Book Description

Celebrate the amazing career of the Dallas Cowboys’ star player, Emmit Smith!This commemorative book is loaded with fact-filled text and a stunning collection of full-color photographs spanning Smith’s Hall of Fame career.Turn the pages to:

- Relive the record-breaking performance that made Smith the NFL’s all-time leading rusher

- Witness Smith’s physical and mental strength as he struggled to overcome injuries

- Discover Smith’s emergence as the great spiritual leader of his legendary Cowboys team

- And much more!

Through the best and the worst, Smith has pushed on, earning a singular respect league-wide.This stupendous book celebrates that respect and Smith’s unprecedented achievements.It’s a valuable addition for the sports fan in your life! ... Read more

Book Description

He began with no athletic ability. His pass-catching skills were so bad that he was told he couldn’t catch a cold if he were butt-naked. He fell flat on his facemask during a six-minute jog. He was tormented by referees, subjected to rookie initiation pranks, called Rudy by fans and intimidated by a 250-pound ex-NFL player.

Welcome to Jeff Foley’s adventure in the Arena Football League. A five-foot-six, 180-pound writer, Foley is every bit the average individual. But the AFL’s Albany Firebirds agreed to let him join their squad as an offensive specialist/writer in 1999 and 2000. So, despite never having played a down of organized football – no Pop Warner, high school or college gridiron experience – Foley played in three professional contests, running pass patterns against seasoned athletes, competing in front of more than 10,000 people. He lived every fan’s dream. Or nightmare?

He endured grueling practice sessions, hits, injuries and road trips, and attended team meetings and meals. He was a part of locker room conversations. He was overjoyed by the thrill of success, and dealt with the disappointment that accompanies failure. Foley experienced all life in the AFL has to offer. And lived to write about it.

Reviews (16)

A new perspective
People often wonder what it would be like to live life over again - what they might change if they knew what they know now. I used to think that maybe I could have been more of an athlete and maybe a football player...but this book made me happy to be where I am, which is in the stands, where I belong. This book provides you a fabulous firsthand look at the life of a football player from inside the locker room and on the field. It's sometimes humorous, sometimes serious, but very entertaining the whole way through.

Even though it's the Arena League and not the NFL, it's no less of an accomplishment to make it to this level of competition. This really hits home when Jeff describes one player who quit the Firebirds training camp saying that he had no idea that guys in this league were as good as they were.

The opportunity for a writer to join a team in this manner to get this perspective and this story may never happen again, so if you ever thought you'd like another shot at life to become one of those guys you see on television, read this book...then join me in the stands.

Put the Journalist In
The Arena Football League (AFL) describes itself as the "50-Yard, Indoor War on the Floor." Though viewed by most fans as the minors of the National Football League (NFL), the AFL is in many ways much tougher. Most of the players play both offense and defense, they can't duck out of bounds, they always play on hard, artificial turf, and their salaries - by NFL standards - are pitiful. Jeff Foley's War on the Floor is an excellent look into this hardscrabble world of tough guys playing a tough game.

Foley, by his own admission, is not a tough guy. A scribe by profession, Foley write about the Albany (New York) Firebirds (now the Indianapolis Firebirds) not from the safety of press row but from the combat zones of the locker room, the practice fields, and the arena itself. Though he has no organized football experience himself and though slight in stature (5'8", 185), Foley convinced the team's owners to let him go through training camp as a player and try to appear in a pre-season exhibition game as a wide receiver. The story Foley tells is wonderfully entertaining.

When the 2000 pre-season workouts began, Foley was excited, anxious, and nervous, much like all the real ballplayers trying to make the squad. Then, as the double sessions intensified, Foley begins to question his own judgment and starts to worry about his health and safety should he really catch a pass in front of an angry linebacker or defensive back.

War on the Floor isn't just a football journal, however. Foley enlivens his prose with stories of his own youth and his personal life, so the reader has a real feel for this participatory journalist. He really is an average guy living out the fantasy of the average fan. One of the funniest scenes in the book occurs when Foley, along with all of his teammates, must see how many times he can bench press 225 pounds, 40 pounds more than his weight.

Foley also brings to life the stories of his colorful and hardworking teammates: "Touchdown" Eddie Brown, Mike "The Axe" Waldron, and Sean "Tusk" Tremblay, among others. Though these players will probably never cash an NFL paycheck, their love and passion for the game is obvious, and as Foley's teammates, they rally around him and his quest to make an on-field, game-time reception.

In addition to his 300 pages of stories and detailed descriptions, Foley includes 12 pages of photographs from his excellent adventure. The final photo shows a post-game Foley standing next to a fan holding a sign that reads, "Put the Journalist In." Believe me, if you're a football fan, Foley is one journalist you'll want in your library.

Living every football fan's dream
A book every true football fan should read. Author Jeff Foley is allowed to spend the preseason as a member of the Albany Firebirds of the Arena Football League, not as a reporter hiding in the shadows but as a true professional football player. That's the rule, he is to be treated just as any other player on the team. As a rookie he receives his share of hazing but also earns the respect and support of his team mates because Jeff proves his courage, heart and his unwillingness to quit. From pregame preparation talks to post game meetings, Jeff Foley shows that there really is a special man behind each and every face mask. The reader learns that even though the players come from different backgrounds and may even be compeating for the same roster spot, a team is a unique type of family. Locker room antics, childhood memories, daily practice sessions and the games are interlaced into a "can't put it down" story.

Behind the scenes on the playing field in arena football
I was very excited to read "War on the Floor" when I heard about it. I am a big Firebird's fan, and even though I didn't know about the team when they were in Albany, there are still some players that are on the Indiana team, and they by far are the best group of guys you'll ever meet!
Jeff tells about what it was like in the everyday routine of getting up early and having to be on a cold, rainy field to practice for the team. When he first arrived at training camp, the guys weren't sure if he was for real about playing and writing about the team. As days went by, Jeff became one of the guys, and he was determined to stick with the practices and "gassers", (and you'll just have to find out what I mean by this by reading the book)! Jeff endured the pain and the joy of being on an arena football team and tells what it is like and the determination to not quit when you start something! It talks about how the team members encouraged Jeff to not quit and to keep on!
Even if you are not a Firebirds fan, I think you will enjoy the book for its sincerity, laughs and plain downright competition.
As you will see, once a Firebird, always a Firebird!! I am waiting for the 2nd Edition of the "Tales of Achmel"! Happy reading!

Insights into Pro Football
What a great book for ANY sports fan! Jeff gives a great look into the behind the scenes activities of a pro football team. Even if you're not an AFL fan, the stories about the camaraderie, emotions, and preparation that both rookies and veterans undertake to make the team are revealing to all fans. And if you're not an AFL fan, check out your nearest team!
Jeff writes in a clear concise manner that actually puts the reader into the scenes. On the surface, many of the tales are about adult men, who never quite grew up. However, the hard work and conditioning that are required to succeed at any pro level show the intensity that these players can bring to the field.
The mood of the book swings between the Animal House antics of some of the veteran players (Hi Biggs!) and the heartbreak of getting cut.
All in all, an excellent read for any sports fan. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A VERY GOOD LOOK THE PACKER GREAT
THIS BOOK IS VERY INTERESTING, WELL WRITTEN, AND DONE WITH HONESTY. RAY'S TEAM ATTITUDE AND WORK ETHICS ARE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. HE WAS A BUTT KICKER AND A FORCE IN THE NFL. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ALL FOOTBALL FANS. TO GET A REAL GOOD LOOK AT HOW FOOTBALL SHOULD BE PLAYED READ THIS. ONE HELLUVA GOOD READ.
VERY RECOMMENDED.

a must read for "glory year" Green Bay Packers fans
Ray Nitschke gives great insight into the human side of professional football. Takes readers on a great journey, from being orphaned as child, to success with the Fighting Illini, and finally to near immortal status as a member of The Green Bay Packers. Definitely not your typical pro-athlete memoirs. ... Read more

Book Description

“Your to small” those were familiar words he heard from the critics growing up. With his blend of charisma and unparallel work ethic, overachieving talent and fierce determination, Sean Stellato defines the underdog. “There is so much I have learned throughout my career that I am looking forward to giving back to today’s youth.”

Now, in the same committed way he approached the game. Sean takes us into his life and onto the field. With his faith and detail, he talks about the influence of his parents, the work ethic they instilled in him, constant love they always displayed towards him at a young age, his true inspiration and guidance of significant others that kept him on course to conquer his dreams.

The commitment he has made to God has saved him and shaped him into the man he is today. He takes us back to Salem, Massachusetts a city rich in history, where be broke several school records and overcame tremendous adversity. A couple of particulars acts that almost cost him his life. He talks about his college career playing two Division I sports and finding time to get it done in the classroom as well as finding the love of his life. He reveals his struggles in the land of strictly business. He gives the reader a preview of one of the fastest growing sports in the USA, Arena Football. ... Read more

Book Description

The Other Sides of an Uncommon Athlete

There are athletes and there are uncommon athletes...and then there is Robert Smith, who fits no conventional mold.In The Rest of the Iceberg, the Minnesota Vikings’ all-pro and Ohio State All-American tells his full and complete story for the first time since his surprise retirement in February 2001.Told through the remarkable prism of Smith’s eyes, this book will take you on a journey to places you’ve never been...and won’t forget. ------

At times in our society, we long to be like everyone else, or failing that, at least fit in. But at the same time, we are also ultra-competitive and long to stand out from the rest of the crowd—not to be different, but to be special. It almost sounds silly, but being "special" helped me stand out from the beginning. For one thing, I had the gift of speed.It’s not that I wasn’t a bright or charming boy. In fact, I was considered to have both of those qualities. But when you’re a kid, athletic prowess is considered the best of all talents...I was like a sideshow performer at recess or gym. We would set up races and when some loud-mouth kid wanted to race me, I’d give him this huge advantage...and still win. It was my introduction to the pure joy of running.—From The Rest of the Iceberg ... Read more

Book Description

Written by CSU graduate Bob Schaller, the book details Sonny Lubick's childhood in Butte, Mont., his long tenure as a college coach and his nine seasons at CSU. The paperback, includes a forward and introduction by Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops.

After surviving Hurricane Andrew while an assistant coach at the University of Miami, Sonny Lubick had to make a decision—stay at Miami or set out on his own path and return to a program where he had been an assistant coach.

Though he savored his time at Miami, he chose Colorado State and built the cellar-dwelling Rams into a conference champion and nationally ranked program. But Lubick has never chosen the easiest route, instead weighing in such factors as family, friends and happiness.

Growing up in Butte, Montana, Lubick suffered two serious injuries—one while working in a mine and the second while playing baseball. Yet he came back, and finished his education before later becoming head coach at Montana State University.

Read about Sonny Lubick’s "family" approach to coaching at Colorado State University and how values like character, honesty, perseverance and hard work led to one of the most recognized jobs of coaching in college football.

There are times to travel to places like Miami where one can reach for the top. And there are other times when one has to decide to bring the top back home. It’s all about chasing dreams while keeping the proper perspective to Lubick.

Though offers of jobs from Miami to Southern California came Lubick’s way while his building of Colorado State was underway, he never wavered in his commitment to finish what he started. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Amazing Book
I grew up being a UW Cowboy and therefore hating the Rams of CSU, but after reading this book I would have to say that Sonny Lubick is one of hereos! This book was amazing and I just could not put it down. This is a must read for any football fan, or anyone who is a fan of overcoming life and the triumph of the human soul! GREAT BOOK!!!

Ram Pride
A must read for any CSU fan or aspiring coach. I didn't want the book to end. ... Read more

Book Description

"I used to play a little tennis with him - for Ditka, tennis was a contact sport" -Tom Landry.

You may love him, you may hate him. But whatever you think of Da Coach, you know he ducks no punches.

Tough, no-holds-barred stories told by Ditka's drinking buddies, combative players, loyal teammates, friends and fans, show Da Coach through the eyes of the people closest to him. Raucous and amusing, Da Coach proves that Ditka's no-nonsense attitude and give-'em-hell demeanor on the playing field was certainly no act. Da Coach contains accounts from such football legends as: *GALE SAYERS, DICK BUTKUS, and WALT GARRISON, remember going shoulder to shoulder on the gridiron with the monster of the midway himself * JIM McMAHON, MIKE SINGLETARY, and THOMAS "HOLLYWOOD" HENDERSON, share incredible stories of Da Coach's intense sideline strategizing, skirmishes, and scuffles * TOM LANDRY, DAVE McGINNIS, BOB COSTAS, and a host of other coaches and colleagues, recount Ditka's early years as a renegade roughhouser and his incredible success as the man in charge of the 1986 NFL Champions, the Chicago Bears.

Da Coach celebrates the life and colorful times of a true sports original who has it all-guts, glory, and personality to spare.

RICH WOLFE lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and is a sports marketing consultant.His previous books are Sports Fans Who Made Headlines and I Remember Harry Caray. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Red Grange Story a Winner
An inspirational book. The Grange-Morton combination has scored the literary equivalent of a perfectly planned and executed touchdown march.

Football's first star
The 1920s were the "Golden Age" of sport. Bobby Jones, Jack Dempsey, Bill Tilden, Babe Ruth and Red Grange were immortalized in the newspaper accounts of Grantland Rice, Damon Runyon, Heywood Broun and others. In the early 1950s, Grange told his story to Ira Morton, a Chicago sportswriter and fellow Illini.

Red Grange was a huge star and gate attraction, a primary reason for the success of the infant NFL, organized in 1922. His gridiron exploits - first at the University of Illinois, later with the Chicago Bears - earned him the nickname "Galloping Ghost". Despite fame, Grange remained humble. Through high school and college, he worked summers hauling ice to pay for his education and condition his body for football. His adventures in Hollywood at the dawn of talking pictures remind us some things don't change.

A knee injury early in his pro career slowed Grange, but he adjusted to his limitations - he played quarterback more often - and earned his spot as a charter inductee of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Upon retirement from playing in 1934, he took on several business ventures and became a broadcaster, paving the way for a host of ex-athletes in many sports. Grange is a fine example of sport as character builder. He was a great runner, but fully acknowledged the essential contributions of his coaches and teammates.

2003 marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of his autobiography and the centennial of his birth (June 13). Read this book as a way to celebrate both. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Is there any hope?
Well I read this book and it was very informative and inspiring at the same time. But what was so sad, it that it is true. I have seen this happen first hand myself but what can a black woman do about it. Maybe someone else who reads this book can tell me because it seems like we as a race of people are doomed! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Must Read for Pro Football Fans
This is kind of an update of the 1979 autobiography Halas by Halas. This is undoubtedly a MUST READ for any professional football fan. It is an absolutely fascinating look at the founding of professional football and its history up to 1986.

We get to hear first hand what it is like to play against Jim Thorpe by somebody who was actually there! We also get a first hand account of how the game was played, how the NFL was formed, and how it progressed.

Highly recommended.

PAPA BEAR AT HIS FINEST
I THINK THIS IS A REALLY GOOD BOOK. MR. HALAS DISCUSSES THE EARLY DAYS OF PRO FOOTBALL. HIS HAND IN HELPING FORM THE LEAGUE IS EXTREMELY INTERESTING. HIS RETELLING OF RED GRANGE AND JIM THORPE IS EXCELLENT. HE TOUCHES ON MANY DIFFERENT ERAS AND FACETS OF PRO FOOTBALL. THE HISTORY OF THE CHICAGO BEARS IS WELL TOLD BY PAPA BEAR. ONE OF THE FINER POINTS IS THE INTRODUCTION OF TELEVISION AND IT'S EFFECT ON THE GAME MAKE THIS BOOK A WINNER.
VERY RECOMMENDED.

Halas, A football Classic
Have you ever wondered how professional football and the NFL got started? Turn to this book for your answers. Find out how the oldest team in professional football got started and where the Chicago Bear traditions got started. Find out what that "G.S.H." stands for on the side of those Navy and Orange jerseys. Even find out how those jerseys became Navy and Orange. This book is something everybody who is a fan of football or more especially, the Bears should definitely read. Only drawback is that Halas carries on a little too far about explaining his favorite games. A must read for any NFL fan though. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Tells of a master of reverse psychology
Paul "Bear" Bryant was a football coach rightly beloved by fans of the Alabama Crimson Tide, for his team won six national championships, thirteen Southeastern Conference titles, and twenty-four consecutive appearances in bowl games from 1959 through 1982. Those who knew him best continue to love him, and Al Browning's I Remember Paul "Bear" Bryant is heartfelt testimony to that love. Dozens of his friends and acquaintances, from former football players to childhood friends to family to opponents on the field reminisce in their own words the man they knew. I Remember Paul "Bear" Bryant tells of a master of reverse psychology; a steely disciplinarian; and a truly kind human being beneath the tough-as-nails exterior. Paul Bryant has moved on from this life, but he will not be forgotten. Recommended for anyone who would wish a glimpse into the life of one of the greatest football coaches who ever lived. ... Read more

Book Description

Dan Devine: Memoirs of a Hall of Fame Coach is the autobio- graphy of the former University of Missouri and Notre Dame head football coach. As head coach at Arizona State, Devine accumulated a 27-3-1 record. From 1958-1970, he guided Missouri to a 93-37-7 mark. Devine also served as the head coach and Green Bay Packers. Inducted into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 1985, his 1977 Notre Dame squad captured the National Championship. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Confessions from an Ex Packer Head Coach
Devine finally confesses that he leaked a untrue story to Time Magazine and SI about how a crazed Packer fan had killed his dog. The real story was that he lived in rural Wisconsin and allowed his dog run loose. The dog was known to have been killing farm neighbor's ducks. He was warned several times and then one morning when the dog was attempting to kill more ducks the farmer shot the dog (not hanged, not skewered). In his confession he admits it was HIS FAULT for allowing the dog to continue to roam unsupervised.

You can't doubt his coaching success, but to allow this story to continue on for decades before coming clean sure leaves plenty of doubt about his character. As a former Notre Dame Alum and born and raised Packer fan, I still think he was one hell of a college coach. This is a very good book and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of college football. I am glad that he ultimately came clean on that ugly story that tarnished the residents of Green Bay and the neighboring farm communities.

Great book, Great man, Great family
This is a great book of a great man who managed to coach and raise a wonderful family with the help of a wonderful wife. There should be more families like this. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A GOOD LOOK AT A NICE GUY
I REALLY ENJOYED READING THIS. MARCUS DOES A GOOD JOB DESCRIBING HIS CAREER WITH THE RAIDERS AND CHIEFS. HIS CRITICISM OF AL DAVIS AND RAIDER ORGANIZATION IS EXTREMELY INTRIGUING. ALSO INTERESTING IS HIS DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE OJ MURDER TRIAL AND HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH OJ AND HIS WIFE. THIS IS WELL WORTH YOUR TIME.
A MUST READ.

Excellent insight to the Raider organization!
After reading this book, I was amazed at the things that went on between Al Davis and Marcus. How Marcus stayed in Los Angeles that long amazes me. This book covers Marcus' life before football, during high school, at USC and the heisman, and being drafted by the Raiders and then ending up at Kansas City. Marcus talks about the O.J. fiasco and how it changed his life. This book is excellent for any football fan and shines light on the dark side of being a Raider.

Sometimes Nice Guys Finish First
This is not your typical Professional Jock Worship book, primarily because (1) very little of the narrative is taken up with descriptions of individual games or plays, (2) Carlton Stowers is an excellent writer who portrays Marcus well, and (3) Marcus himself is an intelligent and thoughtful person who has had a fascinating life to date.

The real heroes of this book are Marcus' parents, Harold (Red) and Gwen Allen, who put the necessary time and effort into providing their children with the integrity that has made Marcus successful.

This is a book of contrasts and conflicts, the first of which are with Al Davis, owner of the Oakland Raiders. Marcus despises Al and is candid in describing his reasons. Anyone who is not familiar with Al Davis might think Marcus is exaggerating, but those who are familiar with him will find the criticism reasonable, if not understated. Corroboration for his descriptions of Al's eccentricities may be found in "Slick: The Silver and Black Life of Al Davis" by Mark Ribowsky [ISBN: 0-02-602500-0], a highly entertaining biography that is now out of print but may be available through a used-book service.

The other interesting contrast is that between Marcus and his friend O.J. Simpson. As Marcus described Nicole Simpson's death and the subsequent murder trial, I kept asking how these two men, similar in so many ways, could have ended up so differently. As I said at the outset, the real heroes of the book are Marcus' parents.

Best football autobiography i have ever read
He shows an amazing insight into what really goes on in the dirty world of american football. To the specifically vindictive nature of Al Davis towards Marcus, to the heartfelt news which so totally devasted him upon learning of the revelation of O.J.!! Written we a great deal of intelligence almost as if he was a best selling novelist. Definitely makes you support the Chiefs whenever they play the Raiders, even though i support the Seahawks. Maybe now Marcus has retired he will put pen to paper more often, I certaintly will purchase any of his material. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

This Story Has The Things That Dreams Are Made Of
After reading this book, I truly do believe that all things are possible. Kurt Warner has a truly remarkable story to tell.

In All Things Possible, I knew the final outcome. Unless you live in a cave, eveyone knew that Kurt Warner had a super season, capped off with a Super Bowl victory, picking up the game's MVP award. However, this book did more than go behind the scenes of that incredible season. It introduced us to Kurt Warner, the person.

He has had one incredible life. In this book, he touches upon everything, from his personal life struggles to being cut by the Green Bay Packers and having to work at a supermarket. We also meet his family, including his wonderful wife, Brenda. His story is one of overcomming seemingly unbeatable odds. Warner was constantly having to battle serious problems that always seemed to be hurled at him at the most difficult times. He never gave up, and his faith in the higher power is one that should not be taken lightly.

In this book, Warner is incredibly candid and does not hold anything back. He is straightforward and always honest. He hides nothing, and that is what truly makes this book an inspirational and enjoyable read. The personal stories add feeling and sometimes humor to the wonderfully written account of him and his family.

All Things Possible has something for everybody, including a nice romance in the background. His marriage proposal still brings a smile to my face. Kurt Warner tells his interesting story in a straightforward, yet nicely detailed language that allows you to keep turning pages as fast as he racks up passing yards. This book is more than just another athlete's story. It serves as an inspiration to keep pursuing your dream, whatever that may be, by believing in yourself. Any, if not all, things are possible.

Nice guys finish first
An easy and enjoyable read; not a Hemmingway or Vonnegut by any stretch but it certainly tells a compelling story. I told people to draft Kurt Warner for their fantasy teams when he became the starter for the Rams because I had seen him play (in person) for the Iowa Barnstormers and his accuracy was unreal. I already knew a lot of his background but the book really examines in detail the hardships Kurt faced and the perserverance and faith he possessed on this wild ride. Simply put, Kurt Warner's story is a story for the ages and possibly the greatest underdog sports story of all time. What he did in 1999 and early 2000 is almost incomprehensible but he did it, and the NFL will never be the same. Plus, he is a genuinely nice guy. Sometimes nice guys do finish first.

The Rise of a Star

All Things Possible is the autobiography of football star Kurt Warner. Though in the media his story is often related as a meteoric rise to stardom, we learn that it was only through time, perseverance and God's grace that Warner ever got a chance to live out his dream.

I was drawn to Kurt Warner's story for several reasons. First, I am a fan of the St Louis Rams, the team with which Warner has had his success. Second, I love stories about underdogs, and Warner's story is just that. Third, I love to read about other Christians and the experiences that shaped them.

Kurt Warner was an underdog and no stranger to rejection. For years he faced rejection as he tried to live out his dream of playing professional football. He was turned down by the major colleges, eventually ending up at the University of Northern Iowa where he spent three years being a backup and only one year leading the team. When he graduated he went undrafted in the NFL entry draft and was passed up by every professional league. This went on for several years until finally he accepted a position as quarterback in the lowly Arena League. After two seasons of leading the Iowa Barnstormers, he was given a chance to play in NFL Europe and finally, at the age of twenty seven, was picked up by the St Louis Rams. He spent his first season in the big leagues as a third string quarterback and saw action in only one game. By the 1999 season he had moved up to the position of backup quarterback, and after an injury to the primary quarterback, found himself right where he wanted to be. He was untested, unproven and no one believed he would make an impact.

Who could have foreseen the season Warner would have? Warner's 1999 season was one of the most successful seasons ever for a quarterback and the most successful for the Rams as Warner led the team to a Superbowl victory while picking up the league's Most Valuable Player award.

Kurt Warner is a Christian and credits his faith for his success. He never misses an opportunity to tell others about his faith and is probably the most vocal Christian professional athlete.

Though I enjoyed the story, I found the book poorly written. It used many colloquialisms and it is not unusual to read sentences such as, "They were like, 'Yeah right.'" He also speaks about being "totally bummed out." Warner also comes across as a tad pretentious and proud. I believe he is a humble man who is well aware of Who is responsible for his success, but does not always convey that as accurately as he might like.

All-in-all this is an enjoyable book and represents what is hopefully only the first chapter of Warner's career. He is a man who has faced countless hardships and has persevered in faith. If sports figures are to be role models in our society, I am glad that there are men like Warner who proudly proclaim their faith.

Note. The book ends at the end of the 1999 season. The next season Warner was very good, but missed several games due to injuries. In 2001 he again led his team to the Superbowl but lost the big game when New England scored a last-second field goal. In 2002 he missed more than half the season to injuries and looked very bad when he was playing. In 2003 he won the starter's job, but played terribly and was benched after the first game. It is expected that 2004 will find him on a new team where he will have the change to be a starter once again.

Slightly Above Average Athlete's Autobiography
I generally dislike autobiographies in general, and athletic autobiographies in particular. I just believe it takes a really unique individual to convey their story as objectively as possible. But, my wife's best friend, Sarah, gave this book to me about a year ago (she loves Warner and the Rams) and I've finally gotten around to reviewing it.

To his credit, Warner is very upfront about a lot of things, notably his religion. He is a very devote Christian and it is nice to see someone stand up for their beliefs in an age where a lot of people literally hide their beliefs. And his story is rather compelling; a quarterback who came from nowhere to lead his team to an NFL championship.

But, there's a recurring problem with these books. They always seem very rushed and it seems that either the winning coach or the winning quarterback from the Super Bowl each year is expected to hurry their life story onto the market. The problem is, these guys generally still have a lot of life left to live, so why not wait until they are retired (as in retirement age, not just retired from their sport) to tell us their life story? I know, I know, in fifty years no one may even rember Kurt Warner, so I guess you strick while the iron is hot. But I would almost much rather read about how he is dealing with his current struggles in the NFL, rather than culminating with his crowning moment.

Like most of these type books, it's relatively short on intropestion. But it is a bit above average for an athlete's autobiography, made more interesting by the struggles Warner and his wife faced before he finally made it in the NFL. If you are a fan of Warner, you'll love it. Otherwise, its an okay read on a day at the beach.

A GREAT AMERICAN story, rags to riches? It's beyond that....
Just a great book. The message of never giving up should be carried out by all who have dreams! From getting cut time and time again to stepping in after Trent Green got hurt..Warner had one of the most productible and amazing seasons a professional athlete could ever have!

Yup, it's true, he's not a heisman winner, no first round pick, worked at a grocery store while playing semi-pro ball just so he could pay the bills! His love for his wife and her son was compelling, this guy is noble and it's to bad there are not more athletes out there like him!

All things possible...Kurt Warner took the impossible, ate it up, spit it out, kept on truckin, and ended up going all the way to being regular season and Super Bowl MVP. That superbowl was one of the greatest ever, a nail biter in which Kurt never waivered, taking his team to victory! Read this book!! ... Read more

Book Description

Published to widespread critical acclaim, Vince has been called: "the definitive biography" of an American legend. With stunning revelations and anecdotes, Vince Lombardi's life is pieced together with painstaking care in research, detail, and historical accuracy. Based on more than two hundred interviews, including those who played with him and against him, from his early coaching days at St. Cecilia High School in New Jersey to West Point, the New York Giants, and his championship seasons with the Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins. Drawing upon unpublished Lombardi family papers, Vince clarifies the thirty years of mystery and contradiction that have swirled around the legend of Vince Lombardi.

Vince goes beyond the sidelines to reveal the true character of Lombardi. He was dedicated and narrow, intelligent and dogmatic, self-restrained yet emotional, abusive yet apologetic. His moods could swing from deep gloom to soaring exuberance in seconds. He was compassionate, kind, charitable. He could also be gripped by uncontrollable anger. Above all, Vince paints a portrait of a very human man who committed his life to winning.

Reviews (1)

Thorough, well-researched bio of Lombardi
This is a very good book, but not a great one. Vince does well describing Lombardi through his actions and the impact he had on those around him, especially his former players. Everything is written in a clear and easily understood manner, especially his paradoxical nature.

However, it does not clear my threshold as a great book. A great book would have involved me not as a viewer from afar, but as a fly in the locker room. Since O'Brien did not play for Lombardi, I was hoping for more insight of how his players felt. I never got emotional reading this book, and emotion is a large part of what Lombardi was about.

Basically, it reads like an exquisitely written research paper. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Touchdown Tommie
The biography I read for my second book of the semester was "Touchdown Tommie". The name Tommie referred to Tommis Frazier of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The author of this interesting biography was Bob Schaller. It portrayed Tommie growing up in Florida to him as a star at Nebraska. This book was published in 1998. "Touchdown Tommie" is probably not located in the Valley Library but can be found in your local book store. The beginning of this book started with Tommie Frazier's childhood. Then the story went on to the recruting that all the top colleges did to try and get Tommie to play for them. The most interesting parts are the stories of the tough times that Tommie went through at Nebraska and then later on in the CFL (Canadian Football League). This biography was similar to one that I read about Michael Jordan. In that book, it talked about his life and then his hard times. Michael's most difficult time was when he was not very good at basketball in high school. Tommie's greatest struggle was a little more serious. He had blood clots in his legs in college. Those clots seriously jeopardized his athletic career at Nebraska and the NFL(National Football League). This biography was written in a very straight-forward manner and was easy to understand. That was important for me. I thought that the author used good facts about Tommie's career at Nebraska and also the dynasty of Nebraska over the years. Also, the topic of the book, that was obviously football, was one of my interests. I think this book was a good model for writing because in each chapter it really explained the main point of the chapter clearly. It also got the point across without confusing the reader. It also was good because there were some metaphors that were easy to identify and essential for living your life. The metaphor I learned was when you face an obstacle you must work hard to overcome it. Another lesson I learned was to not get big-headed like many college players do. Tommie Frazier did not. Maybe that was part of the reason he had success in life and on the football field. Although I thought this book was outstanding, I could see some things that not all readers would like. For example, if people do not like the Nebraska Cornhuskers, they would be interested in reading this book. I think that even if you did not like the team, it was still good to read. You could learn some things about life regardless of who you were. On the same note, the football theme is throughout the book. If you dislike football, it could be difficult to read the book. However, in my opinion, I give this book an 8 out 10.

brief but very descriptive of his life at Lincoln
This book was very good. Bob Schaller does a very good job portraying Tommie.Bob tells of tommies recruiting decisions between the colleges that wanted to recruit him and his troubles with the media. My favorite part of the book was the last part when tommie gives his top 15 things that will make you a better person. ... Read more