Green Bay Packers Books

This is the complete Vince Lombardi book. The author has left no stone unturned it seems and goes into great depth in looking at what made Lombardi tick.

It is not a shrine to the greatness of Lombardi book, the author does write about the Coach's flaws (lack of attention to family) but it is so engrossing that I was upset when the final chapters on Lombardi's death were being read.

Maybe the book is a smidgen too long, there were times that it seemed to drag a little but all in all, a great book.

Presidential biographer David Maraniss ("First in His Class") turned his attentions away from Washington, D.C., and towards Lambeau Field in this remarkable book. His subject was Coach Vince Lombardi, who took over a losing program and turned Green Bay, Wisconsin, the smallest market in professional sports, into "Title Town, U.S.A."

Immediately prior to Lombardi's acceptance of the head coaching position, the Packers managed to win only a single game in an entire season. In short order, Lombardi made Green Bay synonymous with victory. The trophy given to the team that wins the Super Bowl is now named for Lombardi. The Packers won the inaugural Super Bowl and repeated the following year under their celebrated head coach.

Lombardi was a star player for Fordham when that university still had a football program. He developed and refined his coaching abilities at the high school level and he was promoted to assistant coaching positions at the United States Military Academy (West Point) and with the New York Giants of the NFL.

As Maraniss demonstrates, Lombardi enjoyed influence throughout the country during the Sixties: he became a much sought after business conference speaker and Richard M. Nixon even contemplated offering him a place on the political ticket of the Republican Party for a brief time.

This is a superior biography and a document of a time that now has gone.

This is the best sports biography that I've ever read, and is the gold standard by which I rate every other sports bio. I originally read the book when it was published in 1999 and decided to read it again. I didn't realize that I had forgotten so many details. Many of the games discussed I remember like it was yesterday. If you were a Packer's or NFL fan from the 60s this is a must read book.

I'm very skeptical of Amazon's public reviews as I find 80% +++ of the reviewers are too easily impressed (especially business/investment books). Most grossly overrate books. With such skepticism, I did scan through a page or two of the now 138 reviews to see why anybody would give this book < 5. Two compliants said it had too much minutia and wrote too much about Vince's early life. I find that most if not all biographies talk too much about the person's early life and the person's lineage. I usually scan the early chapters of a biography until I get into the person's adult years. On my second reading of this book I picked it up around Vince's time at West Point.

One last point about the author. I've also read First in His Class & his book about Roberto Clemente. Both were excellent books. However, Maraniss did co-author a book with a younger woman, who's title I forget. It was obvious from the reading that the woman had written most of the book and Maraniss wrote little of the book. His name may have been listed as a co-author to sell books.

I couldn't help feeling that I was right there in frozen Green Bay, in the 1960s, at one of the Lombardis' Sunday post-game cocktail parties, and everywhere else Vince Lombardi went in his life, while reading this great book.
It's a great read, very vivid, about a great coach and (as Maraniss illustrates) not the greatest father in the world. In other words, a portrait of a human being who did great things with his work, but who had foibles like everybody else.

I picked up this book after hearing a strong recommendation. I knew next to nothing about Vince Lombardi, other than that he was an excellent football coach. Very glad I bought the book as this was a particularly engrossing biography.

The author was very thorough in his research and traces Lombardi's life in detail for his full nearly 60 years. He provides a lot of detail on Lombardi's strengths and weaknesses. At times I wanted to slug him and tell him to quit being so intense about football and pay more attention to his family. Other times, I found myself admiring the daylights out of him. It is astonishing to think he could take the most losing team in football and turn them into major winners in just one season.

There's a lot of food for thought in this biography. Is winning really so important that you should sacrifice your family and your health? Is success really success if you never enjoy it? As a recovering perfectionist, I saw many powerful examples from Lombardi's life about why I DON'T want to be a perfectionist! Nothing is ever good enough, and you never, ever get to be happy. That is one lesson in Lombardi's life that really comes blasting out of every story.

If you like biographies, you will really enjoy this one. Glad I decided to pick it up.

Jan Dahlin Geiger, author of "Get Your Assets in Gear! Smart Money Strategies" Get Your Assets in Gear! Smart Money Strategies

Wonderful, for those of us who are Packer-backers and even for those who aren't. Good history, honesty about his addiction.

As a Londoner, who learnt to appreciate American football at 21, I wanted background reading to enhance my enjoyment. I started by looking into favourite players of mine, so came this book!

I wanted to understand what goes on in players mind before a big game. How they react to the coach barking orders. How they conduct themselves on and off the field. This book helped me to do all these things and more. Favre is not a roboback, he is an individual with flair and creativity, which is why this book is so entertaining.

I seem to be able to climb right on into Brett's head, and into his personal life through the pages in this book, which is enlightening to say the least. We hear about his highs and lows, and he is frank about his addiction to Vicodin, and his relationships with players and coaches alike.

I think this book is for American Football fans only, which explains why this was my first Amazon purchase, (This book isn't in print in the UK) but for a fan of the Packers, or just a Football fan in general, you can do no wrong in buying this, which will no doubt increase your respect for the stress players endure every game.

This is a good book ,the problem came from the fixation they put on his painkillers addiction and the problems it bring with his wife and teammates.You also have a lot of details about the health problems this addiction caused to him,a little bit like "Drugs is bad to you,see what it do to me."His wife almost let him down for that,his teammates are tired of him asking for Vicodin and others painkillers.The two or three first paragraphs talk about that, but chapter after chapter they come back with it.The book talk to much about his "post popularity" life and not enough of him when he was unknown.His "post popularity" life are report in all the daily newspapers,that why I expect to learn more about Bret Favre before he was a star.They pass to fast on his teens years,his collegiate years.The reason to write a biography his to talk about the unknown parts of someone life,but in this book you just found what everybody read on the last five years newspapers.That a good but incomplete book.

Favre for The Record is the best book I ever read.It is totally a must buy.

First I want to say something about the book. It's great!! If your a true fan of the Packers and want to know about one of the teams, and NFLs greatest players, buy this book. It shows you the kind of person Favre is on and off the field. He takes you through the ups and downs of his life and career that have made him the person and player he is today.Now, for the other reviews I read before writing this one. What promted some numbnuts to write about the packers loss to St. Louis in the playoffs in a book review?? They must be a Bears fan! Another one decided to write that Brett and his family were (...) That's intelligent. I know when I go to read a review about a book that interests me, I want to have to wade through the garbage that idiots like that jerk take up space with.For those of you with a brain in your head, trust me, Farve: For The Record is a great read!!

Kevin Sheehan has simplified the great qualities of important leaders and placed them in an entertaining text. A gift which I have passed on to my dearest friends, this book is both inspirational and educational. My highest recommendation.

Poignant, powerful stories. Beautifully written with a distinctive and important design. This book's not to be missed--by you, your friends, your business colleagues. Bravo!

Within his book A Leader Becomes A Leader, Kevin Sheehan delightfully illustrates the essence of true leadership. He poignantly definies a diverse group of past and present leaders; while exploring their life events and characteristics of greatness. Encourage your friends, family and coworkers to read this motivational book!

The author does a phenomenal job of breaking the topic down into small manageable and inspiring readings; also covers a great cross-section of leaders and the characteristics that made them successful. I ordered a dozen copies as executive and motivational gifts.

J. Kevin Sheehan presents a celebration of what's possible in his biographical snapshots of great leaders. By focusing on the unique character traits of outstanding leaders the author transforms the mysteries of leadership into something very real. He answers the question "what made them great?" in an extremely concise and inspirational style. Great as a corporate gift or graduation present. My children have used it for school projects and I have found inspiration for my own business. No home or school library should be without this most valuable tool.

Born and raised in Fort Worth, I have been a Dallas Cowboys fan for decades. I was 13 years old and watched every minute of the "Ice Bowl", and still feel a twinge of regret over Bart Starr's quarterback sneak (helped by the blocking of Jerry Kramer) that won the game for Green Bay.

I bought Instant Replay the year it came out, and I read it every two or three years, to get me geared up for the football season. My first edition copy is well worn and beloved.

Indeed, reading the other reviews, I am struck by how many people also admit to re-reading this book. And no wonder. Mr. Kramer simply wrote a beautiful love-story about football. You get the feel of the locker room, of the players preparing for each game, and of the game itself. Names from the past float by, such as Alex Karras and Bob Lilly. Vince Lombardi is huge, of course, and the stories about him are simply fun to read (interestingly, Vince would not allow any photographs of him in Jerry's book, since Vince planned on writing his own book). As others have noted, the Packers were an aging team, and Jerry writes vividly at one point about how, as he gazed around the locker room, he saw players getting shots, getting taped up, etc., all evidence of their aging, breaking bodies.

Instant Replay transcends team loyalty. Any fan of football will enjoy this book. Buy a good copy and be prepared to read it several times over the years.

This is a classic look at one of the greatest football teams of all time, headed by one of the greatest coaches of all time: the incomparable Vince Lombardi.

The book started out with a desire to keep a journal of a year in football from training camp through the end. Serendipitously, this particular year turned out to be the third straight (and unprecented) championship year for the Green Bay Packers -- and featured a spectacular end-of-the-game play by the author.

I wouldn't call myself a rabid football fan (that would be my husband), but this was an excellent book for anyone with a passing interest in football.

I am not a Packers fan, yet I found this book fascinating. Jerry Kramer has opened up the mystique of America's favorite spectator sport to the public in "Instant Replay." And what a cast of characters! So many legendary figures of the game participated in this single season: Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr, and Ray Nitschke, to name a few. After the fabled "ice bowl" league championship game against the Cowboys, the Super Bowl vs the Raiders was almost anticlimactic. Football fans of any age would truly enjoy this personal account of a remarkable team in their most memorable season.

I read this book twice: once when I was a kid shortly after it was initially released, and again several years ago. It was just as interesting a read the second time as it was the first. I recently bought a copy of this re-released version for a friend. I thumbed through it and noticed some additional photo's have been added since the release of the paperback edition that I own.
Anyone who has an interest in football will want to read this book, despite the fact that it relates to events that took place 30 years ago. If you're my age, it will bring back memories of the glory days of the Packers (back when a water bucket was a tin pail with a ladle on the sidelines). If you aren't old enough to remember those days, the names in the book will most likely be familiar to you as great characters in football history.

Instant Replay is an essential book for every football fan. The tradition of the NFL and the inside story of the Green Bay Packers in the Vince Lombardi era come to life with a wonderful blend of humor and pro football detail in this great book.

This book gives a comprehensive history of Green Bay Packers from the beginning. It highlights great players and coaches. It is hard to put down.

Very good reading for a Green Bay Packer fan.

This is a great book. A very comprehensive history of the team with tons of great photos. I would definitely recommend this book to any fan of the team!

ive been a packer fan since the lombardi era, but only vaguely knew the pre-50s history of this franchise and players, this is a well researched and informative history of the earlier years . there are lots of pics and sidebars highlighting the packers own hall nof fame greats, as well as how the fans and citizens of green bay have stuck by this team through many trials and financial hardships . in the fight for survival,( that is the money generated to keep a pro franchise in town), this book exposes the great character and love of a city and its inhabitants to support above and beyond the call of duty, the glory as well as the lean times , my love for this, the last of the small town teams from the beginnings of the nfl has renewed my passion and makes me want to move to green bay to live the dream, unique among the nfl and at the top!!!!!!!!!

I purchased this book for my brother as a Christmas present. Upon receiving the book I shared it with several fans and they were so excited. I thought it was a great book and know that my brother is going to Love It!!!! We have been Packer fans since the 60's.

My 88-year-old father grew up in Wisconsin. He's a lifelong Packer fan. I haven't seen or read the book, but he's absolutely enthralled by it. We talk frequently, and he brings the book up often. Every page has a memory for him.

So, don't take my word for it: take the word of a man who watched Don Hutson catch passes on blustery Green Bay Sundays.

This book not only accurately depicts the life of Curly Lambeau, but also the start of professional football. David Zimmerman reveals many interesting facts about the game, the players and the era in this timeless masterpiece.

In the interest of accentuating the positive (and I did enjoy this book) I will say that it was purchased from my wish list by my mother, who ended up buying a copy for my cheddarheaded sister as well. My mother grew up in Green Bay (one block from Curly's birthplace! she exclaimed) and said that it brought back her childhood in the 30s and 40s quite vividly. With every mention of every store or venue she recalled stories of old Green Bay. She would tell me of the Packers practicing in leather helmets just outside of the old East High School. She would tell me of going around the corner to the modest home of Mike Michalske (an oft-mentioned Packer in the book) to play with his newborn. She loved it.

To me (and she admitted as much) the book read at times like a low-scoring football game. By this I mean that it appeared the author had several anecdotes which he strung together into chapters, not paying great amounts of attention as to whether or not he had already introduced a trainer here, or used a turn of phrase there. The reader, therefore, is left going over the same phrases repeatedly, with their repetition distracting from the overall telling of the story of Lambeau. You read one account, skip back several years for another account, and then read the first account as a natrual terminus of the second. Like a low scoring football game, on each play you main gain a few yards or lose a few, and find yourself forced recover the same yardage.

That said, the author seems to both idolize Lambeau as the patriarch of the team, and find little for which to do so. He repeatedly shows players that did not much like the guy, nor respect his actual abilities as a football coach. Players would have to explain where plays wouldn't work, and though his dependency on the forward pass was innovative in 1919, he was unable to modify his game as football evolved in the 30's and 40's. He's portrayed as a vain, egotistical salesman who (quoted some three times in the book ver batim) "did more for his hometown than anyone else" and founded a great tradition in professional sports.

A recurring theme in Packers History seems to be frustration with intervention by the executive committees governing the franchise causing the head coach to leave. Lambeau cited this when he left the Packers (and later the Cardinals). Lombardi warned against interference when he stepped up to the plate, and of course as Packer fans of this era remember, Holmgren went to Seattle largely to enjoy the general managership denied him at Green Bay. Ironically, Sherman has the dual role today, and Holmgren has been stripped of the same in Seattle.

Anyway, the book provides a light and interesting look at an era I've not seen well covered elsewhere. It covers the first 31 seasons relatively well, and Green Bay at the time as well. It identifies the times this unlikely team faced dissolution early in their institutional life, and how the means by which it was saved sets the team apart from every other team in professional sports. It covers the Packer-Bear rivalry through the years (although showing Halas as quite the protagonist and Packer Backer by the end) and provides a cursory look at Lambeau's Post-Packer life.

I'm glad I read it, but it's not exactly 5-star material.

The first chapter draws you in so completely, you feel like
you are there with Curly and makes you want to read more.
This book has so much information on Curly's professional and
personal life. Never before has a book covered so much on the
history of Curly Lambeau and the beginning of Packer football.
A book to be shared by everyone who wants a piece of Wisconsin's great local sports history. David Zimmerman is a thorough writer with a personal touch.

As a life-long Green Bay Packer fan (since 1960), I was amazed to learn that nobody had ever written a biography on Curly Lambeau until now. After all, he's been gone since 1965. It's incredible to think that two generations of fans have been going to Packer games in Green Bay and seeing the name "Lambeau Field" emblazoned on the stadium but possessing little or no knowledge about the man who founded the team, coached it for 31 years, nurtured it financially and emotionally through thick and thin, and brought home six NFL Championships! David Zimmerman truly fills a stadium bowl-sized void with this book! It's packed with intriguing information about how the Packers - and the league - were formed. Lambeau's larger-than-life aura shines through, both in his football success and his human failures. But you don't have to be a football fan to enjoy this book. No doubt, women will be intrigued with Lambeau the ladies man. Colorful characters like Johnny "Blood" McNally will make you laugh and scratch your head in amazement. You'll meet other NFL Hall of Fame legends like Don Hutson, Clarke Hinkle and "Iron Mike" Michalske. This book is a must-read for any Packer fan, football fan, history buff or anyone who just enjoys a good, colorful collection of all-too-human stories. Plus, the pictures, many of which have never before been published, are outstanding. I loved it!

I heard the author David Zimmerman on a local sports radio program. I was impressed with his historical knowledge of the Green Bay Packers and Curly Lambeau. So much so I bought the book. In it he has given us special access into the colorful life of a football pioneer and icon Curly Lambeau. Packed with insights, great photo's, bigger than life characters and legends of the game. I found the book well researched, carefully compiled and absorbing, a welcome addition to my football library. If you have an interest in the Green Bay Packers or the NFL, you will want to read LAMBEAU-The Man Behind The Mystique.

I first ordered this book for my son-in-law, because he is such a Charlie Daniels fan. I then ordered a copy for a friend of mine who is going through a rough time in her life right now. Before giving it away, I flipped through the pages, and read the story by Jonny Lang. I am a 61 yr. old grandmother, but I have albums by him. I was just blown away, and had to order a copy for myself.

In the book, How Do You Know He's Real, you'll get an inside look into the spiritual lives of 34 celebrities. Hagberg has compiled testimonies ranging from Kirk Cameron to Rudy Sarzo (former bass player for Ozzy Osbourne). Each story is remarkably different and it's amazing to read how God has worked in the lives of each of these well-known people.

The author has collected very readable stories telling how celebrities have become Christians, and they share their low points and their joys here. This is a welcome peek into the lives of well known people who typically are more secretive.
Ricky Skaggs, Kirk Cameron, Gloria Gaynor, Bethel Johnson (34 people in all) tell about their struggles and their early days as new Christians.
Billy Ray Cyrus tells of singing in his grandpa's Pentecostal church when he was 4, and includes the touching lyrics to the song he wrote "The other side."
Jackie (Jacklyn) Zeman, star of General Hospital, advises that when you are at a crossroads "cry out to God and ask for His guidance."
Al Kasha's story resonated with me; this Academy Award winning songwriter overcame agoraphobia, and talks about how Hollywood is a tough place for a Jew who came to Christ, and how he started a Hollywood Bible study group.
There are stories here for anyone to enjoy and find spirit lifting.

(Hagberg has written a companion book with the same title, subtitled God Unplugged)

How Do You Know He's Real? is a collection of celebrity essays about God acting in their lives. The contributors include athletes, musicians, and actors. Their stories often follow a familiar pattern of fame leading to drugs and alcohol before hitting bottom and being turned around by an encounter with God. That's not to say the accounts are all stock and cliched, but rather that God meets each person in their need--and for celebrities that need will be similar. And many of the tales include growing up in stable Christian homes, but still needing to make personal decisions about God and Christ and how that decision impacted their careers.

The stories are collected alphabetically but Hagberg has provided a topic finder so a reader battling discouragement or frustration can find offerings from Billy Ray Cyrus, Nancy Stafford, Zorro, Gary Burghoff or John Schneider.

Each essay begins with a picture and short biography of the contributor, listing their accomplishments. Following the selection is God's Road Map, a few sentences about the issues raised by the author, with Bible verses for teaching and encouragement.

The essays themselves are as varied as the contributors. Some of them read as if they were written to be given as speeches. Several sound like the writer could be sitting at your kitchen table, chatting over the coffee pot. All of them are honest and share from their heart how God has acted in their life and how they know He's real.

Reading the accounts of God acting in both miraculous and mundane ways reminds us that no matter what a person does for a living, each of us are created beings who need a loving Savior and merciful God.

Armchair Interviews says: Up close and personal stories from celebrities.

I received this book as a gift and once I started, I couldn't put it down. Ms Hagberg has captured the beliefs of these well known and respected celebrities, sports figures, and musicians. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series and can't wait to give copies of this one to all my friends. Order 2!

Run to Daylight was published in 1963 and was instantly recognized as a classic. Written by legendary Green Bay Packer head coach Vince Lombardi, RTD details Lombardi and the Packers preparation for an unnammed opponnet in the 1962 championship season. The book is a must read for the aspiring coach or anyone interested in pro football coaching. RTD provides the psychological motivation of both the players and coaches and a highly readable account of a week in a pro football season. Along with John Wooden's "They Call Me Coach", this is a must read for coaches of any sport.

In this book Lombardi's life is played out during a week as the patriarch of the Packers. He highlights in detail why they were a 60's dynasty. From the cycles of game planning, interactions with his team, you get to see Packer football from a new perspective. Despite his gruff exterior, it is crystal clear that he genuinely cared about his players on and off the field. This is not a how to coaching book or a biography. It is a slide snapshot that tells more than the reader expects.

Such a rare gem of a book, I was floored by it's great detail and was very happy with this book!! This 1963 publication written by Vince Lombardi, is sure to be missed by much of today's generation, and unfortunately so. Lombardi SHOWS why his Packers were the 60's greatest football dynasty, and how his life plays out during a week as the leader of the Packers. This is an absolute MUST read by ANY real football fan!!!

Vince Lombardi's dedication and devotion transcended football. His quotes are used all the way from the high school locker room to the corporate board room.

This diary is Lombardi in his own words. It covers his views of the weekly cycle of planning for battle, preparing for battle, and then the football game itself.

Packer fan or motivational fan - this book is an easy read worth the several hours to get cover to cover.

This book is mandatory reading for football fans, particularly fan of the Green Bay Packers. Some of the ideas about this book are misleading. However, it is still a great read.

This book is not a biography of Lombardi or a guide on how to coach football. This book does give readers insight as to what it was like for Lombardi during his coaching tenure. Based on technology alone, there are great differences now. The readers get to see all of Lombardi's preparation for the mystery opponent in silver uniforms.

Several of Lombardi's famous quotes are included. Lombardi also discusses specifc intereactions with players as well as a number of interesting stories about various players. Despite his tough exterior, he genuinely cares about his players. When the book arrives at game day, you get to see the game form Lombardi's perspective. It is a real treat for football fans.

If you have read other books about the Packers during this era, you are not likley to learn many new facts. Many of the facts in here are credited as a primary source in other books. However, you do get to see Packer football from a new perspective.

As a hardcore Vikings fan I was thrilled to find this book. I truly believe this rivaly is the greatest in the NFL past, present and future. Nothing can discribe the feeling I get when I go to the local pup to watch the Vikes battle the Pack. With this book I can relive past victories and heartbreaks. This book is an excellent book to compair numbers and scores. A must have for Viking or Packer fans but can definitely appeal to NFL histroy buffs. What a find!

Mishler has gone the extra yard to interview great players from both sides of this rivalry. From "crossover players" who found themselves in the enemy camp for their professional careers to the great anecdotes which fill each page any Packer or Viking fan will be entertained. I thought I had heard or read most of the Lombardi year stories, but Todd came up with some new ones I hadn't heard from the post season circuit. A perfect complement to D'Amato and Christl's "Mudbaths and Bloodbaths".

You don't have to be a Vikings or Packers fan to enjoy this book. Any true NFL fan will want to read this book to relive some of the greatest games ever played between these NFC powerhouses. Insight from players and fans alike give a personal feel and provide that extra "edge" that will leave you both chuckling and gritting your teeth depending on which side of the Minnesota-Wisconsin border you happen to live on. Don't hesitate, but a copy for yourself and get some extra's for Xmas gifts!

Cold Wars: 40 Years Of Packer-Viking Rivalry by football enthusiast Todd Mishler is an informed and informative review of every game these the cherished Greenbay Packer and Minnesota Viking football teams have played since 1960. Filled cover to cover along with anecdotes, insights, and cheers from players, coaches, sports writers, and fans, Cold Wars is enthusiastically recommended as an engaging history perfect for Wisconsin and Minnesota football buffs and could well serve as a template for writing books about other historic football rivalries!

"106 Yards" gets 5 stars from me. As one who began following Al Carmichael's exploits as a post-war star with the El Toro Marines, at Santa Ana College, as a USC Trojan and in the NFL, I thoroughly enjoyed this editorial and pictorial trip, which brought back so many great and nostalgic memories. It's a "must read" for every USC fan or alum, as well as anyone who appreciates one of football's truly "class acts."

I found this book to be not only an account of an extraordinary career, but a tale of human perseverance and triumph. I thoroughly enjoyed it, cover to cover.

106 Yards is a comprehensive photographic masterpiece and the stories told by Al 'Hoagy' Carmichael capture a time in football that enthusiasts of the game will love to read.