Book Description

The life and career of Reggie White is remembered in this new book, Reggie White: A Celebration of Life, 1961- 2004. Fans can look back through the career of the "Minister of Defense" from his early days with the Philadelphia Eagles, to his glory days with the Green Bay Packers, to his retirement and untimely death in December, 2004.

Reggie White had a football career that will certainly place him among the all-time greatest defensive ends in NFL history. He was also the NFL's all-time sack leader at the time of his retirement in 2000. More than just a football player, Reggie White was an ordained minister and worked in developing programs for urban youth. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Excellent story line
I recently read "The Courting of Marcus Dupree" and found it to be exciting and spell binding. My entire family was caught up in it. The book is an excellent tale of the birth of a young Black male in a troubling time for the South. The way Willie Morris related Marcus' birth and powerful strength to the struggle of his town and state was awesome, he should be the Mayor of Philadelphia or the Governor of Mississippi. I expected the book to be totally about football but it proved to be much more. It made you laugh and cry at times because of the tremendous pressure on Marcus Dupree, the 17 year old athlete that was blessed with such miraculous skills. The book made you feel like you were at the games when he made some of the beautiful plays. It was so intense that you wanted to get to the next page, but never wanted the book to end. I wish it was reprinted.

An Interesting Tale of Football and the South
I read this book again recently and it was better than I remembered. It was so interesting to see how one 17 year old boy could dominate one small town's conversations. I expected this book to be a tale of a high school football star and his recruitment, but I got more, much more. Willie Morris examines the importance of football in Mississippi and how Marcus brought blacks and whites together with his play. He had insight in to Marcus that nobody outside of his family and high school coach could have had. Overall, a great read.

A great read even if you are not a football fan
As an OU fan and a person who remember Marcus Dupree light up Norman during his brief time, I was very excited to have a little bit more background on this fascinating person.

The book hits several different topics. Obviously his recruitment of many football schools at times take center stage. But much of the book also discusses the effect of a black athlete becoming a state hero in Mississippi and gaining fans of all races. The foil of Dupree's time to that of two decades earlier when three cival rights activists were brutally murdered by the Klan. And the author, Willie Morris, contrasting and comparing his life with what he sees around him while following Dupree.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a great personal account that takes you back to 1981 Mississippi, civil rights, and the power of football.

An all-time favorite
I was expecting a good read about the recruitment of a football player, and got that along with a fascinating tale of civil rights in the South. This is on my top 20 list of the best sports books ever written, partly because it's not solely about sports.

Do You Really Know Him?
I had the chance to read, "The Courting of Marcus Dupree." It is an excellent book.

I must agree, Marcus is witty, funny and a charm. He has a majestic technique that steals your soul. I know when we first met that I was mesmerized. And I was intrigued by his smooth talk. However, I learned that not everything that looks good is good.

In response to the comment, on February 28, 1999, "Marcus Dupree, the man, the myth, the legend," I wonder do you really know him? To meet someone for the very first time and think you know them is very premature. Well, I thought, I knew him. But unto my beliefs, I was mistaken. I found out that because you are intimate with someone is not justification to really knowing him. Yes, I was blinded. But I am no longer.

In the future, I hope you really get to know him, before you make such a statement. ... Read more

Book Description

In Beyond Xs and Os: My Thirty Years in the NFL Hanifan talks about all of the players he has coached over the years and offers his comments, opinions and stories about some of the greatest coaches in the game, including Don Coryell, Joe Gibbs and Dick Vermeil. Hanifan began his coaching career at the high school level in California, and over the years he has also coached junior college, college and professional football. Most of his career in the NFL has been as an assistant coach, in charge of the offensive line, and he has become known as one of the best teachers in the game. Many experts believe that Hanifan should become the first coach elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame based largely on his success as an assistant coach. Hanifan also spent six years as the head coach of the St. Louis Cardinals and gives readers an inside look at why it is so hard to succeed in the league. He also provides numerous humorous anecdotes about what goes on in the locker r! oom and on the sidelines. Now an assistant coach for the St. Louis Rams, Hanifan was part of the 1991 Washington Redskins Super Bowl-champion team as well as the 1999 Super Bowl-champion Rams. He also coached with the San Diego Chargers and the Atlanta Falcons during his long and distinguished career and has stories to tell about those years as well. With a foreword by Hall of Famer Dan Dierdorf setting the tone, this book is a must-read not only for St. Louis football fans but for all NFL fans. ... Read more

Book Description

Superstar Deion Sanders tells his powerful life story and reveals how power, money and sex could not satisfy the void in his life—a void ultimately satisfied by his relationship with Christ. A photo section included in this national best-seller.

Reviews (14)

Depicts how Sanders grows out of adolescence into manhood.
For any man who has ever had problems with "power, sex or money," this is a must-read. This book covers the trials and triumphs of one of the NFL's most controversial - yet entertaining athletes of all-time. Find out where Deion receives the necessary strength to play in both the World Series and the Super Bowl. You'll be amazed!

Prime Time's Quest to Christ
Wow! The life and times of Deion Sanders is most definitely a most unique and touching story. Who would think that a man with so much going for himself: fame, fortune, women and much more would want to commit suicide? It just goes to show the public that material gifts don't bring happiness without those who love us in our lives on a daily basis.

Due to hearing the numerous testimonies of Sanders (and others outside of pro sports and the entertainment industry) on ESPN and Christian networks, I am trying to take those extra steps to put Christ in my life full time.

I must admit, I loved the non-religious Deion Sanders. He was so conceited and filled with so much arrogance, and my goodness was he entertaining! However, by seeing the new Deion Sanders, I admire him even more because it takes lots of courage to make the transformations and sacrifices he has made.

I've read a little over half of Deion's book thus far, so I'm informed about part of his journey to spirituality. Now, it's time for me to read the other half of his book and get the complete story of how Deion found "The Big Guy In The Sky."

Job well done by Deion and his editor, Jim Nelson Black on bringing us a most uplifting story for all readers to take part in.

Finally, I just want to say: Keep doin' what ya doin' Deion and don't change. Keep safe and God bless!

Prime Time's Years of Slime Time
Let me start off by saying I like Deion Sanders, otherwise I never would have purchased his book. And I admire the fact that the man has come a LONG way and overcome many obstacles to accept Christ into his life.
However, I do have a major complaint - well, two to be totally honest.
One, Deion seems to blame all his past problems on others. Even though Deion admits he was hell on wheels and self destructive for a time, he still doesn't take responsibility for many of his actions in this book. The time in Cincinnati, when he played for the Reds, when he got into an altercation with a security guard while he was riding around in a golf cart. Everyone knows Deion made that situation worse than it ever could have been, but in Deion's retelling of the story, the security guard provoked him. There are several more stories like this one, where Deion was involved in something that escalated because the other party in the dispute was out to "get him". I'm not going to say that everything that has happened to Deion is his fault, but let's be real - a lot of it is. I'm surprised, as a christian, that Deion hasn't stepped up to the plate and taken a little more responsibility for his past actions. I'm not judging Deion, but I must admit my disappointment.
The other problem I had with the book, and this is most likely not Deion's fault but rather the authors, is that his "escapades" are glamourized, instead of downplayed. I've read several biographies written by famous people - athletes, politicians, actors, etc - and they all are guilty of this. I understand the risk you take as a writer, explaining the past deed and attempting to unfold what happened, but doing so in a manor that is interesting to the reader. When this happens, it's every easy to glamourize the story, instead of exposing it for the bad thing that it was.
Overall, an entertaining read, albeit somewhat short to my surprise.

My Review on Deion's Book....
Overall, I really enjoy Deion and I was looking forward to reading his autobiography, but I have to say I was somewhat disappointed. It wasn't as 'thorough' as I thought - and his cockiness and self-centeredness really showed. I still enjoy him, and I wish him the best on his journey with Jesus.. I just pray that he's sincere.

Deion has always been a class act
I've always dug Deion Sanders.To Me he has been the Most Complete Athlete of His Time.cuz He is a Good Baseball Player&A Great Football Player.but More Importantly The Brother is Very Honest with Himself&His Surroundings.he has come full circle&has Inner Peace.this is a Great Book. ... Read more

Book Description

Thirty years ago, the surgeons said that he would never wear a football uniform again.Thirty years later, they laughed – they said he was too old …They were wrong!And there he was, 45 years old – wearing a Chicago Bears uniform.Thirty years removed from a fractured spine.Thirty years removed from hearing the terrifying words, “you might never walk again.”Two minutes from exiting a locker room at Halas Hall, the training camp for the Bears – the culmination of a thirty-year dream.And there he was, sitting alone in that locker room, captured in a glorious, reflective moment.Based on a true story, this book tells of a man who prayed for a miracle, the family that stood by him, an agent who believed in a seemingly impossible dream, a professional football team with a heart as big as the NFL, and the small New England town that cheered on its aging champion.Soon, you’ll be cheering too.It’s the story that proves that you are never too old … That it is never too late …That nothing is impossible! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Nitschke is Football
Ray Nitschke is a symbol of a football era that has passed. He played the game for enjoyment not for money. Unlike current players, he was grateful to the fans and never passes up an autograph seeker. Truly, there will never be another Ray Nitschke.

Edward Gruver began putting this biography together before Nitschke's death. Much of the information was gained in interviews with Nitschke. Because many of the stories are in his own words, it lends authenticity to the story. Gruver interviewed teammates and opponents to get their perspective of Nitschke. The result is the best rounded biography of the man who is arguably the best middle linebacker in NFL history.

Aside from the stories of his playing days, the book also looks at Ray Nitschke the man. He lived through a rough childhood to become an unlikely recipient of a scholarship to Illinois. Although he dreamed of playing for the Bears, he made Green Bay his home only a few seasons after he was drafted. After getting married, Nitschke changed from a rough bar room brawler to a family man. His nasty on-field persona was left on the field. Nitschke was involved in numuerous charities. However, his family came first.

Nitschke is an easy read, that is historically accurate and well written. My one objection to the book is my feeling that some of the stories could have been expanded up further. Nevertheless, this is an excellent read for Packer fans.

A Great Book about a Great Man
My brother got to meet Ray in San Diego at the Super Bowl in 98'. His account of the meeting and of course an autograph is totally in line with Ed Gruver's account of this fine human being. In my opinion, Ray exemplifies everything that was great about the NFL and the great Packer teams in the early years of Pro Football. A great warrior on Sunday and gentle giant off the field. Kids these days could learn alot from his example of committment, hard work, dedication and sense of duty to the fans and people in general. A must have for Packer Fans and fans of Pro Football.

An inspiring account of the life of a dedicated game player
Nitschke is the first biography of accomplished professional football player Ray Nitschke (1936-1998), who won the Green Bay Packers five NFL titles and the first two Super Bowls. Constructed from thorough research and dozens of interviews by biographer Edward Gruver, Nischke is the impressive portrait of a courageous man who lost both his parents at age 13, played a legendary championship "Ice Bowl" game in sub-zero weather, was inducted into the Pro Football hall of fame in 1978, and earned lasting memorials and tributes after his unfortunate death from a heart attack. Nitschke provides the reader with an inspiring account of the life of a dedicated game player and is "must" reading for Packer fans in general, and those who remember Ray Nitschke's performances on the field in particular. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Absolutely Brilliant
I was unsure of what to expect from this book. Most sports autobiographies are ghost written, but this book has no ghost writing credit and was actually Neil Back's own work.

The only other books of this nature I had to compare to "Size Doesn't Matter" is Mick Foley's pro wrestling autobiography "Have a Nice Day" and it's followup "Foley is Good." (Neither of these were ghost written either.. a fact he spends about 2 chapters discussing in his second book.) Other than that, I've never read a sports autobiography of any kind.

Now, Rugby and Pro Wrestling are sports that are miles apart. Some argue Pro Wrestling isn't a sport, but I won't even get into that here. Foley's two books are genius, no doubt. Neil Back is at that level as well.

The book starts out at his birth, as is most logical. For the first 2 or 3 chapters, he jumps between time periods quite quickly, and that is a bit disconcerting. He's talkign about when he was 5 and participating in his first Rugby match and then is suddenly talking about a British Lions tour, and is then back to when he was 5. This settles down quickly, though, and the temporal flow becomes much better.

You need to know a bit about Rugby to truly appreciate this book, as he doesn't explain many terms at all, and doesn't really explain the importance of positions. But it doesn't matter that much.. it makes it a little bit less confusing if you know the difference between a Flanker, Winger and Hooker, though.

He progresses through his life to right up after the disappointing British Lions tour of Australia in 2001. Well written the whole way. The only gripe I have is that Neil uses too much British jargon. He gives everyone nicknames.. Jonno, Lol, Robbo, Hilly, Catty, Backy (referring to himself), Deanno and so on. Honestly, by the end of the book, I had forgotten who "Deanno" was and had to go back thru the earlier parts of the book in an attempt to find out. He also makes references to british celebrities, which totally goes over my head... but I can't really dock him for that, as this book was more intended for a British audience, I think.

Overall, if you're a Rugby fan.. even if you don't like English Rugby.. this book is definately one to get. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Eulogy to SmashMouth Football Gurus
A brave autobiographical attempt to transform the author's high school coach into the second coming of Lomardi.This "Inspirational Playbook For Life" praises such coaching gems as:"I said, 'Coach, I heard something crack and I'm afraid I broke it.'Coach replied, "I think the crack you heard was you breaking that kid's leg.They're getting an ambulance and a stretcher to carry him off the field." Then (with incredible sensitivity and inspiration,)"Coach looked at me and said, "Go on, run off the field and be a hero," and more incredibly, "Well, we'll send him a card next week." The opposing quarterback they were referring to suffered a compound femur fracture in three places, and we learn "They may have to put a pin in his leg."The author's "coach" suffered the final misfortune of a drawn-out bout with cancer...an opponent nobody could knock out of the game. Pep talks evolved to Bob Richards' plagerism and football-as-life lessons.Enter inspiration.Danny White must have read a different manuscript before penning his introduction; for that matter, Couch must have played for a different coach than I did...I played 3rd string for Ravsten and his henchmen;I'd call my paean "Football Through the Earholes: Violent Lessons As Teenage Cannon-fodder " ... Read more

Amazon.com

Red Grange was one of the certified heroes of an era that produced the anchors to any sporting hall of fame--Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey, Bill Tilden, Bobby Jones--but Red Grange and the Rise of Modern Football is no simple exercise in hero-worship. A professor of history at Lamar University, John M. Carroll works to put Grange in perspective against the backdrop of an amazing era--the '20s--and tackle the Galloping Ghost's myth. Still, in Grange's case, the myth remains awfully impressive.

A true superstar, Grange was a reluctant idol, letting his actions speak for him. In an era before big athletic scholarships, Grange paid for his education by delivering ice in the summer, a job that made him stronger than most of the defense men he'd regularly bowl over. As a junior at Illinois, Grange secured his legend with an inconceivable performance against Michigan, running for four touchdowns in the first 12 minutes. Before the final gun sounded--Carroll recounts this, and other games in glorious detail--Grange had added a fifth score on the ground, passed for a sixth, racked up a ridiculous 402 rushing yards on the day, and cemented his reputation. Post college, his all-American drawing power and singular brilliance on the field virtually saved the struggling young NFL; Carroll is quite thorough in his examination of the fledgling league and its odor of "a dirty little business run by rogues." Yet, despite all the fame and celebrity, a flirtation with Hollywood, and a respected post-playing career in the radio booth and various businesses, Grange never escaped his heartland unpretentiousness; he always seemed to know who he was and how he got that way. "I could run," he once said, "and that was the basis of any success I ever had." Because he ran so well, of course, that success evolved into a full-blown legend worthy of Carroll's scrupulous and absorbing examination. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Reviews (3)

When Humility Still Mattered
This book does a great job of giving interesting detail and thoughtful perspective so you can see how an individual fit into the times and how the events of the single life mirrored the larger developments in society. You learn a lot about football, about men of that era and what character traits they valued, and about the role of the media and it's use of celebrity to create an audience. I enjoyed this so much I bought another Carroll book on a different early football hero - Fritz Pollard - and that is just as informative and insightful.

Engaging story of pioneer on, off the field
This is a readable, well-researched book. Carroll tells how Grange rose to become one of America's first true superstars and how he left school early to join the then-disrespected ranks of pro football. While scholarly, a feeling for a truly humble man shines through.

Red Grange is Number One!
My father always talked about Red Grange. I never really knew who he was. This book brings everything into perspective. Mr. Carroll captures the essence of Red Grange, but more than that, he makes clear why Grange was the most important college player of this century and how he created the momentum which led to the explosion of pro football ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Keyshawn's Book of Prophecy
This highly controversial book provides a fascinating glimpse into the thoughts of a future hall of fame receiver. Keyshawn speaks with candor about his rookie season and many of his comments seem prophetic in light of the Jet's recent successes. This is a highly entertaining and engaging read.

Keyshawn just trips me out
First of all let me start off by saying that i'm not the biggest fan of Keyshawn, as a matter of fact he is probably my least favorite NFL player, I always found him to be arrogant, and this book just proved my point even more. The whole book he complains that he is not being paid enough, he hates on his coaches. When he gets the ball, I have yet soon him to put up the numbers he claims he can get. I always wondered why Shawn King was benched, even though he led tampa bay pretty far the season he started, I was not surprised to hear rumors that keyshawn had something to do with it. He proved in this book that its all about the money for him, not the love of the game. If I was a coach I would not want him on my team. The only thing I liked what Mr. Johnson had to say, especially with the new ruled that was pass allowing guys to enter the draft to play football without playing college football, is that there is nothing like playing college football. Again, this is just my opinion of Mr.JOhnson, I could be totally wrong, he could be the most humble player in the NFL.

understated, bold, brilliant
Keyshawn Johnson's memoir, Just Give me the Damn Ball, is a chronicle of one man's journey to understand himself. The "Ball" as every reader of Johnson's prose understands, is not an actual leather ball, but a metaphor for the unnameable phatom that evades all of us, and the thing that can give us, if we could just get our hands on it, a true spiritual balance that could once and for all stop the longing we all feel and that some people attribute to our being made in the image of a creator to satisfy this creater's longing. Using a musical and lyrical style, he paints a portrait of the difficulties and obstacles faced by many of our young men in this country today. And he pulls no punches; make no mistake, Keyshawn writes like he plays: often dropping the "ball", but rarely failing to dwell in those small moments of triumph. While the narrative is first person, the voice Johnson achieves can give an impression of almost total detachment. He describes his battles as uphill conquests, relaying little detail other than those of his own ability to catch the "ball", though we all know no one can hold on to the ball forever. Johnson understands this, though he never comes to the point where he feels comfortable saying it. The idea that one thing, the ball in this case, can satisfy a being, one made of skin and nerves and thick red blood, is nothing new, but Johnson is able to breath life into it by creating a world where we, while, at our core, understanding that the grasp of one object could never satisfy our depths, the pursuit of this object could give a life purpose and, ultimately, could satisfy the pointed ends of the "ball" which would only leave the middle, and though the middle could never be satisfied, the pursuit of it all, the endless journey we put ourselves in, is one that will one day be rewarded. But when will we know for sure?

good read for a sports fan
when written this was a somewhat controversial book, and it is still being made refrence to on sportscenter now and then. it talks about his life growing up....scalping tickets, getting shot, growing up in da hood' , college days , and his rookie season..where he critisizes his coaches and teammates... this is a good read for all sports fans..
peace.

A must
while i'm a big time Bills Fan i give Keyshawn Johnson madd Props for this Very Honest&Open Book.it details a Season&the Politics involved in the NFL.I'M Pulling for The Bills Vs Tampa Bay in The Superbowl.THe JEts were Dumb for Letting KeyShawn go.after what he had to deal with Growing up, The NFL is like Sesame Street by Comparison. ... Read more

Book Description

As a follow-up to his popular book "A Steeler Odyssey", former Pittsburgh Steelers star Andy Russell delves deeper into the world of professional football with "An Odd Steeler's Journey." Russell gives readers a sense for what it is like to be on the field with a championship team and provides an up-close look at several of the unforgettable personalties who have touched his life. He passes on some of the lessons he learned from such mentors as Dan Devine, Chuck Noll and Art Rooney, and the values he attained from Hall of Fame locker mates like Rocky Bleier, Franco Harris, and "Mean Joe" Greene. Russell also tells stories about his ten most memorable games, and the opponents he and the Steelers faced during their storied run to four Super Bowl championships. This book is almost as good as a pair of 50-yard-line seats at Heinz Field. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Captain Andy
Andy Russell's journey has been a personal expedition which has lead to a huge life outside of football, but I think readers should also appreciate Andy Russell's journey as a Steeler, and how his environment as a player changed throughout his career. He arrived in Pittsburgh fresh from college, where he had been a star on a National Championship team to a 'backwater' of the NFL, where rookies were given no regard at all. The Steelers were the acknowledged 'dead-end kids', translated into "if you don't shape up we're trading you to the Steelers." The pay was poor, the equipment was used, and rookies had to pick up the rocks off the field so the team could practice. And the Steelers couldn't figure where to play their games, Forbes Field, home of the Pirates, or Pitt Stadium, home of the Univ. of Pittsburg (they used both).

He made the team as a rookie linebacker and started in a season ending game against the NY Giants that put the Steelers where they had never been before--one game away from the NFL Championship. The Giants won. Then Andy rode the Steeler bus on an agonizing downhill journey lasting several years, sticking with it and suffering the indignities of playing on a team going nowhere. No bitching, no requests for a trade. He was tough enough to stay the course and to be there to help build the great championship teams of the 70's. This took the better part of two decades. All that needs to be said is that Andy Russell was the captain of those fabled Steeler teams of the 70's. Teams that rewrote the NFL Hall of Fame and featured people like Jack Ham, Joe Green, Ray Mansfield, Jack Lambert, Lynn Swann, Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Mel Blount and others. Andy was their captain. That's enough for me.

A real insight into the NFL
Andy Russell gives us a real insight into the NFL and what it takes to be successful and a winner at the highest level of competition. He does this with humour and with stories that illustrate football`s complexity. It is a great read and a must for any fan of the game. You don`t have to be a Steeler fan to enjoy these stories as they give you a rare look into what happens of and off he field.

Jim Card

Great Follow Up To His First Book
This book, while containing stories and episodes of Andy Russell's career as a Pittsburgh Steeler, has lessons on life for all sports fans. Whether in the sports arena, or business world or in life, the message and many of the chapters are about experiencing life events; about perservering when things are darkest; and about the importance of teamwork in or out of sports. I found myself going back and reading some of the chapters over again, not just because of the story, but of the message. Andy has added to his wonderful first book, and hopefully there will be another one in the future. His stature as author is growing. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A GOTTA HAVE
We bought this for my brother for Christmas, but I have to admit several of the biographies were read before it was wrapped. My brother is a die hard cowboy fan. He loved reading the short biographies of where some of the OLD DAYS and NEW players are now. The only thing I wish is that there had been a short biography for TOM LANDRY because to me he is the HEART of the Cowboys.

Wonderful book
This book was an awesome read. Many interesting short stories about lots of MY childhood heroes. The book took me back in time and also let me catch up on what has happened to so many of the players I grew up with. The successes and failures, the happy stories and the sad. Stories from Hollywood Henderson, Mike Clark, Harvey Martin, Ralph Neely, Roger Staubach, and many more. It is a MUST read for any fan of the Dallas Cowboys!!

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly of the Boys!
This has to be the best biological collection of any sports team ever! My father, my brother, my friend, my mother and I - we all thoroughly enjoyed this book. My family often corresponds by way of sharing book reviews and this one quickly made it through the family. My father loved reliving all of his favorite players, my brother read it and loves debating with my father, my friend is just so happy that he can now understand the comparisons given during the telecasts of games today, but my mother and I had the most fun trying to quiz each other. Honestly, a great read for the sports enthusiasts and those crazy few in my family who want to discuss sports in anthropological terms.

The Good Ole Cowboys Are Back!
This book takes you back through the good, bad and ugly days of Dallas Cowboy football. But its not really so much about football, its about the "after football" life of some of our favorite players of the past. Its hard to remember the names of most of the current players, but many of us long-time fans love to remember the good old days.
The author has provided a very informative and intriguing look at dozens of Dallas Cowboy players, some of them in the Ring of Honor, some of them more obscure. But each player has an interesting story to tell and the book is a very easy and enjoyable read. Not your typical sports book! I recommend it for both men and women readers. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great
Read this book! I loved it as much as you do! So read it

Flutie: Football through and through
Doug Flutie recounts his career from his earlest days on the playing field thought his magical first season with the Buffalo Bills. Lots and lots of football facts and game-related jargon here! I would have liked to have learned more about Flutie's personal life; what sort of things really shaped and inspired such an exemplary athlete? Who is the man behind the face mask? I recommend this book for Flutie and football fans everywhere but don't expect any great revelations.

was surprised, then laughed out loud
Excuse me, the 2nd review listed for Doug Flutie's autobiography is for another book entitled "Flutie, a novel". The juxtaposition of the reviewed content is hysterically funny however, so you might want to leave it.

The career of a CFL legend
In this book there is a great deal of interest towards his career in the Canadian Football League which is fine as that is the league that he predominantly played in but there appears to be little coverage of his peronal life i.e. going into more depth about his childhood, his parents and later his wife and family. There are instances where he tells us how much he enjoys spending time with his family back in Boston but they don't follow up on this. I do like the quotes from all of his coaches and agents etc. They are on occasions funny and nearly always allow a follow up to what Doug felt about certain circumstances. Overall the book was easy enough to read, but, in my opinion was maybe of more interest to a follow of the CFL as to American Football in general. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Grambling State's Eddie Robinson started coaching college football when FDR was in the White House and didn't stop until Bill Clinton's second term. Along the way, he racked up 408 victories, but his real legacy isn't in the stats. A black man coaching black athletes in the Deep South for 57 seasons, Robinson witnessed and took part in amazing changes in society and in his sport, battling prejudice and hatred to earn respect for himself and opportunity for his players. Never Before, Never Again plays gamely in both those arenas--society and sport--because it has to; for Robinson they are one and the same.

"I never thought that schools like LSU and Alabama would integrate," he can admit, aware that great performances by black athletes competing at those schools played a big part in their integration. Yet, amidst the upheavals of the '60s, he also knew that doing his job wasn't just about coaching football. He learned to harness that anger at the criticism hurled his way from more militant quarters: "I wasn't going to go out and hurt somebody or let one of my own get hurt to disprove that I was an Uncle Tom." Robinson proved his talents year in and year out, winning not just games and championships, but respect and admiration. He also helped change the face of his game in college and beyond, sending more than 200 players to the NFL, including Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams. The candor of Never Before, Never Again is as refreshing as it is revealing; the story itself is pure inspiration. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Outstanding Autobiography!!
Eddie Robinson is truly one of the greatest pioneers in the history of athletics. The way he transformed a football program at a little known (if not unknown at the time) black college in the piney woods of north Louisiana, into a program of both national and international notoriety, is a true testament to his greatness. It is amazing to see what this man has overcome and how he has perservered throughout his 56-year coaching stint. With 408 victories under his belt, he is the all-time winningest coach in college football history at any level. He taught his players how to be champions both on and off the field. As a Grambling State University alumnus, and former Grambling Sports Broadcaster, I was fortunate to witness, first hand, what a class act Coach Robinson is. He transcends the word "committment". This autobiography takes you on a journey of overcoming obstacles on the road to success. I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just athletes, who want to understand what it means to perservere!

wonderful autobiography
I'm a big fan of football, so of course i wanted to read, this book about Grambling's great coach. i'm a big fan of grambling except of course when they play Jackson state, or Alcorn. After reading the book, i found Eddie Robinson, to be a wonderful person who cared so much for his team, and his coaches. I felt bad for robinson when i read that a divison 1 school never even contacted him about a job, but what I liked best of all about this book, was he and his wife's Doris love for one another.

Great Book
Eddie Robinson is a Pioneer for all of Sports.it's Amazing at all The Things He saw&Heard and yet He stayed Focused&Became one of The Greatest Coaches at any Level of Play.it's Beautiful How Doug Williams Came Back Too Coach Grambling State.MR.RObinson has Inspired alot OF Brothers.even thought The NFL Has a Long way Too Go With The Black QuarterBack Among Many Other Issues Because Of MR.RObinson A Doug WIlliams GOt A Chance the same Goes For STEVE AIR'MCNAIR.MR.ROBINSON Broke Down alot of Ground.A Real Stand Up MAN&WINNER. ... Read more

Book Description

In Reggie White's own fast-paced, inspiring account of his colorful, sometimes controversial career, both in the pros and in the pulpit. Packed with insights, observations, and war stories of his twelve years in the NFL--including his championship season--"In the Trenches" delves into the heart of an amazing athlete who balances an array of extremes: he is both beloved and feared, tough and gentle, competitive and compassionate, fierce and generous. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

In The Trenches by Reggie White
I found this book very interesting I learned a lot about Reggie White. I wish that he was still with the Green Bay Packers. I am a huge Green Bay Packer fan. This book had a lot of interesting stuff in it. For example I never knew that one of his favorite players growing up was O.J. Simpson. Reggie said in the book that O.J. Simpson was like a moving target for defensive linemen; he said, that was one of the reasons that he wanted to play defensive end. I also learned that he really liked his coach Buddy Ryan when he played with the Philadelphia Eagles ,and when Buddy Ryan got fired Reggie couldn't figure out why he got fired; he said Buddy Ryan was a good coach. Reggie also talked about his church getting burned. He also talked about his friend and teammate Jerome Brown who was killed a car accident and he thought he was a really great person and he said he misses him. I learned a lot from reading this book. This book is one of my favorite books that I read. I would recommend this book to every Green Bay Packer fan.

Exciting, well written book; could use some more chapters
This was a great book because it shared with me how profesesional athletes deal with the same things that us normal, every day Joe-Schmoes have to deal with. It was interesting how he dealed with his church getting burned down and how he was frustrated with the authorities, just as I am.

Great Book
really awesome book, cool pics in the middle!! exciting life to read about. im a big GB fan, ad was sad when he retired, but am constantly impressed by his faith. God bless Reggie!!

PS im glad u finally got a superbowl !!!

Down To Earth-Litterally
I am a major Packers fan, and became even more of one after reading this book. Very cool, down to earth writing style. God Bless, Reggie

I complete insparation from one of the best football players
This Holy man, gives his life story and his walk with Christ. He is in the trenches for Christ and glorifes him through everything he does. Any excellent storry of a football players life with Christ. REGGIE WHITE-God Bless ... Read more

Book Description

"I wasn't a football player for the fame or the Super Bowls; I was a football player for my own heart." - Otis Taylor. He was one of pro football's first modern receivers, possessing an overpowering combination of size, strength and speed. Otis Taylor moved on the field with gazelle-like ease; his soft hands and intimidating presence were a big part of the Kansas City Chiefs for 11 seasons and a major part of their win over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. Starting from the projects of Houston, Taylor first starred for Prairie View A&M's Panthers before bursting onto the American Football League scene with the Chiefs in 1965. By the early 1970s, he was widely considered one of the game's finest receivers. The Need to Win is Taylor's story -- an insider's look at the AFL and NFL player wars, the Super Bowl, racism in sports and America, how the game has changed and his place in football history. ... Read more