Book Description

From Marcus Allen's early days of Pop Warner football in Southern California, he had one goal for his football career: the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As absurd as it may sound for a 10-year old boy to think about reaching the NFL, let alone the Hall of Fame, that was Marcus Allen. Although many "experts" didn't think Marcus Allen had the size or speed to be a good running back in the NFL, he proved them all wrong. In fact, he rushed for 116 yards and one touchdown in his first regular-season game for the Los Angeles Raiders, against the defending world champion San Francisco 49ers. He went on to have a tremendous rookie season, winning the Rookie of the Year award. Despite rough seasons off the field with Raiders' owner Al Davis, Allen never lost sight of his boyhood dream of reaching the Hall of Fame. Marcus Allen: The Road to Canton captures the exciting tale of Marcus Allen, the player and the person. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A vivid and exciting life story
Road To Canton is the exciting sports biography of Marcus Allen, who set his sights on his boyhood dream of earning a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and defied critics to earn eleven seasons with the Raiders, an NFL Most Valuable Player award, five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, and finally the achievement of his lasting dream with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Gorgeous color photography illustrates this vivid and exciting life story which is highly recommended reading for football fans of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A good book
I never tire of reading this book. I would recommend it to other football fans.

Thumbs up!
Joe Montana: Just Another Player by Stanley Hetz was well written. I strongly recommend it for Joe Montana fans. I learned a lot about Joe, things I did not know. So you will learn a lot too. You have to read it!

Thumbs up!
Joe Montana: Just another Player by Stanley Hetz was well written. I strongly recommend it for Joe Montana fans. I learned a lot about him, things I did not know. And so would you, if you are a Joe Montana fan: You have to read it!

Great Book
Joe Montana was one of the greatest quarterbacks.. This book showed me more stuff that i never new about him. And the interview was just awesome don't take my word on it, I think that you should check it out for yourself.. Believe me it was a good book.

informative
book teaches a lot. 80 great pages about joe makes it worth the price. thought the bonus section about wrestling was a nice addition. ... Read more

Book Description

The fantastic story of Charlie "Choo Choo" Justice and the football team that put North Carolina in the big-time. The most comprehensive book ever about a sports legend and the teams he played on. ... Read more

Book Description

When John Elway led the Denver Broncos to a 31-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII his long, winding odyssey to football's promised land was complete, and his place in sports history secure.

But the story only starts there.

This is the first book on one of sport's greatest stars, an in-depth portrait of a man who has dedicated his life to becoming the greatest quarterback ever.It's the story of "John Wayne in Cleats", a father of four who led his team to Super Bowl glory at age 37. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent summary of #7's NFL life and career
This book is a great read for Bronco and Elway fans of any age. It chronicles the life of John Elway from the time he was a child, through college and his joining of the Broncos, to his victory against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. Black and white pictures are included with each chapter, and the center section 14 pages of color photos, as well. The author (Clay Lattimer) is a sports writer for the Rocky Mountain News, and he also draws on Sports Illustrated, Becket Football Monthly, and even Newsweek, as well as several other sports sources, so he packs a lot of information, dates, and statistics into each chapter. He also packs a lot of superfluous detail, too -- the writing meanders a bit and doesn't always stay on focus. But hey -- if you're an Elway fan (like me), who cares? The book is fun to read even in the places where it goes off topic. If there was such a thing as a "definitive" biography of an Elway, this would probably be it. If you're an Elway fan, get this book and enjoy it!

A must for the Elway fan
John Elway: Armed and Dangerous, by Clay Latimer, is a must for the John Elway and Denver Bronco fans. It is an easy to read book on Elway's career and personal life filled with quotes from players and unknown stories about other football greats. It sometimes drags a little as it gets off the subject quite a bit. ... Read more

Book Description

In his first five seasons at the helm of the Minnesota Vikings, Dennis Green averageed 9.4 wins per year, made the playoffs four times and won two NFC Central Division titles. The Dennis Greenstory represents the millions of untoldstories of people who have been denied their full American rights but refused to give up. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

HEY HEY HEY,DENNY GREEN IS LARGE AND IN CHARGE
The Sheriff, i.e. Denny Green sure know how to write a book and inspire a football team. This is one of the greatest motivational books ever written. Denny teaches us many things here like suing your employer if they don't give you a percentage ownership in your company. He also teaches valuable lessons for living life. The most important is how to never to make a mistake just like Denny. Go Denny, be large and in charge. Hey Hey Hey

Dennis Green isn't afraid to tell it like it is.
No Room for Crybabies gives great insight to the coach of the Minnesota Vikings. This book shows that vision, combined with motivation, a person can achieve any goal they set. I'm truly impressed with Dennis Green.

Dennis Green tells all
It took me a couple of years to find this book and was so glad when I found it that I bought 2 copies!!! Dennis lets the reader know not only his own pesonal history, but gives the reader an inside as to what happens behind the scene. A great book.

Slow moving, redundant, and written at a low reading level.
The people that weren't lucky enough to locate a copy of this book were the truely lucky ones. It was slow moving and repetitive. When I finished reading the book I was just glad to be done and felt like I had wasted a few hours. There wasn't any real insight into what it was like to grow up Dennis Green or what it was like to be a college coach or professional coach. Anyone who is thinking of reading this book to learn about what is like to be a player or coach in college or the NFL will be disappointed. Read Tim Green's book instead, it was much better! Todd Matt ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Golden Dream -- I was there
I was at ND for Coach Faust's first two years. I remember his first game win against LSU and being ranked #1. I also recall his inspirational talks in that raspy voice of his.

Yes, he did NOT have a great won loss record. But he won some huge games and put a lot of points on the board. (Contrast with Ty Willingham's recent results.) He also recruited many of the players who were part of the 1988 championship.

Classy man, inspirational coach and someone whom I will always hold in high regard -- I really enjoyed the book.

Jeff, ND Class of 1982.

It represents what's good in sports today
Gerry Faust represents what is good in sports today. No he did not have great teams at Notre Dame but he is a true role-model for both coaches and athletes. The good natured stories kept you from putting the book down. He truly cares about people. That is what I loved about the book. If more coaches had this approach we would not have cheating, scandels, and a me approach. The book gives the reader confidence that there are good people, not only in sports, but in the world today. You do not have to be into sports in order to appreciate this book. I recommend it to all people of all ages. It will make you feel good!

A good man struggles against adversity as he lives his dream
Only 2 Notre Dame graduating classes -- 1985 & 1986 -- watched Gerry Faust coach ND football for all 4 years they were on campus. Students in those classes, and to a lesser extent the classes of 1982-84, can wax eternal on the love-hate relationship b/w Notre Dame, its followers, and this man.

The inconsistency on the field -- beating Michigan at home in the first night game at ND Stadium in 1982; beating No. 1 Pittsburgh; to the 13-13 tie against Oregon, losing 4 straight years to Air Force; the 55-6 Miami debacle in 1985 --is not explained here. But an insight into Faust beyond anecdote is.

Faust blames the inconsistency on the revolving door coaching staff. ND followers know, only too well, this to be only partially correct.

But the book does provide wonderful anecdotes about the people, games, and times of Notre Dame in the early to mid-1980's.

You will put down this volume convinced Gerry Faust is a selfless, Christian man who well represents the University -- a true Notre Dame man. His shoddy treatment at Akron is detailed in surprising candor.

The volume fails to explain, however, the mediocrity of his teams.

At least under Faust, you never knew which ND team would show up (see e.g.'s above). This inconsistency certainly beat the boredom of watching Bob Davie's arguably worse team in 1997.

Well worth the read for those associated with Notre Dame during this time frame. You will leave the book recommending Faust as a wonderful ambassador for the University, if not a very good football coach. And he will make you reflect on what good you have done for others, for he has surely done much. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Inspiring without being Pollyannish!
Two big thumbs up for "The Right Kind of Heroes: Coach Bob Shannon and the East St. Louis Flyers." Although Coach Shannon has apparently moved on, this book is still as -- or perhaps more -- relevant to those facing battles against the odds.

Expertly penned by St. Louis columnist Kevin Horrigan, the book does a remarkable job of putting the reader right in the middle of the dingy and dangerous town of East St. Louis. It's a real "you are there" feeling as you get to know the players and coach of this amazing team. Although the story is heartbreaking at times, you won't hear Horrigan break out the violins and wax overdramatic... just a solid real-life story.

Even if you're not a sports nut -- or only know a little about football -- you will be inspired as you laugh, cry, struggle and celebrate with this courageous coach and champion football team. You just can't put it down until the last page.

Whatever challenges you may be facing in life, this book will move you to "get it done!" I highly recommend it.

A Testament to Hard Work, Determination, and Character
This books paints the picture of a man who worked hard to acheive his goals. His example is good for everyone to follow. I wish he would have been my coach but I'm honored that he is now coaching my son.

Bringing back memories
I read this book 10 years ago and it was just as enjoyable this time around. This book is full of insights not only into the person of Bob Shannon, but offers an informative look into East St. Louis. A very quick and easy read. I had the pleasure of having Shannon as a teacher many years ago. Reading his words brings to mind his most distinctive voice, which always commanded respect.

Tell's the story as it really happened. Very motivating!
Having played against Bob Shannon, I know full well of the East Side mystique. Being a former player at nearby Granite City, I went to nearly every game mentioned in Bob's book. So, I'm over qualified to say that the East Side Flyers's story is a fascinating one. The place just emits an aura that has High School Football all around it! The 'Side was made on big play football, coached by Shannon, a big time coach

One of best books I have ever read.
This is one the best books on football that I have read. Coach Shannon is a credit to our coaching profession and this book shows that. It also gives us a look at what is like to work under adverse conditions. If you are a football coach who thinks he has it tough, then you should read The Right Kind Of Heroes. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Jimmy Streater Story; Saga of an All-American
This book portrays with stark reality the rise and fall of a champion.I played against Jimmy Streater in 1975 in one of the greatest high school football games ever in our state.The book chronicles the history of theStreater Family in Sylva, N.C. from slave days to the birth of Jimmy'simmediate family.From there it focuses on the accomplishments of Jimmyand his siblings with the main focus being on Jimmy Streater and his riseto national recognition as the quarterback for the University of Tennessee. The most enlightening portion of the book begins when Jimmy departs UT andis forced to reckon with the harsh realities that life deals he and hisfamily.He faces tragedy when his brother is paralyzed in an auto crash,his own battle with diabetes, depression, and addiction to cocaine.Alongthe way, this once great athlete loses himself in addiction which costs himhis marriage, his left arm, his self-esteem, and on several occasions,almost his life.Ultimately, the book teaches us that there is alwayshope.This book is a "must read" for coaches at every level, forparents of adolescents, and anyone else who values the triumphs of thehuman spirit. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The best of all worlds
If you are a TCU fan then what could be better than Sammy Baugh, Dan Jenkins and the FWST's own Whit Canning?

I always knew what a remarkable QB Sammy Baugh was but what I never realized is what a remarkable man he was. If you ever wondered where the heroes went, then look no further than this book.

When you combine the story of a true athletic legend with the wit and style of Dan Jenkins and the thoroughness of Whit Canning, then how can you go wrong?

If you are a Frog then read this book and you will be in Frog Heaven and there is no better place to be. Rif Ram. ... Read more

Book Description

I have examined what can happen to children who are not adequately cared for and protected by a parent or guardian.I offer a personal account of a child? ... Read more

Book Description

Highlighting the character qualities it takes to make it in the NFL, as well as in life, What It Takes gives readers an inside look at the life and career of Jeff Hostetler, starting quarterback for the Oakland Raiders and winning Super Bowl quarterback for the 1990 New York Giants. Patterned after Chad Henning's book, What It Takes highlights admirable character qualities and emphasizes the connection between having a dynamic faith in the Living God and following the pursuit of excellence. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

As a former player and still a friend, this was well written
Very honest and open revelation of what life with tough things happening is like even for a well known pro football player. What a family. ... Read more

Amazon.com

His shadow was long, his legacy large, and his place in the pantheon immovable. Green Bay Packer coach Vince "Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing" Lombardi was such a legend in his life that even he had a hard time keeping himself in focus: "I don't know," he once said hauntingly, "what I am." This fascinating oral history, originally published in 1971, the year after Lombardi's death, helps unravel the conundrum. It brings a complex combination of benevolent father figure and tyrannical martinet back into view. What the hundreds of reminiscences from Lombardi lovers and haters both in and out of football don't completely capture--and that's not much--Vernon Biever's stark black-and-whitephotography fills in. The late poet James Dickey'ssurreal epilogue in the form of a free-verse eulogy is a curiosity for today's more politically correct world; it is daringly unafraid to charge through the neutral zone and tackle Lombardi's dark side. ... Read more

Book Description

"A figure of icy resolve," he was called. Dictatorial and remote, he once scolded a player for yawning during halftime and cut rookies for the sin of slovenly attire. He was compared to both Thomas Jefferson and an undertaker. Paul Brown, the son of an Ohio railroad dispatcher, entered professional football in 1946 by way of Ohio State (where he won a national title) and Massillon High (where he developed the best prep team in America) and immediately set about applying modern corporate practices to what was a loose, almost intramural game. In his time, he single-handedly revolutionized it—its management, its expression, and its technology. He invented the facemask, the messenger guard, detailed playbooks, and broke the major sport color line a year before Jackie Robinson entered major league baseball. "I take colored boys because I think they can win for me," he said, after signing Bill Willis. His original Browns in the All-American Conference are considered the greatest talent roundup in the history of pro sports. Through the minds, hearts, and voices of some of the best loved Browns, Alan Natali follows his best-selling Woody’s Boys with a sprawling testament to the man, team, and era that made pro football into America’s sport. In his second "voice biography" of iconic American coaches, Natali gives us a carefully constructed portrait of one of the most complex and significant figures in the history of American sport. Through his own eloquent prose and the detailed voices of nearly two dozen players, Gary Collins, Dante Lavelli, Dick Schafrath, Otto Graham and more, Natali has also given us a fascinating mosaic of team personalities, the saga of the Cleveland Browns, the evolution of professional football—and American society at mid-century. Illustrated by artist Greg Storer. Indexed. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Pathetic
Bryant was a great coach, but Dunnavant is a Bryant fan, plain and simple.He tells a sweet and sugary account of Bear's storied life, and leaves out the true tales of Bear's excessive drinking and also of his extra marital adventures. A "fan" should never write a "biography" about his or her hero. I think Bryant was an outstanding coach, but you'll have to look elsewhere if you want any REAL enlightenment about the life and times of Bear Bryant.....

Well-done biography
Mr. Dunnvant admits from the beginning that, like many Alabamians, he grew up in awe of Paul Bryant. But he has succeeded in writing a fair, balanced portrayal of a complicated man. Bryant's failings are not glossed over, nor are they treated with sensationalism. A solid biography and a good read for college football fans.

Extremely well written biography of Coach Bryant's Career
This book makes you think you knew Coach Bryant, or at least makes you wish you had.It is entertaining, as well as informative, for college football fans of all ages.For Alabama Fans it is a must.Thank you,Keith for bringing Coach Bryant's life to those of us who missed seeing himwhile he was alive.

Great Book
This is a great book as written by Keith Dunnavent.It really puts you intouch with a side of the Bear that I didn't know

Coach Bryant: the man who casts the shadow
This book describes the life and times of one of the most influential men in America over the last 40 years.Just as everyone knows where they were when Kennedy was shot, generations of southerners, more succintly Alabamians, knew exactly where they were when the Bear went home.That is just how much influence he had in shaping a culture over almost 4 decades.This book does shows just how Bryant could take a boy from any walk of life and not just make him a winner on the field, but a champion and a man off of it.His struggles growing up, his struggles while coaching, the way he would sacrifice for any of his boys, all made him the leader he was and to a degree, still is.The shadow he casts in the state of Alabama is not only accepted, but revered and Keith Dunnavant does an outstanding job of showing just how and why this is so.No, the "Bear" is not and never will be truly gone as long as there is someone to wear the crimson and gray. ... Read more