Football Books

Ms. Lopez gives us a work that is thorough in its research and skillfully crafted. The reader is unobtrusively drawn in by a warmth that results from the author's personal interviews with many of the informants. The African American athletes and the University of Houston Coaches become so much more than a record of facts about racial integration; each person has a unique story set against a common backdrop of the cultural and historical context of the South. The facts are threaded with stories, thoughts, reports and comments that reveal the humanity, the courage, the tenacity and the passion of all involved. A book that will appeal to many across diverse disciplines and not just sports fanatics ! ASIN:0786437219 Cougars of any Color: The Integration of University of Houston Athletics, 1964-1968]]

This book is a must read. "Cougars of Any Color" documents how the University of Houston broke down the racial sports barriers prevalent throughout the South. Reading this book made me proud to be not only a supporter of The University of Houston, but of the accomplishment of three brave athletes, their teammates, and their coaches. A great book.

The University of Houston should be proud of it's contribution to collegiate sports. "Cougars of Any Color" tells a story of courage and determination by UH to dismantle segregated athletics. This book has very thorough documentation and first person accounts and is a quick read.

If your a clemson fan, then pick this up asap! This book has alot of great information.

5 out of 5!

Forget A to Z. The Clemson football story reads from H to H, as in Heisman to Howard to Hatfield.

Legendary John Heisman (after whom the coveted trophy is named) led the Tigers to their first undefeated season in 1900. Frank Howard was at the helm for the second perfect season in 1948. And Ken Hatfield's senior class of 1990 won more games (40) than any other group in Atlantic Coast Conference history.

From the turn of the century, when a Clemson back eluded tacklers by dodging around the oak tree that grew just inside the Furman field, to Danny Ford's national championship team in 1981, to the current string of seven straight bowl appearances, one of the richest traditions in college football has continued to deepen.

Now Clemson faithful can enjoy the whole glorious story: the early days under Heisman, the history of Big Thursday, the evolution of The Paws, the thirty-year reign of the fascinating Frank Howard, detailed accounts of all of Clemson's big bowl seasons, and much more.

If you wonder why the sleepy college town of Clemson, South Carolina, becomes the second most populous community in the state on home-game Saturdays, DEATH VALLEY DAYS offers pages and pictures of answers.

This book offers an outstanding view of Clemson football. It was the most interesting book I have seen about Clemson. I highly recommed it and have given it to many devoted Clemson fans as a gift. Needless to say they all enjoyed it. It is great to learn so much about Clemson from such a great teacher (Bob Bradley). You could not have a more qualified source.

Down and Out, by Ed Cadenhead is a wonderful book for the mature reader. I'm 12 and this book was age appropriate for me. It has everything a teenage kid would want in a book. It has action, sports, and comedy.This is one of my favorite books.. AND I DON'T EVEN LIKE TO READ THAT MUCH!! I would recommend this book to almost every teenage kid. Its wonderful!!!!

I have recently had the opportunity to preview "Down and Out", the first novel by Ed Cadenhead, an attorney living in Seminole Oklahoma. The book is centered upon the life of a fourteen-year-old star athlete from a small town in Oklahoma. It involves a great deal of football and basketball and I usually care very little for reading about sports. "Down and Out" however, turned out to be much more than a book about sports and I was pleasantly surprised.
The story told by Cadenhead is not complex but it deals with deep and important issues. It is probably best suited for young males in high school or college, but I found myself drawn to the story and still find myself thinking about it frequently.
The central character in the book is Anthony "A-Rod" Rodman and we first meet him when he is fourteen years old. A narrator, that often seems to reveal his own inner thoughts, describes him in almost poetic terms. We learn that he is a child at heart and loves to play football and basketball more than anything. He is forced to come of age though, by Tyrone, an evil and despicable drug dealer. Tyrone frames A-Rod in a drive-by shooting and forces him to sell drugs for him in order to get the evidence he needs to clear himself with the police. A-Rod is then pursued by members of a rival gang, mentally tortured by Tyrone and questioned by the law. The whole time this is happening, he simply wants to perform on the football field and basketball court. There are young black militants though that accuse him of being an "uncle Tom", playing for the white establishment, which sour even this experience for him.
As the story develops, we are allowed inside a world of drugs and gangs and violence. It is more than a superficial blood and guts story though. "Down and Out" is rich with symbolism and deals with difficult issues that many students face today. As a licensed therapist, I find it important to have students face and deal with issues like drugs, anger, race and violence in a safe environment before they are forced to deal with them in the real world. "Down and Out" provides an excellent springboard for discussion of these issues. The language and activities in "Down and Out" may strike some readers as rough or inappropriate for young adults. However, in order to attract and keep the attention of young readers, the language must be realistic or it will be recognized as fake.
By the end of the book, I felt I knew the characters and that I could predict how they would behave in situations outside of the book. This is a tribute to the author and means a great deal to me as a reader. I would recommend this book to most readers. I would encourage parents to read it and to have your children read it. For young men however, I consider it a must read. I often hear high school students complain that the books assigned in class are not relevant to their lives. As a result, they have no interest in reading them. That will not be a complaint about "Down and Out". I believe readers can learn a great deal about life and about themselves from reading and discussing "Down and Out".

Note: ...

My 13yr. son and I both read this book. He immediately took it to school and gave it to his health teacher (who coaches football and teaches health and antidrug leactures), and his English teachers so she could consider it as the next book for the class to read. He warned her it had strong language, but like Catcher in the Rye, it startles kids by reading words they may not be able to speak at school but they hear on the bus everyday. The story is facepaced and bittersweet, it makes a completely non sports person appreciate a rare and gifted talent and appreciate how vulnerable it is.

This is not only a must read for all soccer lovers, but all literature lovers. If you don't know spanish check out the English translation.

Este libro de Eduardo Galeano quiere mostrar mucho sobre la experiencia del fútbol, un fenómeno internacional de masas que es fabuloso negocio y demandante deporte, pero sobre todo, juego que puede ser poético. Antiguamente, 'poiesis' (verbo griego) tenia algún poder sobre el oído y consecuentemente el sentir y pensar de las gentes, cuando la letra escrita era escasa. 'Poiesis' era terapéutica para la vida. Hoy día no todos apreciamos la poesía, y desde luego no tiene para nosotros modernos el sentido antiguo de 'poiesis' como "creación"; para nosotros la poesía es palabrería más o menos bonita, escrita, apenas experimentada y pobremente declamada. Y algo de eso pasa con el fútbol. Cuando Galeano escribe en la Introducción, "una jugada bonita por amor de Dios," encapsula todo cuanto intenta expresar de la pasión futbolística en este libro, y nos invita a compartir ese anhelo leyendo las historias y leyendas que plasma, en busca de ese arte juguetón, pasional y artístico.
¡Disfrutad!

This book tell us about the real love for soccer, it is incredible how Galeano document history of soccer from a new way to feel it. This is not a simple history of soccer, this is the history of why soccer is the most played sport. Galeano defenitly loves soccer as a graceful and inspiring sprot played by real artists, not as like the most of us, his is fan of soccer beyond his favorite team. Soccer is not only about scoring a goal and wining, it is realy important how you play it.
Full of descriptions of moments in soccer history that show us this.

Galeano no es hincha de su equipo, es fan e hincha del futbol por sobretodas las cosas. Por eso el futbol debe ser hermoso y con pasión. Este libro es una cronografía de los momentos que han hecho historia en el fútbol. Es una recopilación de los momentos que nos enseñan porque el futbol es el deporte mundial. Para Galeano el futbol es más que marcar goles y ganar, es una verdadera fiesta llena de pasión. Este compendio de historias nos transmiten los momentos y personas que nos enseñan esto. Es una exelente manera de re-enamorarse del buen fútbol.

I identified with Joe: he is about the same age as me, we both loved aports as children (his listening the football games on the radio reminds me of (audio) taping games as a child. I remember watching those OSU vs Michigan games (like the one where Woody Hayes had a 'fit' and started throwing the yard markers; this was mentioned in the book)...
I took my time reading (in bed each night)this because i enjoyed it alot. A couple things that happened were kind of far fetched (like him recognizing a 'old' player...).
I was really affraid towards the end, that he was going to die somehow. I think that I had a little 'breakdown' about the same time as I read about Joe having one. Mine was related to sports too; "Illinois' '05 NCAA basketball tournament"; I kept thinking about this constantly and kindof 'went crazy' when they beat Lousiville and then depressed like I knew that they would lose to KN; Joe and I have a few things in common.
Incidently, the copy I got (not from amazon) was signed by the author.

Admirers of Ray Murphy's The Siege of Gresham who've beenwondering about what else this manic wordsmith has up his sleeve maybe surprised--& impressed--to find that in Empire & Victory the writer shows himself to be master of quite another mode. In this spacious & heartfelt novel we follow the career of Joe Pakotas, full of hungers & angers fueled by his bleak midwestern childhood. Dazzled by the grace of a University of Michigan tailback, Joe leaves the known world behind & sets out across an America where people hustle, suffer & dream. The faces of this Greyhound landscape are given a vivid, Whitmanlike presence as we follow Joe, hurt, hoping & chasing after dreams he can't quite make out but can't abandon, either. Don't be fooled by the football photo on the cover; this is a book about more serious games & the honesty with which Murphy portrays the desperation around his protagonist makes his affirmations all the more persuasive. Score one more for this writer who increasingly bears watching.

Empire & Victory is one of the best books I have ever read. The story of Joe Pakotas and his riotous journey across the North American Continent is an awesome ride, a tour de force, an American classic in the truest sense. It isn't afraid to be ambitious on a grand scale, and has the heart and faith to tackle subjects cynically judged as passe -- rights of passage, American destiny, freedom, love, and the open road -- with a heady abandon and confidence, as if no novel had ever broached these themes and the record has to be set straight. And it is put forth with such passion and skill, the only books you can compare it to are old and big -- Huck Finn, Look Homeward Angel, Suttree -- books that want to take on so much they burst their seams. Books whose subject is ... America, everything, life. God, it is great and refreshing to read a novel like this. A story that kicks off the old cobwebs of theory and commercial considerations and makes you remember what it is like to discover the world. Hell, if that ain't what novels are for, I think we've forgot.

E&V starts with a bang, recasting an early 70s Michigan-Ohio State football game into a pagan ritual of ecstatic intensity. And continues as Joe Pakotas makes his trek by hook or crook across the country toward the Rose Bowl. It is a pilgrimage as rich, varied and dangerous as the Canterbury Tales. Reading it, I found myself in a state of anticipation as one episode followed the next, wondering if the pace would slow. The sheer number of characters introduced, and the economy and vividness with which they are drawn, is breathtaking -- football coaches, book salesmen, prostitutes, hucksters, religious zealots, hippies, reporters, store clerks, priests, and bus drivers -- all pass before us and instantly ground themselves as real.

There is a throwback quality to the book. There is no sarcasm here, no narrative trickery, no distrust of the medium itself. It is sad that we live in a time that passion is looked upon with a jaundiced eye. Just as the decline of theater has impoverished our acting, the marginalization of poetry has withered our prose. But Ray Murphy has that old time religion. His writing has the clarity and density of 19th century Romantic poetry, as well as the beauty. The prose is so addictive and flows so effortlessly, it colors your consciousness, enriching your view of life. Empire & Victory is exhilarating and revelatory. I can't wait to read it again.

What a great book. I grew up in Athens, GA watching the Dawgs. Erk was the man who built the tradition of great Georgia defense. This book brings back so many memories and is told with gusto, humor, and warmth. Even if your not a Georgia or Georgia Southern fan, if you love college football, you'll love this book. Erk was a one and only.

Erk Russell was not only an outstanding football coach, he was even more than that a superior motivator, able to bring out the absolute best in those around him. If you are able to get a copy of this book, sit down, read it, and enjoy a good laugh along with some very touching stories about personal loss and the value of perseverance. I have thrown out books by well-known sports figures who later in life turned out to be fakes, but every time I have the pleasure of running across Coach Russell I am reminded of the value of sincerity and modesty.

If you are interested in University of Georgia or Georgia Southern football you will love this Book. The book tells many funny and interesting stories. ERK is an exceptional motivator.

Greg Brown has created a wonderful series of books with various athletes. It is not the athletes on the cover that make these books attractive to me, but the lessons on sportsmanship and responsibility. Our grandson wants to read them because of the athlete on the cover, and since his Dad is a big sports fan, too, he enjoys reading them to him. I highly recommend these books.

Steve Young offers football fans an interesting and informative look at his career in the sport. The text is an exceptionally accurate reflection of Young's personality: honest, determined, and good-humored. He shares stories about the challenges he faced in a frank, introspective manner. This is a perfect gift for any young sports fan-- sure to be read again and again.

Forever Young is a great book for kids of all ages. It was a wonderful way to show my son that his hero grew up the same way as every other kid he knows. From the stories about the fights with his brother to telling about his childhood fear of sleep-overs, Mr. Young shows kids that its okay to have fears and faults. The great thing about this book is that it shows kids that, even though Steve Young is a great quarterback, he makes mistakes and wasn't always the best athlete there ever was. It's nice to see a sports figure be humble about his success.

This is certainly a complete tailgate book, aka handbook. There are top 10 lists specifying the best coolers, chairs, grills, and even the best beer belly equipment. It's fun and entertaining; however, that equipment and those lists are outdated as soon as a new product comes out. So while fun and informative it's not needed information because you'll just check consumer reports for next years' best grill to buy anyway. You can get all the information about tailgating that you want from www.tailgating.com .

There is tons of information on all the teams, their stadium layouts, cost of parking, team colors, and Hall of Fame members. Again, all interesting and entertaining information but if it's your favorite team than you already know all that.

There's maybe 30 pages devoted to the fanatical fans. It's pictures and stories on the biggest fans themselves, their vehicles and how they've become to be such big fans. Again, interesting info but...

There are about 40 recipes for tailgating food. And they are some great recipes. There's beef, chicken, pork, venison, chili, fish, literally all kinds of recipes. The beer can chicken is the best. There are some side dishes, and 2 dessert recipes included but most are the main entree. Examples are maple pork chops, sausage soup, dark beer brats, kebabs, skirt steak fajitas, and apple city ribs just to name a few. The magic dust recipe is included.

The food is not geared to the teams or region locations as in "NFL Gameday Cookbook." This is just a compilation of recipes. I would highly recommend this book, especially for just a few dollars. Don't pay more than that, because you're only getting about 40 recipes.

If you want a cookbook that's all about tailgating food to include appetizers, breakfasts, thanksgiving football weekend as well as entrees then get "NFL Family Cookbook." It includes all the good food recipes without all the other fluff. If you can still find it.

I recommend the "NFL Family Cookbook" over the new "NFL Gameday Cookbook" and even the "Fox Tailgating Handbook." But if you want all the low-down on stadiums, the guy who paints his face blue and red, and the ambulance turned into a fanbulance than this Fox handbook is for you!

I just finished Stephen Linn's "Tailgaiting Handbook". In addition to complete tailgating info on all the D1 and Professional Football venues, the book also provides some good recipes from the top tailgating chef's across the country. Further, Linn provides very handy checklist for required tailgating items (which would almost be worth pulling out to carry to the venue since last minute forgets are always an issue). I also liked the resource index which highlights the websites containing many of the best products available for a tailgate event.

Stephen Linn has really done his homework. This handbook is everything you need to know about tailgating at college and professional football games. The Fox Sports Tailgating Handbook is packed with information about where to go and what to bring. He even includes recipes so that even folks who've never lifted a spatula before can look like pros at their first tailgate parties. The gear section is especially helpful with tips on the best grills to buy (Freedom Grills are my favorite), the best coolers, and even which vehicles are best for tailgating. Even professional tailgaters can find something useful in this book. You have to go to a lot of games to get this much information.

I read this with my 8 and 9 year old sons. They loved it!! Definite enjoyment for boys - or anyone, who practice the art of armpit noises. Hysterical and most memorable new glossary of gross terms. They can't wait to read more!

I almost barfed when i read this book. It was hilarious! nobody could make you as sick as Pat Polari.

This book isn't your classic literature, but it is a wonderful and hilarious read! It is full of farting and grossness, and you will be rolling on the floor with laughter! I could practically smell the gas coming from Bigfart's butt! It is a must-read!

HARD KNOX IS A BOOK BY FORMER NFL HEAD COACH CHUCK KNOX. HE REALLY MAKES THIS BOOK BOTH INTERESTING AND ENTERTAINING. HIS INSIGHT AND EXPERIENCE AS A FOOTBALL COACH IN EVERY LEVEL POSSIBLE IS WELL WORTH THE READ FOR ALL FOOTBALL FANS. WHERE EVER (GROUND) CHUCK HAS GONE HE HAS BEEN A WINNER. FROM THE RAMS TO THE BILLS AND FINALLY THE SEAHAWKS HIS TEAMS HAVE MADE THE PLAYOFFS BUT THE ELUSIVE SUPER BOWL WAS NEVER REACHED. I CONSIDER CHUCK KNOX TO BE ONE THE MOST SUCESSFUL COACHES IN RECENT YEARS AND ENJOYED WATCHING HIS TEAMS PLAY. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR ALL FOOTBALL FANS.

I really enjoyed this book, it was very interesting to get a behind the scenes look at a coach in the NFL. I think that Chuck Knox is one of the more interesting personalities in the game. I'm a Seahawk fan so I especially enjoyed it, but even if I wasn't I think I would still find it interesting.

Chuck Knox worked his way up from the poor steel towns of Western Pennsylvania to become a top coach in the NFL for over 20 years. Laced with interesting anecdotes and great humor throughout, this book not only shows that hard work and desire can lead to the top, it gives common sense advice on how to keep your head about you when you get there. For any fan of the pro game, but especially the Jets during the 60's, Rams during the 70's, or Bills or Seahawks during the 80's, this is a must read. All of your favorite players from Joe Namath to Brian Bosworth are covered. I would think that this book is almost required reading for any ambitious football coach, high school or otherwise. The wisdom and common sense approach Knox used in dealing with the multitude of personalities involved in team sports could apply to any level of athletics. Chuck Knox never won the Super Bowl as a head coach, but was always a winner- in football and in life.