Players Books

I loved this book. I'm still reading it. It's a GREAT read, and a must-have for any football collectors or nostalgics. It's also got the more modern players as well. It's a great book.

In The Football Game I'll Never Forget: 100 NFL Star's Stories, Chris McDonell's selections come from descriptions by the players themselves, as told to the editors of Football Digest, of the most memorable moments in games they played, and will thrill any football game who is heavily involved in the history of the sport. Dozens of famous Super Bowl games, divisional championships, and more are recounted by key players who contributed to historic events. A `must' for avid football fans.

I bought this book for two dollars at a second hand store and it was a great investment. King's writing style is very readable and accurate. It shows the greatest players, teams, games, and people from seven decades of pro football. I never knew how much Packer great Don Hutson ruled the game. King put him number one as the greatest of all time. If you look at the stats, you'll see why. And I'm a Bears fan!

The only ommission was Deacon Jones. I never saw him play but from what I have heard, he was one of the greatest of the greats. Either King forgot about him, or he did not think he was worthy. Jones is mentioned nowhere in the whole book. I would think he'd be in the top 10.

Anyway, this book is excellent. It captures all the great moments and people and shows why pro football is such a special game. If you want a good history lesson and see some great pictures, buy this book.

Peter King is the best professional football writer in the country, just edging out his Sports Illustrated co-worker, Paul Zimmerman.

In Football: A History of the Professional Game, King gives an overview of (as the title would suggest) football's history. The best part of the book is his ranking of the 35 best players ever.

So many people refer to Jerry Rice as the greatest receiver of all time that it has become accepted as fact. Fortunately, King knows that Don Hutson dominated the position more than anyone ever did, even the great Rice. King considers Hutson not just the best receiver or all time but the best player at any position. Personally, I'd take Sammy Baugh (led the league in passing, punting, and interceptions all in the same season), but I respect King for his unique perspective -- most football writers put Jim Brown No. 1 just because everyone else does it.

If you've never read Peter King, you're missing out on the most insightful football commentary you can find anywhere. Seek this book out. You won't regret it.

While researching for a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) assessment I discovered "Founding Fathers & Mothers : A Field Trip to 18th Century America" by Stacey Marlolf and Laurie Pessanno. I was searching for a way to help my students understand the spirit and inner life of Colonial America through art, literature, documents, drama, crafts, writing, etc. When I opened "Founding Fathers & Mothers" I knew I had found it all, and MORE in just one book!

The authors presented a well rounded, well researched, egalitarian approach using humanities to integrate learning in history. Their book was a valuable resource for the NBPTS assessment and my fifth grade students and I are currently using the drama and craft sections to prepare for our "Colonial Fair" in the spring. We will be presenting their play "Tempest in a Teapot" and have already practiced our colonial dancing by using the audio tape that comes with this book.

When I first discovered this book, I liked it because it was well rounded, comprehensive and was a great tool for my research. But now after actually using it in the classroom I love it because it's FUN. My students loved cutting out the Betsy Ross star and creating their own acrostic and silhouette.

As an educational writer, I am extremely impressed with this book. The ideas are unique and designed to appeal to a variety of age groups. I firmly believe that learning should be fun. This book promotes learning through art and imagination. The play (and other activities) involves all students. They will be having fun and learning at the same time. I would highly recommend this book to any first through eighth grade school teacher. A wonderful first attempt by a new curriculum writer. I look forward to more.

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By Mike "Big Mack Daddy" Chin

Hey man, nice book. Now I'm definitely intrigued, as I'm sure many other viewers are as well.... Hey everyone, BUY THIS BOOK! Good stuff...

mike weaver, stud king of high school, trying to knock boots with the luscious alicia...
alicia won't give him any, so he turns to her cousin pepper for lovin...

By Mike "Big Mack Daddy" Chin

Man, Now I'm definitely intrigued, as I'm sure many other viewers are as well.... BUY THIS BOOK! Good stuff...

Carroll pens a thorough and illuminating account of an early African-American icon that Americans of all colors gradually forgot, Fritz Pollard. Fritz Pollard was arguably the first modern age African American athletic star that used his athletic prowess to further his opportunities in other fields such as movies, booking, investments, and even tax consulting. He successfully, although not without difficulty, negotiated the hazards, pitfalls, challenges, and bias of a racially charged America to become as Carroll maintains, "a pioneer in interracial relations." (4) Carroll promotes and attributes this pioneer theme to Pollard throughout the biography. The author also accredits Pollard's successes and pioneering nature to Pollard's family background and childhood. Although not overly sympathetic, Carroll clearly contains high praise for Pollard and his accomplishments contending that Pollard "established more `firsts' for his race than perhaps any other African American in this century." (239) The author is careful to temper this praise with accounts of Pollard's bitterness towards perceived injustices and mistreatment due to racism and lack of attention Pollard thought he deserved. The result is a commendable biography of Fritz Pollard as an early race relations pioneer, athletic star, and sometimes-successful businessman deserving of far more attention and memories than Pollard currently garners.
Efforts such as Carroll's help keep the memories of Pollard alive for those who have never heard of or fully grasped the achievements of Pollard. Carroll's assertion that Pollard was a pioneer in race relations, however, appears to fall flat in some respects. As Carroll points out, Pollard had to negotiate a subtle balance between asserting his race and accepting the tide of racism. Yet, it appears that Pollard endured more racism and contempt on the playing field rather than in business endeavors. Perhaps this was because most of Pollard's business activities were aimed at African Americans themselves, but it seems plausible that Pollard would face far more discrimination and racial injustices in the business arena than the sporting one. One must also question what Pollard really thought of his role in pioneering racial equality.
Towards the end of the book, Carroll notes that Pollard displays bitterness in regards to the racial animosities delivered his way. Pollard's daughter, Leslie asserts that Pollard deeply cared about his race and the cause of civil rights. (239) Acknowledging that some of Pollard's efforts were behind closed doors and diminished because of a natural assumption that the black middle class emulated white society too much, Carroll's contention that Pollard was truly a pioneer in race relations seems weak. Perhaps it is only a case of the author failing to connect accurately his argument to his examples. Whether his deeds pioneered race relations or not, Pollard deserves remembering for all of the firsts and successes he indeed accomplished.

If you don't know Fritz Pollard you must read this book. It provides insight into him and the people closest to him. It raises your spirits and makes you want to accomplish great tasks. This is an A+++++++ book for any football fan.

If teams such as the Syracuse Nationals, Rochester Royals, and Fort Wayne Pistons mean anything to you, or names such as Dolph Schayes, Bob Pettit, Bill Sharman, and Bob Cousy ring a bell - or merely wonder why they do for many people - you will enjoy this book. It's a look at what professional basketball was like in the '40s and '50s, when the NBA was first coming to light (a mix of teams from various regional leagues) and developing. Charles Salzberg conducted 15 interviews with players from that era, asking them to relate their experiences - how they got started, what they thought of their teammates and opposing players, highlights of their careers, how they think the game has changed, what they think of basketball today (1980s) - and the results are interesting and informative.

The game was played differently back then, before the 24-second clock went into effect: it was a much more deliberate game, slower in execution, lots of passing, the set shot the main weapon. Just about all the interviewees note how the 24-second clock changed the game, made it more exciting (especially near the end of the game), some thinking it actually saved the NBA from extinction. Bill Russell is someone mentioned by many of them as having a profound influence on the game, too, and the reason for the Boston Celtic dynasty in the 50s-60s. Most of those interviewed believe that players today have more talent, especially when it comes to shooting the ball, but regret the loss of team play the way it was for them. There aren't a whole lot of surprises here (most of the interviews talk in generalities rather than specifics) and no skeletons in the closet are revealed, but for anyone getting a little long in the tooth it's a nostalgic look back at the game before multi-million dollar contracts and schoolyard antics became the mainstay. And for younger fans it's a reminder that there was basketball before Michael Jordan.

I love basketball, and I love this book. It's got great nuggets of stories, and it's fun to read, too. I've given it for gifts to friends of mine who enjoy the raucous stories and humor. If you love basketball, you'll love this book--in fact, you'll love it even if you don't

THIS BOOK IS SO FUNNY. I FOUND IT VERY ENTERTAINING AND EASY TO READ. THE AUTHOR DID AN AWESOM JOB WRITING THIS BOOK AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO READING HIS OTHER BOOKS.

THIS BOOK WILL KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED FOR HOURS! I FOUND IT HARD TO PUT DOWN. THE AUTHOR REALLY DID HIS HOMEWORK FOR THIS BOOK. THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR THE SPORT "FACTALCOHOLIC"!

Item sent quickly and in good condition. Very satisfied with vendor. Would use again.

A lot of college football programs talk about having tradition but the University of Michigan IS tradition. The University of Michigan has the most wins and highest winning percentage of any college football team in history. The Wolverines also boast the nation's largest stadium where on any given Saturday in autumn you can rub elbows with 110,000 of your closest friends. Continuing their great series of Game Day books focusing on different college teams, Triumph books presents Game Day Michigan Football, a look at some of the greatest coaches, players, games, and moments in Michigan football history.

The book begins with a foreword by legendary former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler and then delves into some of the great history of the program from the birth of the winged helmets to the composing of one of the nation's most recognizable fight songs, "Hail to the Victors". Ohio State fans will be disappointed to learn that it was the Michigan Marching band that first performed the script spelling of Ohio way back in 1932.

From there its on to meet some of the school's greatest players. Heisman trophy winner Tom Harmon, Bob Chappuis, Bump Elliott, Dan Dierdorf, Rick Leach, Anthony Carter, Desmond Howard, Charles Woodson, Braylon Edwards, and many more are profiled. And of course we can't leave out former President Gerald Ford who was the team's MVP in 1934. Michigan's greatest teams are featured as well. There is the "point a minute" teams of Fielding H. Yost in the early 1900's, the 1947 national champions, The 1970 - 1974 teams of Schembechler who compiled an astounding record of 50-4-1, and the undefeated national championship team of 1997.

Greatest Games? How about the 1969 upset of undefeated Ohio State who coach Woody Hayes referred to as his greatest team, or Tim Biakabatuka's single-handed dismantling of the Buckeyes with 313 yards rushing in 1995, the wolverines astounding fourth quarter comeback from a 21 point deficit to beat Minnesota in 2003, Anthony Carter's last second TD on the final play to beat Indiana in 1979, or the thrilling OT defeat of Michigan State in 2004.

The Rivalries, the great plays, even the Little Brown Jug is all here in a book that is simply indispensable for the Michigan Football fan all in an attractive hardcover book loaded with brilliant color photos. Triumph Books proves again why they are a leader in sports publishing.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

Got this book for my son-in-law and could hardly put it down myself. Great pictures and information. Easy reading, easily find information wanted. This was the perfect gift for my Notre Dame fan.

There really is something magical about Notre Dame Football. Eve growing up as a Michigan Football fan I realized this. Part of it came from growing up in a Catholic family. We'd often visit my grandparents on Saturday afternoons and my grandmother always had the Notre Dame football game on on her radio. The fact that Notre Dame is not in a conference has provided them with the kind of national appeal that other programs don't have. Game Day Notre Dame Football is one of Triumph Books' Game Day series featuring the greatest players, games, and moments in Notre Dame Football history.

The numbers are staggering: 7 Heisman Trophy winners, 21 national championships, 179 first team All-Americans. With those stats it's no wonder that Notre Dame has been a football powerhouse since the beginning of the 20th century and the days of the legendary coach, Knute Rockne. It was Rockne who was responsible for developing the modern passing game where previously the pass had been a novelty.

Most people are aware of two of the most famous campus landmarks at Notre Dame. First the Golden Dome which was built after a fire destroyed the main building in 1879 and the 132 foot tall Touchdown Jesus. But there are other great landmarks including "We're No. 1 Moses" and "Fair Catch Corby" that are detailed in this great book. It's no wonder the Notre Dame campus is considered one of the most beautiful in the nation.

Great players abound in Notre Dame's history. Heisman winners Leon Hart, Johnny Lujack. Paul Hornung, and Tim Brown stand side-by-side with other legends like George Gipp, The Four Horsemen, Joe Montana, Alan Page, and Joe Theismann. Gipp, of course, has become the stuff of folklore. Gipp led the team in rushing and passing in 1918, 1919, and 1920 but died from complications of strep throat in 1920. Eight years later in 1928 Rockne, the story goes, gave his famous "win won for the Gipper" speech just before the team was set to play the powerful Army team. Notre Dame's team was weak that year, coming in to that game with only a 4 - 4 record, but inspired by Rockne's speech, the team went out and pulled the upset.

Other great games are highlighted as well including the win over Oklahoma in 1957 which ended the Sooners record-breaking 47 game winning streak, the "game of the century" 10 - 10 tie with Michigan State in 1966, the 1978 dismantling of Texas in the Cotton Bowl, and the 1993 upset of #1 ranked Florida State.

As with all the fantastic Game Day books from Triumph it is a beautiful, heavy, hardcover book with fantastic photography and comments from former Notre Dame players and coaches. A great book about a great football program!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

This is a great coffee table book for any Oklahoma fan. It is hard to carry around though, bulky, and is more for lounging, not for the airplane or a toliet read like most fans want. But I really think if you have a Sooner fan in your family, you should get this for them. Also, a book taht is easy to handle, fun read, and OU specific... try :UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA FOOTBALL: An Interactive Guide to the World of Sports (Sports By the Numbers).

When it comes right down to it there is just nothing better than Saturdays in the Fall and settling in to watch a day full of college football. The spectacle...the tradition...it is unlike any other sport. One university that just screams tradition is Oklahoma. The Sooners have been one of those perennial powerhouses for decades and Triumph Books gives them their just tribute in Game Day: Oklahoma Football, another in their fantastic line of books spotlighting college footballs most famous programs. The book highlights OU's rich tradition and pageantry, it's great games, coaches, players, and moments, not to mention the Sooner Schooner, first introduced in 1964. Read all the lyrics to"Boomer Sooner" and "Oklahoma"!

Oklahoma boasts four Heisman Trophy winners and over a hundred and forty All-Americans, OU has been blessed with some of college footballs greatest players including Brian Bosworth, Keith Jackson, Steve Owens, Greg Pruitt, Lee Roy Selmon, Billy Sims, and my favorite Sooner Joe Washington. It was Washington who inspired me to spray paint my cleats purple when I was in high school as he had painted his silver.

When you talk OU coaches you have to start with the great Bud Wilkinson who won over 80% of his games and amassed an NCAA 47 game winning streak and three national championships. Barry Switzer would equal Wilkinson with three championships of his own in 1974, 1975, and 1985. The OU program struggled in the 1990's until Bob Stoops arrive and restored the glory in 1999, winning the national title in 2000. The book takes you on a journey through all of Oklahoma's championship seasons.

Relive some of the Sooners' greatest games including the 1971 "game of the century" against archrival Nebraska, the 1993 thrashing of Texas, the 25 - 10 pasting of Penn State in the 1986 Orange Bowl, and the 1977 last second win over Ohio State in 1977.

This beautiful hardcover book features stunning phtography that puts you right on the field of play! The great rivalries against Nebraska, Tesas, and Oklahoma State and comments from former players round out another enjoyable edition from Triumph Books. A true testament to the greatness that is Oklahoma football!

Reviewed by Tim Janson