Football Books

FAITH ON 40 YARDS is a stunning exposé on the blatant exploitation of black athletes by the NFL. It starts out as an autobiography, but is definitely not a mere chronicle of the author's life and his running ability or football prowess. With his unique fly on-the-wall perspective and biting, anecdote-rich prose, the autobiography of Anthony E. Prior turns out to be two different stories in a single binding; one being a story of the author's early years and the struggles he faced on and off the football field, as he pursued his dream of being a professional athlete, and the other being a call to action. Action on the part of athletes to stand up and be counted and take charge of their collective destinies, in a pervasively racist system, where, in the author's opinion, they are little more than chattel. In fact the author compares NFL players to slaves on a plantation, ranking them as field hands or house slaves, depending on the degree to which they cow-tow to the coaches and others in administrative positions.

Interspersed throughout the story are interesting tidbits about the author's life; his admiration for Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr., his love and devotion to his family, his love for BMX bike racing, his vibrant remembrances about his college years and above all else his unwavering disdain for the way some players allow themselves to be treated by the white coaches. He describes how some players, reminiscent of slavery, referred to some of these coaches as Boss or Master.

FAITH ON 40 YARDS gives a controversial interpretation of the workings of the NFL and its players that is as edifying as it is unsettling. The book starts out a bit slow but builds up to a startling crescendo as the author divulges his views on the NFL and black professional athletes. Aside from being an autobiography, the book includes a history lesson that questions the state of black leadership, exhorting black athletes to take a stand against practices that threaten their fundamental guarantees of liberty and equality. This book is sure to spark controversial dialogue for some time to come.

Reviewed by Autumn
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I found this to be a great read even though, I am girl who was never experienced with what goes on behind the scenes in football. Therefore, I think anybody can enjoy this book. I just couldn't put the book down. It was so interesting and the way Anythony expressed himself made the book easy for me to understand. This book would benfit ,not only black athletes, dealing with discrimination, but all young people trying to live their dream. Reading how hard he trained from the time he was a kid to acheive his goal of finally getting to the NFL was very inspirational.

I was greatly enlightened by reading Anthony's personal history and a fundamental history of Black Americans.

He digs deep, gives strong personal opinions and well-researched, relevant facts that made me, as a Canadian, aware of my naivety toward what really goes on in the football industry, and still today in the U.S. toward Black people in general. Through his experiences, he gives some raw statements about women, money, status, religion and the professional athlete. This is not a "feel sorry for me" book. He puts everything into perspective as he states that everyone has his or her prejudices.

He is a freethinking, bold man making a bold stand that shouldn't be ignored. It would be a worthwhile read in American colleges... a "think twice" before entering the NFL.

PLEASE NOTE WHEN ORDERING: APRIOR7 IS THE ONLY SELLER OF FAITH ON FORTY YARDS. THESE BOOKS ARE SHIPPED DIRECTLY FROM THE AUTHOR. ANY OTHER LISTING OF THIS BOOK DOES NOT EXIST!

I have always liked football and I thought the players always lived this glamorous life. This book gave me a view of what it's like to be an African American football player and it's not always glamorous or fair. Player's go though the same discrimination as average African American people do. Anthony gives an enlighten view to all fans of football. It's a must read.

Hi.. I am a 7th grader.. I read this book a year ago, This book was amazing.. I love The Character's and the reaction toward's one another.. They all seem like good friend's that get a long.. Elaine Moore - is a very talented woman. This is one of my favorite book's to be truthfully honest with you.. This is a very remarkable book.. I think other teen's my age should at least give this book a try.. They'd like it..

This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down until after the third time I read it. I have a lot of favorite parts. One was the dance scene and the others were the football games. this book has inspired me and it will to you if this is your kind of book.

I love how Elaine Moore described the characters . In most books everything always goes right , I don't like that, but this book didn't. it was so funny , espically when they found out she was a girl.

I thought this book was hilarious! It was definitely a very fitting sequel to the first. I am sure that if there are any more sequels, they will be equally funny!

Oh my gosh! This is the best book. It is about a girl whosecretly joins the boys football team. Then they find out somethingshocking! Read this book to find out. All I can say, WOW!

Well written, concise - thanks for sharing your experience with other soccer moms and dads!

If I had one wish for all the adults out there who watch and coach kids playing soccer, it would be for them to understand and abide by the topics covered in the chapter "They Play to Have Fun." It might seem obvious but adults sometimes forget that everyone, especially kids, learn faster, easier, and better when they're having a good time. The entire book is full of excellent information (the best I've read) but this chapter alone makes it worth buying.

My 7-year-old son has been playing soccer for 2 years now and I'm just now getting the hang of soccer. Not having grown up with it, like most of the parents I know, I didn't even know the basics of the game. Goal has just what I needed. Information about rules, appropriate skills for each age, how to find a great coach, what to feed my kid so he doesn't tire out, how to find a camp, the best clothes to wear. This book has been a godsend. Now I know when to cheer at his games.

Youth soccer is great - for kids and families! This book put into words so many of the benefits of youth soccer. You'll be a better soccer mom or dad just because you'll be more excited about the sport and all it offers you and your child!

The information is well organized and enjoyable to read. And, like us, you may realize that you want to be more that just a soccer parent.

Last year, I signed up to be an assistant referee because they needed some help....this year I can't wait! I enjoy watching my daughters' dance recital and my son play baseball, but I LOVED being a referee on the soccer field! It was great to really be a PART of what my kids were doing.

After reading GOAL!, we both decided to start coach's training this year. Our kids are estatic that we want to do this with them, and we want to do what we can to provide a great program.

If you're not a soccer mom or dad or fan, you will be after reading this book!

I am a serious 14-year-old player. Ever since I was four or five, my parents have attended every one of my games, whether it was a scrimmage, or an important State Cup match. They would holler their lungs out, yelling instructions to me from the sidelines. At halftime they would bring over the snack for the team, and after the game they would talk to me about how I could improve. As pretty involved soccer parents, of course our bookshelf at home was full of books about soccer skills, tactics, and drills. It wasn't until about a week ago when my dad came home with Goal! The Ultimate Guide for Soccer Moms and Dads, that I had seen a soccer book designed to teach adults how to be good soccer parents. Both of my parents read the book and already I could see major improvements. There was no more hollering instructions from the sidelines, we had lots of drinks and fruit at halftime (which did help us play better), and best of all, my parents began giving encouragement rather than telling me what I did wrong. Seeing the total change in my parents, I decided that I would have to read the book also. After completing the book, I realized why my parents were acting so differently. Goal! has opened their eyes about not just soccer, but parenting also.

Jim and Dave combine for a great book that is both entertaining and informative. Jim's commentary is hilarious and Dave is so gifted! This is a must for all NFL fans! It also makes an excellent gift for a Super Bowl Party host.

Brown and McMahon team up to deliver one heck of an entertaining read!

McMahon is as sarcastic and entertaining as ever! He still has that macho football player swagger that makes his insight and commentary hilarious. This book is a must read for any "real" football fan.

Bought this book for my husband as a birthday present and I haven't been able to get him to put it down. He now laughs and talks to himself as he's reading. I'll definitely have to read it next. He says he's never read anything as good about inside football before!!

I liked it so much I married one of the authors, guess which one? The entertaining, wild, and fun side of football. Ladies, this is a great gift for the football fan in your life.

This is one of the best books one can find about John Elway. Sure, it misses much of the autobiographical details, but it gets down to business quite well, distilling John's football life into its essential components. Its strength arises from diversity of perspective. Not only do you hear Mike Shannahan's memories and opinions, but also Dan Reeve's and the words have a healing effect for us long term fans. Likewise, hearing not only from key Bronco team mates but also from his rivals gives one the complete story.

This book (Biography of John Elway) shows not only History of John Elway, but also of his Teamates and other Players around the NFL . This book is loaded with Players, Coaches, and the Owner of the Denver Broncos.

I got this book from my wife as a birthday present, and immediately sat down and read it cover to cover. I knew a lot of the info in the book already, having been a Bronco fan since 1972, but it did refresh a lot of old (and somewhat painful) memories. I feel this book is a "must have" for any Bronco/Elway fan.

This book offers commentary and descriptins of John Elway by other NFL teammates, players, and coaches. Included are chapters by Mike Shanahan, Terrell Davis, Brett Favre, Dan Reeves, and Clay Matthews (who played for the Cleveland Browns, against the Broncos in 3 AFC Championship games). Each individual's comments are very interesting, as they all offer a different perspective.

The only drawback is that the book appears to have been completed before Super Bowl 33; so Dan Reeves does not offer his views on coaching *against* Elway in a Super Bowl. A minor critique, though, as he still provides an interesting read.

The book is also filled with many excellent photos from Elway's NFL and college days.

Interesting comments from other players, but not a lot of new information for fans who have followed John's career. Nice book to have for a sports collection.

Whether a child, parent, or first time coach with no prior knowledge, this book is the perfect introduction to children's soccer. Add your league specifics and develop technically as you go. A first, must read.

This book provides a brief introduction to soccer, at the right level of detail for those new to the game. My 11-year-old son found the summary of the rules and strategies quite helpful. As a new coach, I was glad to have a compact volume that included most of what I needed to know. There are other books that provide more detail on the game and more exercises and drills for soccer players -- but this is the ideal "first book" for someone just learning about the game. I recommend it highly.

I am the first time coach of a second grade boys soccer team. This book was very easy to understand for the kids as well as myself. For kids that are relatively new to the game it explains positions, the different kinds of kicks and the all around basics of soccer without getting too technical. It has been a great aid for our team.

As a long time recreation coach and soccer parent, Brooks Clark offer the side of the game perfect for all coaches just starting out, or for any parents who know little about the game their children are playing. Concise and fun, a great read for the basic rules and strategies of soccer.

I read this book and now I feel all the more confident while training my son and his friends. I can explain them about the basics and the game and how to plan their game. Tecnicalities of the game are exaplined well in this book. Go ahead and buy this book to learn the basics of this game.

I didn't grow up in South Georgia, but I've lived here for over 25 years, and Mr. Lightle's book is one of the best pieces of work I've seen which explains some of the mystique of Southern males. This area of the country has given a disproportionate number of its youth to the military, and you can see why when you read about the kind of qualities fostered in summer football camps in South Georgia. The story encompasses comradery, the shared misery, the eventual acceptance of other young men without regard to background or race: of course, the racial integration of the football camp was a major component of the story. This book is a must read for the history of the area and the South in general.

...Years later, the memories are still with me about Graves Springs (football camp) - some good, and some not so good. Bill Lightle's memories are a true treasure of that hallowed ground called Graves Springs.

Duck Wall, sports columnist for the Albany Herald and former sports director of WALB-TV in Albany, Georgia.

...Years later, the memories are still with me about Graves Springs (football camp) - some good, and some not so good. Bill Lightle's memories are a true treasure of that hallowed ground called Graves Springs.

Duck Wall, sports columnist for the Albany Herald and former sports director of WALB-TV in Albany, Georgia.

As a kid we just wanted to play ball. We didn't care what color the guy beside us was. We didn't realize all that was going on outside of our little world in those trying and changing times. I look back now and see what our parents went through, but in that stadium on Friday nights they cheered for Orange and Green!
As I read this book I realized what a difference in my life Graves Springs and sports in general made. "Made or Broken" reminded me of the many Fourth and Ones that life deals you on a daily basis.
I laughed and I cried while reading. This book is a must read not only if you are familiar with Southern Football Tradition, but if you are interested in the flavor of the times in the Old South.

I grew up in Pennsylvania and have lived in South Georgia the last 26 years. This book illustrates as well as anything how the South has managed to produce such a disproportionate number of young men who have answered the call of the nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in times of national crisis. More than just a football book- actually, very little is about football- it tells the tale of young men molded by shared hardship and miserable conditions in the woods of South Georgia. Racial strife in the outside world is handled differently here, where young black men and young white men had to put aside their predispositions (a kinder word than prejudice) and learn to judge others by standards that did not include race. This book is a worthwhile addition to any personal library of works that deal with history and social progress in the New South.

This book appealed to me for a Father's Day gift, but before I sent it along, I had to read it. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down! The stories were so varied and so human that my curiosity was piqued for each character. My Dad said he enjoyed it too and my Mom read it in one day!

Alex Mindt's believable characters come from all over the land, giving insights into their own dilemmas through their relationships with that male of the species, the father. To this non North-American, the stories also present a vibrant collage of the country its characters call home. A rewarding read which merits rereading.

I am so into this book. Every story is great. Every voice in this book is believable. Its funny, it made me (almost) cry, i totally connect with the characters. In fact the stories are so enjoyable that when they end i cant help but think the next has to be a dissapointment but everytime im proven wrong.
It may be my favourite collection of short stories. Thats it, thats my review.

This is a stunning collection of stories. Unlike most authors who have a standard setting for their writing, Mindt is amazingly facile. Each story is set in an entirely different locale--not just geographic locale but psychological locale. He writes as convincingly in the voice of a Vietnamese immigrant who does Elvis impersonations in Vegas as he does in the voice of the son of hospitalized schizophrenic encyclopedia author as he does in the voice of the wife of the nerdy science teacher who flunks the high school football star. Every story offers the unexpected. This author is someone to follow....

A copy of this was given to me as a gift, and since then I have passed on the favor, purchasing a half-dozen and giving them to my friends who enjoy well written and powerful short stories. There is not a weak story in this collection.

Terrific, and highly recommended.

We first found this book at a library. Now we have to read it all the time, and at least 3 times in a row. I don't know exactly what it is about the book, but my son loves it.

my son loves this book, and its a perfect size for in the car and to throw into diaper bags. It has cute examples of opposites and great pictures of a lot of familiar football heros.

Using various NFL players in a variety of action and non-action poses, this book introduces young children to opposites. Big & small; narrow & wide; over & under; off & on; and various other opposites are shown. Adults may enjoy this book more, trying to identify the different football stars (some who have left the game) who are pictured in the book (some include Terrell Davis, Will Shields, and Randall Cunningham). However, youngsters who enjoy football will probably learn a thing or two from this book, too.

My son loves anything having to do with a ball. He brightens at the sight of any ball. So, when we read this book together, he pays very close attention and loves to try to find the football in every picture. But beyond the fun, my son has learned the words: hello and goodbye, empty, on and off and others. We have other opposites books, but because this one has bright colors and of course footballs scattered throughout, I really think he learns faster from this one. He definitely has more fun reading it. I highly recommend it as a learning tool as well as a fun book.

This book stands as the first book my two year old son read on his own from cover to cover. Each spread has opposite adjectives (ie., wide and narrow)...Wow! Great photos and big bold words. Young toddlers will love this book!

This is an outstanding resource book for OSU Buckeye football fans. It offers detailed accounts of each season, including scores, stories, and much more.

However, there is one important shortcoming with this book. After watching the HBO special about the OSU-Michigan rivalry, it is clear that this book leaves out several important details about OSU football, usually details that tend to portray OSU in a somewhat negative light.

For example, absent from this book is the fact that one year during the 10 year war, in the midst of an OSU blowout, Hayes ordered his team to go for a 2 point conversion after a touchdown, and when asked by the media why he had gone for two, Hayes replied "Because I couldn't go for 3!" Michigan then used that as motivation as they took revenge upon OSU the following season when they won the rivalry game. This entertaining and important story is absent from the book, perhaps because it portrays OSU in a negative light. However, I prefer to read an objective account of what happened, and I like to hear both the good and the bad. This book offers much of the "good," but doesn't say much about the "bad" things that have happened in OSU football.

One further example, Hayes' career notoriously ended when he punched a Clemson player following an interception in a bowl game. This book covers the story, but really goes easy on OSU and Hayes, and fails to capture the type of shock and scandal that ensued following that incident. It may be a dark chapter in OSU history, but it was an important moment, and this book doesn't delve into the details, but rather defends Hayes as having acted "in an obvious fit of frustration" (paraphrasing). This was a disservice, as this was an excellent opportunity to present both sides of the story, from Hayes' supporters and his critics. Instead, the book glosses over much of the info, says that Hayes left, later spoke at a graduation, and leaves it at that. Hayes' impact on the school merited a more detailed explanation of what had happened, and the incidents that led up to Hayes' resignation. The lack of information, and the lack of objectivity detracted the book.

The book also does not go into much detail regarding the 10 year war, and the relationship between Hayes and Schembechler. I would have liked to see some more coverage in that area, as there were many terrific stories from that era.

Having said all of this, I would still recommend this book as a strong source of OSU football history. I would only caution that the book does not always tell the full story, and therefore should not be referred to as a "complete" history of OSU football.

A great book filled with everything and everyone of Ohio State Football lore. I recommend Highly.

In the great state of Ohio, football is a year-round fixation. Especially for fanatics of the Ohio State Buckeyes, who measure each season's success with the ghosts of its legendary past. When not anticipating the current team's fortunes, they're busy mining for factual nuggets reaffirming the program's glory years.

Buckeye enthusiasts have struck gold with the latter. THE OFFICIAL OHIO STATE FOOTBALL ENCYCLOPEDIA is an informational jackpot, a whopping 683 pages of pure pigskin bliss, chronicling the entire history of one of sports most storied traditions. Either a lifelong follower or an Ohio State alumnus could architect such a massive undertaking; fortunately, it fell into the able hands of Jack Park, who is both, in addition to his duties as a commentator and columnist. With over four-hundred college football games to his credit--including nearly every OSU home contest since the late-1940's--he is simply the foremost authority on Buckeye football.

Unlike most proverbial encyclopedias with the A to Z format, this one is chronologically recorded, from their humble beginnings in 1890 through the modern-day mania of the 2000 campaign. Amazingly, not one season or game slips through the cracks; each one is vividly recalled with various accounts and statistics.

What really distinguishes the book from the typical almanac, though, is Park's inclusion of the many colorful anecdotes scattered throughout. Within the gray-shaded blocks lie some wonderful tales involving famous and little-known individuals whose passion and spirit have helped to shape the Buckeyes' saga as much as the many great coaches and All-American players. If the myriad of information isn't enough, the appendix offers twenty-four more pages of records and statistics, while the feast concludes with an alphabetical listing of every letterwinner in their illustrious 111-year history.

Bringing the sea of words and numbers to life are the visuals, beautifully arranged with scads of archived photos, newspaper headlines, game programs, and ticket stubs. Rather than clutter the path, they perfectly enhance its charm, balancing the formality of a textbook with the casualness of a scrapbook.

Park's warm but direct approach works effectively. Although his own experiences with OSU date more than a half-century, his reports on each season prior are equally as fresh and seamless, as though he were actually there. These recollections also subtly echo the sentiments of true Buckeye loyalists while still remaining neutral, a deft touch for a work of this type. That personal flair ensures that it's not just compiled by some factory or computer; it makes the whole experience less like a rigid research and more similar to a batch of stories told by a friendly old neighbor.

An essential bible for Buckeye nuts, THE OFFICIAL OHIO STATE FOOTBALL ENCYCLOPEDIA should be required reading for even the remote sports fan curious to gain insight into the history of a major collegiate athletic program, and in Ohio State University's, one of the nation's proudest.

My husband Lance went to Ohio State and wathches football and follows his alma mater, of course. I bought one of these books for him and for his dad. Wow...I finally bought a gift they both like, which meant a lot to me.

He likes different parts about the book, especially reviewing the years from when he attended OSU up through the most recent football campaigns. His father most enjoyed reading the section on Paul Brown, whose success at Ohio State was just part of a great coaching career.

They both liked the abundant photos throughout the book. My husband gets into sports stats, and this book was full of information on the teams and the individual players and coaches.

They both liked reading about Woody Hayes, Ohio State's legendary coach. My husband, who was a journalist at OSU, said he was able to interview Woody twice and the famous coach was extremely cordial both times. Of course, my husband said he never had to interview Woody after an Ohio State defeat.

So thank you for helping me make this holiday season successful and memorable.

In the great state of Ohio, football is a year-round fixation. Especially for fanatics of the Ohio State Buckeyes, who measure each season's success with the ghosts of its legendary past. When not anticipating the current team's fortunes, they're busy mining for factual nuggets reaffirming the program's glory years.

Buckeye enthusiasts have struck gold with the latter. THE OFFICIAL OHIO STATE FOOTBALL ENCYCLOPEDIA is an informational jackpot, a whopping 683 pages of pure pigskin bliss, chronicling the entire history of one of sports most storied traditions. Either a lifelong follower or an Ohio State alumnus could architect such a massive undertaking; fortunately, it fell into the able hands of Jack Park, who is both, in addition to his duties as a commentator and columnist. With over four-hundred college football games to his credit--including nearly every OSU home contest since the late-1940's--he is simply the foremost authority on Buckeye football.

Unlike most proverbial encyclopedias with the A to Z format, this one is chronologically recorded, from their humble beginnings in 1890 through the modern-day mania of the 2000 campaign. Amazingly, not one season or game slips through the cracks; each one is vividly recalled with various accounts and statistics.

What really distinguishes the book from the typical almanac, though, is Park's inclusion of the many colorful anecdotes scattered throughout. Within the gray-shaded blocks lie some wonderful tales involving famous and little-known individuals whose passion and spirit have helped to shape the Buckeyes' saga as much as the many great coaches and All-American players. If the myriad of information isn't enough, the appendix offers twenty-four more pages of records and statistics, while the feast concludes with an alphabetical listing of every letterwinner in their illustrious 111-year history.

Bringing the sea of words and numbers to life are the visuals, beautifully arranged with scads of archived photos, newspaper headlines, game programs, and ticket stubs. Rather than clutter the path, they perfectly enhance its charm, balancing the formality of a textbook with the casualness of a scrapbook.

Park's warm but direct approach works effectively. Although his own experiences with OSU date more than a half-century, his reports on each season prior are equally as fresh and seamless, as though he were actually there. These recollections also subtly echo the sentiments of true Buckeye loyalists while still remaining neutral, a deft touch for a work of this type. That personal flair ensures that it's not just compiled by some factory or computer; it makes the whole experience less like a rigid research and more similar to a batch of stories told by a friendly old neighbor.

An essential bible for Buckeye nuts, THE OFFICIAL OHIO STATE FOOTBALL ENCYCLOPEDIA should be required reading for even the remote sports fan curious to gain insight into the history of a major collegiate athletic program, and in Ohio State University's, one of the nation's proudest.