never boring, though one of the most defining moments of his public life - his disturbingly insensitive firing at the hands of Jerry Jones - takes up a large portion of the first quarter of the biography. This is the highlight of the book. Bob St. John (and his editors) would have been better served to tell Landry's story in chronological order.

Certainly the most memorable and harrowing passages of the book are the retelling of those traumatic days leading up to his dismissal - termed the "Saturday Night Massacre" by Dallas sportswriters. These pages (and the long, overly-detailed chapter describing his funeral) should have closed this biography.

The greatness of Tom Landry was, if anything, strengthened by his own handling of his abrupt firing. This is properly detailed by Bob St. John, but once again, far too early in the book. What for many was a professional tragedy of mythic-like proportions, which to this day echoes in the minds of many long-time Dallas residents, should have been left for the closing and final chapters.

"Landry: The Legend and the Legacy" is a loving tribute to Coach Landry. If it was rushed to publication following his death in 2000 (it was), then perhaps after a few years of retrospection, a definitive account of this man's life can be written.

Landry - A huge disappointment!
It was with eager anticipation that i awaited receipt of what i thought would be a biography of a football legend. On its arrival i hurriedly opened the first page and started to read.
Landry starts with the great mans death and reads like a lengthy obituary column with eulogy after eulogy after eulogy.
There is NO balanced perspective, it is the sort of book that only a doting daughter/son or parent could write.
For all that, i suppose it is well written, just don't buy it if you are looking for an informative biography!

The best all-around portrayal of Landry

Tom Landry was the first, longest-tenured and most winning coach of the Dallas Cowboys, having guided them to 5 Super Bowls, 9 straight playoff appearances and 20 straight winning seasons -- pro football feats that were unprecedented at the time, and which may never be matched again by a single coach. His tactical innovations on offense and defense changed the strategies and techniques of football as no others have. Landry, arguably the greatest coach in NFL history, was also a great person -- beloved father and husband, decorated war combat veteran, powerhouse in charitable fundraising, unflappable in the face of pressure, and universally respected for his devotion to God and family (without being sanctimonious). In short, Landry was a rare man of rock-solid honor, class, self-discipline and dignity. Landry was also a human with human frailties over which he stumbled at times, a surprisingly sharp sense of humor, and a measure of professional stubbornness which may have undermined his final years with the Cowboys. St. John vividly depicts all these facets of America's Coach in a strong (but not fawning) style.

This is the best and most thorough Landry biography around, despite a few minor flaws. It reveals the many sides of Landry that the fans never saw, including an assortment of interesting personal milestones and events from childhood, college, and the years after his coaching career ended. St. John's presentation engenders a new level of respect and admiration of Landry, even for the fan already familiar with the coach's many accomplishments in football and in life. I finished this book in awe of Landry's personal character, inspired and determined through his example to be a better Christian, husband, father and worker. That is how powerful St. John's portrayal of Landry is.

The broken chronology seemed a little jarring at first -- with the final part of Landry's life depicted in reverse followed by a switch to childhood. In retrospect, though, it yielded a more sweeping perspective of his roots and life than would a strict chronology. The text is blemished slightly by poor editing: for example, a few incorrect scores, several typos and spelling mistakes (mainly with a few players' names). [Otherwise, this would be a solid 5-star assessment.] That aside, St. John's book is mandatory material for any Cowboys fan, and for any aficionado of sports biographies. ... Read more

Book Description

On the football field, he was an explosive force; a mold- breaking and bone-crushing linebacker who wreaked havoc on offenses each Sunday. But off the field, the fury that made Lawrence Taylor a Hall of Fame player put him on a runaway blitz to self-destruction.

LT:: Over the Edge is a smash-mouth memoir by one of the game's greatest players, an unsparing look at the giant of all Giants whose struggle with a cocaine habit was the only thing in his life he couldn't tackle with ease.

Raw and uncut, Taylor tells of his life from a small townin Virginia to becoming the most dominant defensive player of all time. Through a record ten straight All-Pro seasons, LT led the New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories, along the way revolutionizing the outside linebacker position. But the bright lights of Giants Stadium were nothing compared to the even brighter lights of New York City, where the King of the NFL held court all night long, fueled by booze, drugs, sex, and his own sense of invincibility.

Twice suspended from the league for substance abuse, Taylor walked away from the white lines of the football field to the far more alluring white lines of New York drug culture. Not one week after his retirement in 1993, he was on vacation and binging on coke. And so began an endless blur of years of all-nighters, prostitutes, and crippling paranoia that ended his marriage and very nearly cost him his life. But after several arrests, with the Hall of Fame beckoning, Lawrence Taylor finally stared down his toughest opponent -- himself -- entered rehab, and got clean. In 1999, in his first year of eligibility, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame -- the man who had raised hell on and off the field had lived through it all.

Filled with intimate and revealing stories from his teammates, coaches, family, and friends, LT: Over the Edge will forever change the way you look at the game of football and the indomitable Lawrence Taylor.

Reviews (20)

AVERAGE AS FAR AS SPORTS BIOGRAPHIES GO
Over the edge covers everything from LT's college days, through his career with the Giants to his post career problems. The book gives you a god idea of the lifestyle LT led off the field but doesn't go into too much detail. In a nutshell, he partied hard, had extra marital flings, but still managed to show up and give 100% on Sunday Afternoon. Having been a Giants fan for over 25 seasons, I had can say that. you'd never know that there were many a night that LT would show up at the stadium after being out till 8 am, and still manage to play a helluva game. The after career chapters, which detail LT's drug use make you feel some sympathy, but also angry that it took LT so long to clean his act up. Overall, This is a decent sports biography, one any football fan will appreciate.

Out of control
Lt can't seem to make up his mind in this book if he wants to sound contrite and sorry for his failings in life or brag about them. Admittedly the guy was as wild and uninhibited off the field as he was on it and some of his adventures in the world of drugs and sex make excellent reading. Lt was a great if not the greatest football player but off the field he was out of control. The premise of the book is that he landed on his feet and the reader should admire him for his recovery. However his descriptions of his wild life may sound more enticing to other readers. This is a story that seems to have another chaper or two in the wings. I like the guy and hope he is sincere in his desire to stay straight.

Lawrence Vs. LT
LT is very honest in recounting the disturbing details of his battle with drugs and a lifestyle that ultimately was out of control. Yes he became a different person as LT and lived off the field witht he same wild abandon that he brought to the game.
The stories are entertaining if somewhat predictable. Drugs, sex, more sex, etc...
MY problem with the book is that while Taylor is attempting to demonstrate his contrition for his bad behavior , especially toward his family, the tone of his descriptions of the wild times comes across as giddy and bragging.
The guy was the best football player I've ever seen and I am glad he landed on his feet after going through all of this.

Honest, but lacks depth and details.
In this book, Lawrence Taylor goes into his life of drugs, fast cars, lots of woman, and tons of money. He describes his life, but with not so much detail. In fact, a chunck of his book are actually quotes from other people intermingled within his text. The book is about 250 pages long with a large font. I bought so it would last me a while, but I started reading it at noon, and finished it before dinner.

The third person quotes are what really got to me. A portion of the quotes are self promoting, and other quotes just repeat what LT described in the previous paragraph. They hardly provided any insight into LT, but ruined the flow and continuity of the book in general.

The lack of detail is also apparent. There are many references to how fast he was and how he revolutionized the game, but he provides no expansion of this. No information on how fast he ran, or how much he can bench press, or what types of plays he helped revolutionize. In terms of a football book, it's virtually non-existent. He doesn't go into much detail on other parts of the books as well. He describes a lot of parties, bar hopping, fast driving, and throws a few general stories in there, but with only a few exception, nothing specific to hold on to.

Another bad part of this book is that in the end, he tries to evoke sympathy to which no one really can't.
This brings it back to his life story. The most admirable aspect of the book is that he is very honest with himself. He knew cocaine destroyed him, and sometimes goes into some depressing stories. He knew he was lazy sometimes, but he still played hard.

All in all, it's short, but extremely readable. It's more of an outline than a full fledged expose, but it's honest and somewhat shocking nonetheless.

An Outstanding, brutally honest book...Well Done!
My husband and I are longtime fans of the Giants and of LT. In fact, I read Mr. Taylor's first book. The writing style of this book was perfect. It couldn't have been written (or edited) any other way. For me, his troubling times, of which there were many, didn't bring disgust but rather sympathy and compassion. However, the way he treated his ex-wife was appalling. There is no sympathy from me for his lack of respect for his marriage vows. He spoke so highly of her, she (and their children) did not deserve to be humiliated in such a public manner. I know that its really none of my business but I'm glad they are on very friendly terms. And they certainly raised very fine, very classy children.
That said, I found Mr. Taylor's book extremely hilarious, due in part to the fact that all those outrageous antics were true. Very few books can make a reader laugh outright page after page, but this one can.
This was a great, great book. ... Read more

Book Description

Fans raved about the no-nonsense honesty and hilarious humor of Terry Bradshaw's New York Times bestselling memoir, It's Only a Game. Now, in Keep It Simple, the four-time Super Bowl winner, Football Hall of Famer, two-time Emmy-winning Fox NFL Sunday co-host, and popular inspirational speaker shares his thoughts on how to tackle life's most complicated problems.

You may not know it from Terry's many accomplishments -- his television commercials; his awards for sportsmanship, broadcasting, and public speaking; or his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -- but behind the warm smile and easy, down-home demeanor is a man who has lived and learned not just through his triumphs but mostly through his struggles.

Whether he's talking about recognizing and treating his attention deficit disorder, coping with his three failed marriages, accepting his fate as the benchwarmer everyone loved to hate during his early years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, or forgiving himself for spending $7,000 on those two ostrich eggs in a get-rich-quick scheme, in Keep It Simple Terry does it with the humor and honesty that has made him one of the most beloved personalities in sports history.

In chapters covering topics such as financial matters, surviving love, the value of teamwork, and overcoming adversity, Terry makes no attempt to become the next self-help guru. He offers the simple lessons he's learned through his faith, his family, and his friends.

"We are all searching for the same thing: a hand to hold and heart to understand," he says. "Keep it simple. Smile a lot. Be nice to other people....Life is a joy." ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent book
Maybe I'm biased because I like Terry Bradshaw. But I found this book so interesting, I could hardly put it down. He is an interesting person and outstanding story teller. I expecially enjoyed the stories about his football career. It really helped me understand what it must be like to play quarterback in the NFL and what goes on behind the scenes.

I don't like football but I liked this book.
I thought this book would be an auto-biography but it turned out to be a motivational book AND an auto-biography (two for one!). I just wanted to comment, for anyone like me who doesn't particularly enjoy football or well-known football players, that I enjoyed this book in spite of that. Besides being interesting, it's also entertaining and funny. When I decided to read it I thought I'd probably give up on it before I finished it. I was wrong. If you're undecided about reading it, I strongly recommend that you do. I don't think you'll be sorry.

Keep It Simple
Wow! This is an amazing book! As soon as I finished it, I started it again. Every human being needs to read this. It doesn't matter if you are a football fan or not, there is valuable information here that will make you a better person for having read. The man has an awesome sense of humor, and has lead a very exciting life. There is so much to him! His book the year before, "It's Only A Game" is also excellent reading. I can not think of any type of person who would not benefit from the words of wisdom contained within this book. Furthermore, this will do away with any misguided notions relating to his lack of intelligence. You are reading it here people - the man is brilliant. Check it out and see if I'm not right on this!

Terry ain't no Dr. Phil
This book has Terry Bradshaw's Public Trademark self-depreciating humor. It tells the reader Basic Stuff and platitudes to live by - focus on the positive, etc. etc. No deep Zen here. I enjoyed it for awhile - but something became more and more amiss. To mix football metaphors, he kept piling on the dead ball fouls until my patience clock ran out. Terry whines about his 3/3 marriages and divorces. Hey! Game over! Get on with it! An especially long and vitriolic rant is rained upon Divorce Lawyers. It becomes evident that what we have here is a misogynist attempting to hide under pseudo-humor. The guy whines for a June Cleaver Stepford Wife who just happens to be SI Swimsuit Issue cover-girl material. Pass this one.

Bradshaw - An entertaining author
If you like Terry Bradshaw, you'll love this book. It's as though he is spekaing to you directly with litle or no editing to make it read like a novel. It's a quick entertaining book with a lot of humor and common sense. It's worth the read. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A look into the mind of Brian Piccolo
This book enables the reader to empathize for Brian. He was a pro football player who battled with cancer at a time when there wasn't a lot known about cancer. Even if you don't like football you can appreciate the book for what it is. It is good for lots of ages as well. The book is good about explaining what was known about cancer at the time. It includes medical analysis of his hospital visits as well as interactions with his family and teammates.

Great Book
This book was great, althouhg Brian had a short seson he did much with his life and the story of his firendship with Gal Sayers was great. I loved the movie, Brians song, the book, I am Third, and this book, A short Seson. Every1 should buy this book. i find his life very important on reading about.

Brian Piccolo: A Short Season, but a Triumphant One
Brian Piccolo: A Short Season was marvelously written by Brian's close friend, Jeannie Morris. This book gives the readers a detailed view into his existence while still being discrete enough for the Piccolo family to remain happy with the biography/autobiography. Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo lived to be only 26 years of age, dying on June 16, 1970, from liver cancer. While his stay on this Earth was a brief and trying one, Piccolo made it count every single day. His story is of highs and lows, heroics and disappointments, comedy and despair, and, ultimately, tragedy. However, Piccolo lived his life ideally, paying tributes to various foundations while enjoying and loving life to the fullest. The book includes the entirety of this great man's life, from his young baseball-playing childhood to his record-setting career at Wake Forest College to his last days as a father, husband, and Chicago Bear. Piccolo was a spirit-lifting person among those he spent time with, before and after he was diagnosed with the fatal cancerous disease. His charm and wit grabbed his fellow players, his coaches, and, most importantly, the general public. While 'Pic' started only a handful of games for the Bears, he rarely if ever complained despite a burning desire to play the game he loved so dearly. Piccolo was a favorite among Chicago Bears fans, and although he backed up the legendary Gale Sayers, his team-first attitude and love for the game kept him afloat until that day when the prospect of a lifetime would arise and give him the opportunity to start. Even on his deathbed, Piccolo never gave up his hope for a miraculous recovery and return to the football field. After all, Brian Piccolo's heart was never the question; it was his liver which was diagnosed with cancer. Former Bears-teammate and close friend Johnny Morris summed up Pic's life in the foreword, remarking "Brian Piccolo made it to the top at 26."

Book project for Roger Bacon High School ...4th bell english
jan/10/01 I am also an athlete who has suffered many career threating injuries. Unlike Brian Piccalo i do not have a terminal disease. I can understand his determination of never wanting to quit playing the game no matter how bad he felt or how bad the news was. This goes to show one how great mind over matter really is. This book also reflects how important frienship and family really are, who will stand by you when the chips all come falling down.

I recommend this book to any athlete who s