Product Description
"Eloquent testimony not only to the fragility of the human body but to its durability as well." The Washington Post Book World.
He was the handsome golden boy out of USC, the star running back for the New York Giants, and -- for the last twenty-two years -- the stalwart voice of ABC's "Monday Night Football." But for Frank Gifford, the road to success did not come easy -- whether on or off the field.
Now, for the first time, this intensely private man tells his inspirational story, providing an insider's look at the NFL replete with shocking and humorous anecdotes. A classic memoir of a true American gridiron hero.


From the Paperback edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Pardon Frank's name-dropping, and Kathie Lee too
I just finished this book, and some of my comments would parallel those of the
previous reviewer. A NY Giants fan from Gifford's playing era ('50s-mid-60s) would find the
book pretty enjoyable, I think, as he tells of the times (and incidents) from those
days; including stuff about Lombardi, Landry, and some of his experiences with a couple
of his head coaches that were sort of funny. I laughed a good bit about the time his
stern old coach was making a curfew check the night before a game and opened a door
to a couple of star players' room while (both naked), one was allegedly trying to pop
the aching back of his roommate (at the roommate's request) in the dim light!:)

Unfortunately, Frank is a bit of a name-dropper, and this gets a little thick in the book.
I also had to just skim/skip over the gushy latter chapter about the wonderful, joyous,
cuddly, heart-popping life he lives with his love, Kathie Lee Gifford. Like the previous
reviewer, I find it amusing that this book was written before Frank got caught
with the whore in the hotel (with pictures of course). I don't think Frank's a bad
guy though, never have. I think the book is worth a read, even for those with
only a mild interest in football.

A football legend looks back
Frank Gifford is the first football player I personally remember.I can still picture him being interviewed on TV before a game, long before he was the one holding the microphone.But what interested me about his book was not only his account of his college and NFL careers or his broadcasting years but also his tribute to the high school and community college football programs in California, which have produced a number of outstanding players, and his look back on the celebrity social scene in New York City in the 1950's, the end of the Stork Club/Walter Winchell/Toot Shoor's era, where figures from the sports, journalism, political, entertainment and even literary worlds met and interacted.Another poignant moment was the meeting between Ronald Reagan and John Lennon in which the future President explained to the music legend the intricacies of football.Ironically, both would be shot; one would live, the other would not.And most of the country learned about John Lennon's murder while watching the December 8, 1980 Monday Night Football game.

Interesting for fans of pro football's golden age
Frank Gifford's autobiography is a fairly interesting book that isn't dry like so many sports biographies are.I found it to be a pretty good read and learned quite a bit I hadn't known before about The Giff.

Gifford covers his tough nomadic childhood, his rise to fame at USC, his years as a New York Giant playing in five NFL title games, his experience trying to break into the Hollywood scene, his eventual transition into broadcasting, and of course the Monday Night Football years.He also spends a lot of time at the end of the book gushing over Kathie Lee.Unfortunately this was written prior to his infamous indiscretions of the mid-1990s; it would be interesting to read his side of that story.... oh well.

Overall I'd say "The Whole Ten Yards" is an above average sports biography.If you were a fan of MNF's first quarter-decade or of the old Giants of the 1950s & early 1960s, you will probably enjoy this book. ... Read more

Product Description
A colorfully illustrated biography of an incredibly talented athlete examines how Sanders manages to be both an All-Pro cornerback and punt returner for the Atlanta Falcons and an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Truth About Reggie's Legacy
This book was an absolute joy to read. It really makes you think about hoe to better yourself. It also of course mentions the game of football and the truth about how football players actually want to use their wealth and fame to help the less fortunate. A must read in my book!!!!

Reggie White In the Trenches
Reggie White is a football player who shows his faith in God.In this book it teaches about God.And about the amazing life of Reggie White.I enjoyed reading it because I like football and it was exciting and fun.

Wasn't there supposed to be some football involved?
Hmmm... ever read one of those books that you THOUGHT was going to be about football, and instead it turned out to be a maudlin diatribe of religious proselytization? Oh, then you read this book ,too, huh?

This book was mostly a waste of time. If you like football, you'll be disapointed by the lack of the sport included in it's pages. If you like the Eagles, you'll be upset at the way Reggie verbally trashes them in this book.

I don't recommend it for anyone with a serious love of the game. If you're a Bible-thumping religion nut, then this book is right up your alley. ... Read more

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A biography of the man who overcame a childhood of poverty to become one of the great stars of professional baseball and football. ... Read more

Product Description
A biography of the Heisman Trophy winner who played three seasons for the University of Georgia before leaving college to play professional football for the New Jersey Generals. ... Read more

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Jerry Rice, former 49ers, wide receiver and one of the greatest player of all time gives expert advice on how to make the most of the second half of your life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Interesting
Once we got past the reader being someone else's voice, my college son and I listened with interest during a cross-country car ride.The book entertained us and gave us food for thought and talk.I watch football with a different understanding now.I was fascinated by this inside look at the game and Rice's take on leadership. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This is a great book!
Steve Young: complete quarterbackShmuel Thaler, 1996,63 pp., no priceTerri Morgan
ISBN0-8225-2886-X

Will Steve Young be able to play and show the world his great talent? In this biography you will be able to see how Steve Young's life as a quarterback was as difficult as can be from being intercepted and not being able to play at BYU.Despite these conditions, Steve Young was always calm and studied the starting quarterback Jim McMahon.He was an interesting person who always worked on his game day and night.

He only started being able to play for the football team his senior year shocking many people with his amazing records. His next step was to the NFL where he played for the San Francisco Forty-Niners. His only problem was that he never played because of Joe Montana's skill.Steve Young was such a great quarterback, and was not able to showcase his star quality to the world.

Steve Young is one of my favorite quarterbacks of all time.I recommend this biography to anyone who loves to read sports books and wants to know more about Steve Young, one of the Fort-Niners greatest quarterbacks. This book can teach anyone that perseverance and patience can sometimes help you succeed.
... Read more

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A biography of the football player who rose to fame as quarterback of the New York Jets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Not Bad, But Far From Essential
This is the third and final installment in Jerry Kramer's trilogy of books about the 60s Pakcers, following "Instant Replay" and "Farewell to Football". It's also the least interesting, especially when Kramer veers away from updating us on his former teammates and starts talking about his various up and downs in the business world. Without the central figure of Vince Lombardi (long deceased when this was written) and the drama of football to hang the narrative on, "Distant Replay" gets bogged down far too often in details that just aren't that interesting to read about. It's not a bad book, it's just not in the same league as the classic "Instant Replay" (which is still the best football book I've ever read) or even "Farewell to Football" (an enjoyable, if not as compelling, follow-up). Unless yourt one of those fans who simply must read everything associated with the 60s Packers, I'd skip this and buy myself a fresh copy of "Instant Replay" instead.

DISTANT REPLAY
I AM A VERY HAPPY CUSTOMER. EVERYTHING WENT JUST FINE.

THANK YOU,
ROGER

Can I Rate It Six Stars?
It seemed a natural for former all-pro offensive lineman Jerry Kramer and Dick Schaap to again chronicle the players of the 1960s "Packer Dynasty," but this time nearly 20 years after those glory years.

This is the third book in a series that had Kramer/Schaap pen works on the Super Bowl II championship season and the very rocky year that followed. Distant Replay starts with a basic premise; getting team members from the Super Bowl I championship squad together for a reunion in "Titletown, USA."

As much as it is bringing the reader up to date on what happened to the athletes after they left the stadiums of play, Distant Replay demonstrates how success on the field can be incredible highs that oftentimes cannot be replicated off the gridiron.

The lessons learned are timeless. I found Distant Replay a highly enjoyable read and - even 20 years later - one of my favorite sports books.

For those interested in the trilogy, Kramer recently released a multi-CD set of recordings and interviews from the late 1960s, along with "distant replay" interviews with former players on the championship years.

Must read for any football fan
A must read for any football fan. Dick Schaap knows how to bring out the best in ex-jocks. I tore through this book in a few nights. I liked it as much as "Instant Replay".

"Distant Replay" is for the hard-core Jerry Kramer fan only
I had been something of a Jerry Kramer fan as a child and I must say that I looked forward to this book with considerable anticipation.After all, I'd really liked "Instant Replay" and was curious to see what had happened to my heroes since they moved on from football.If Kramer had stuck to a review of "where are they now" it would have been a much better read.Unfortunately, he seems quite self-absorbed...This was a disillusioning read for me; it made me look at Kramer's previous works in a much harsher light.[Maybe that's not so bad!] ... Read more

Product Description
This is the remarkable and inspirational saga of the winningest quarterback in history who achieved greatness both on and off the field.

From 1946 to 1955 "Automatic Otto" Graham of the Cleveland Browns dominated his sport like no player past or present. Unbelievably, he led the team to ten league championships.

With his keen intellect, rifle arm, intense pride, and "can't stand to lose" demeanor, Otto propelled his team to an incomprehensible regular season record of 105-17-4 while establishing individual record after record.Today, it is hard to imagine the impact Graham had in his time. He was the Michael Jordan of football who was show-cased in many national advertising campaigns alone and with his wife, Bev.

NFL Hall of Famer Otto Graham lived a life of extraordinary excellence on and off the field. Now you can read his story for the first time with this hardcover book "OttoMatic." The Foreword is done by Hall of Famer "Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Otto and My Dad
My father grew up in Waukegan, Illinois, Otto's hometown. I purchased this book and shipped it to my dad. He was fascinated by it and thinks he is in one of the photos from Otto's youth. In fact the reason I purchased the book was my father has many times mentioned he and several other neighborhood boys played football with Otto when they were very young. My dad said, "I knew I would never play football after a few games with Otto, he was so naturally talented and not only in football". ... Read more

Product Description
Is there life after Penn State football? Ken Rappoport, longtime Associated Press sports writer and award-winning author, catches up with a number of former Nittany Lion football players to answer that meaningful question. In many cases, Penn State: Where Have You Gone? not only explores what's happened since these players left University Park, but also what they remember about their college football days and the invaluable "Penn State Experience." All have interesting stories to tell. Some, like Jack Ham and Mike Munchak, went on to Hall of Fame careers in the NFL. Others, like Heisman Trophy winner John Cappelletti, Ted Kwalick, Milt Plum and Pete Liske had successful runs in the pros. And still more, like All-American Charlie Pittman, became an all-star in the newspaper business. In this book there are also a couple of doctors, financial advisors and coaches. Some, like Bob White and Wally Richardson, have made the full circle back to Penn State to work for the university. The players herein represent some 60 years of Penn State football history-from the 1940s through the 1990s. Their fascinating tales reflect their times at University Park. Wally Triplett remembers what it was like to break the color barrier in the 1948 Cotton Bowl. Sam Stellatella talks about Penn State's first bowl victory, the 1959 Liberty Bowl triumph over Alabama. And Greg Garrity recalls his famous catch in the 1983 Sugar Bowl that gave the Nittany Lions their first national championship. Of course, many of the players have something to say about Joe Paterno. ... Read more

Product Description
Drew Pearson was born on January 12, 1951 in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up along with seven brothers and sisters in South River, New Jersey where he was an outstanding football, basketball, and baseball player for South River High School. He played college football for the University of Tulsa as a quarterback turned flanker. He caught 55 passes for 1,119 yards, six touchdowns and had a 20.3-yard average per catch in his career. As a senior, he led the Golden Hurricane with 33 receptions for 690 yards and three touchdowns. He went on, as an un-drafted free agent, to play for the Dallas Cowboys where he had 489 receptions for 7,822 yards.

Persistence. Perseverance. Survival. Drew Pearson has achieved greatness on and off the football field. As one of the NFL’s greatest wide receivers,"Mr. Clutch" is best known for one of the most famous plays in NFL history, the Hail Mary reception.

His successful career with the Dallas Cowboys resulted in three Super Bowl and three NFC Pro Bowl appearances. In addition, Drew made All Pro three times, was selected to the NFL 1970’s All-Decade team and he played on three Super Bowl teams.

In his life after football Drew founded Drew Pearson Enterprises, which concentrates on licensing agreements with major sports franchises for the sale of headwear. Drew Pearson Companies have become the nation's largest black sporting goods concern and Black Enterprise 100s named them Company of the Year in 1994.

Drew has also contributed significantly, with his time and money, to many charitable causes all over the United States. He is a community leader the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has a strong commitment to family and friends. In his book, Hail Mary, Drew shares his life, which is a life of overcoming adversity through preparation and hard work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Quick Read
THis book read surprisingly quickly. There were really no dull moments, except the chapters that dealt with specific football games. Thankfully, that was few. A lot of questions were left unanswered, but I especially enjoyed his take and opinion of other Cowboys. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Snoozin with the tooz
If you want insight on the Tooz, read Kenny Stablers' book instead. He says more in one chapter than Tooz did in his whole book.

A TRULY SAD AND FRIGHTENING STORY
JOHN MATUSZAK DOES A VERY HONEST TELLING OF HIS LIFE AND CAREER IN PRO FOOTBALL. AT TIMES IT FUNNY, SAD, FRIGHTENING, AND TOTALLY INTERESTING. I ALSO HAD A HARD TIME READING THE LAST CHAPTER, HIS HOPE AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. HE HAD A BRIEF BUT SUCESSFUL CAREER IN MOVIES AND TV. HIS PLANS TO GET MARRIED AND STAY SOBER ARE VERY TOUCHING. HOPEFULLY THIS STORY WILL HELP SOMEONE WHO THINKS MONEY AND SUCCESS ARE THE ONLY THINGS IN LIFE. A MUST READ FOR ANY FOOTBALL FAN AND FOR PEOLE WITH ADDICTIONS. WELL WORTH YOU TIME.

Cruisin' with the Tooz A very poignant tale in retrospect

Cruisin with the Tooz, written by John Matuszak with Steve Delsohn a Charter Bookpublished by Franklin Watts Inc. Is a heartrending story notso much in the writing as in the aftermath. Like most of its ilk it is a semi- tell-all hinting at sexual and eccentric behavior that glorifies the celebrity while still containing enough simple honesty to be compelling. Much like the character Sloth that Matuszak played in the Spielberg film Goonies, Matuszak portrays himself as a misunderstood,perhaps feared giant who although capable of violence is a gentle soul trapped in the body of a monster. A kind to animals, anti-war protestor who practiced controlled mayhem every Sunday of his football career.

. With honesty, Matuszak tells of his addiction to alcohol and narcotics and the dysfunctional behavior that almost cost him his dream of playiing football in the N.F.L. He discusses a theory of his that perhaps the continous use of painkillers in professional football lures players into the false belief that even the self-prescribed numbing agents of alcohol and cocaine are legitimate choices to the professional football player. He never, however; accuses coaches or trainers of forcing the painkillers onto the players and accepts the responsibility of his actions as his own.And although he never mentions it, one could surmise that the use of anabolic steroids was also counterproductive to his health. Matuszak in contrast to his teammate Lyle Alzado who blamed the trainers and coaches for forcing him into drug use instead hypothesies that if he had been a butcher his abuse issues may have still been a problem..

The poignancy of this book comes in the reader knowing the ending, that unexpectedlyat the age of 39, two years after the publishing of the book,John Matuszakwould be dead of a heart attack. Reading the final chapter as he spoke of his hope for the future and his optimism that there was a life after football, it is difficult to not shed a tear for this real life Steinbeckian character. ... Read more

Product Description
"Never die easy. Why run out of bounds and die easy? Make that linebacker pay. It carries into all facets of your life. It's okay to lose, to die, but don't die without trying, without giving it your best."

His legacy is towering. Walter Payton—the man they called Sweetness, for the way he ran—remains the most prolific running back in the history of the National Football League, the star of the Chicago Bears' only Super Bowl Championship, eleven times voted the most popular sports figure in Chicago's history. Off the field, he was a devoted father whose charitable foundation benefited tens of thousands of children each year, and who—faced with terminal liver disease—refused to use his celebrity to gain a preferential position for organ donation. Walter Payton was not just a football hero; he was America's hero.
        Never Die Easy is Walter Payton's autobiography, told from the heart. Growing up poor in Mississippi, he took up football to get girls' attention, and went on to become a Black College All-American at tiny Jackson State (during which time he was also a finalist in a Soul Train dance contest). Drafted by the Bears in 1975, he predicted that he would last only five years but went on to play thirteen extraordinary seasons, a career earning him regular acknowledgment as one of the greatest players in the history of professional football. And when his playing days were over, he approached business and charity endeavors with the same determination and success he had brought to the football field, always putting first his devotion to friends and family. His ultimate battle with illness truly proved him the champion he always had been and prompted a staggering outpouring of love and support from hundreds of thousands of friends and admirers.
        Written with veteran journalist and author Don Yaeger in the last weeks of Walter Payton's life, Never Die Easy presents Walter's singular voice—warm, plainspoken, funny, self-aware—along with the voices of the friends, family, teammates, and business associates who knew him best at all stages of his life, including his wife, Connie, and their children, Brittney and Jarrett; his teammate and friend Matt Suhey; former Bears head coach Mike Ditka; and many, many others.
        Walter made Don Yaeger promise that his book would be "inspirational and leave people with some kind of lesson . . . and make sure you spell all the words right." Never Die Easy keeps all those promises.Amazon.com Review
Walter Payton's premature passing forced a rethinking of his autobiography that completely sidesteps the self-importance that dominates sports memoirs in general. Never Die Easy isn't a traditional autobiography at all. It's an oral history disguised as autobiography that relates the saga of the most exquisite running back in NFL history through an interweaving of Payton's words and the words of those who knew him, with necessary transitions and narrative bridged by his collaborator. The result is an appealing hybrid that mirrors Payton's quiet modesty. "He had not just been a great football player," writes Yaeger, "he had been a role model in an age when role models were in short supply."

The Payton that emerges is a man of great skill, decency, passion, and charity: a man beloved. Naturally, there's lots of football in Never Die Easy--the title comes from a saying of Payton's college coach--with eyewitness testimony provided by the likes of Mike Ditka, Mike Singletary, Jim McMahon, Franco Harris, Matt Suhey, and even Jim Brown, whose career rushing record Payton leaped over. But there is also lots of family: the voices of his wife, children, brother, and sister are heard.

But mostly, there is Walter Payton. It's his own unmistakably high-pitched voice that resonates throughout; he sets down the melody and the others harmonize. Payton was certainly astute about the game and his abilities, forthcoming both in triumph and failure--his unsuccessful attempt at winning the NFL franchise in St. Louis was a terrible post-career blow--and utterly decent. How many other superstar athletes could say, convincingly, "Too many of us only take. We don't give." Payton gave to the end--a man who died for want of an organ was willing and eager to donate his own. It was the ultimate testimony of his refined, unforgettable Sweetness. Never Die Easy offers a fair, honest, appreciative taste. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (45)

Moving Look
This moving book looks at NFL star Walter Payton, but is certainly not a typical sports biography.Instead it is a moving look back (and to some extent forward) at a great athlete and human being from his last days due to a devastating liver disease.The book covers Payton's upbringing in Mississippi, and his college career.Then it looks at his days as "Sweetness," one of the NFL's greatest (if not the greatest) running backs with the Chicago Bears from 1975-1987.Payton was neither big nor particularly fast, yet he set many NFL records with his quickenss, acceleration, balance, and desire. The story is told in many voices; we hear from Payton, plus his family members, teammates, coaches friends, etc.Readers get a perspective on football skills, his humanity, determination, etc.We also learn about the horrid disease that brought him down a few months after his 45th birthday.Payton spent his last days speaking out in support of organ donations, and those calls are included in these pages.The book is a fast read, but hardly an unaffecting one.

Good Read and Interesting Story
Very good read.Especially interesting were the chapters about his childhood, and dealing with life after football.

Never Die Easy
I am not a sports fan but Walter Payton's behavior on and off the field had caught my attention.How many people would earn the nickname "sweetness" especially in sports.I remember his illness and the day his death was announced and I called my daughter at work to let her know.She was a huge fan.My cousin recomended this book; I had never heard of it.He had said he was not a reader but this book was so inspiring he said I should read it.It was no longer in print so I tried Amazon.

Everything about this man and his family just screamed character and loyalty.Not only was he a fantastic athlete, he was also an honorable man who did not let his abilities and fame turn his head.The books detail on his training was inspiring in that it spoke of his self motivation in detail and how he did not take time off between seasons.Training was too important to him.He also never got tired of his fans and always made time for them.The book is an easy read, it is well laid out and detailed about a man who had very little and made the most of it and never tried to take the spotlight from anyone else.

Powerfull book from a powerfull player.
This has to be one of the most powerfull books I have ever read. The story of how Walter Payton lived is a great reminder that we all have more in us.
This biography explained how Walter played and why he beleived that he should. This book will be read again.

The Story of a True Gridiron Hero.
NEVER DIE EASY is the story of Walter Payton the NFL Superstar, and more importantly, what he was as a man.

The book starts out with Walter's last days fighting cancer. The circumstances leading to his announcement of his illness were brought to light.

Walter, his brother Eddy, and sister Pam shared what it was like attending school before and during integration. Walter's football talent and personality made the process easier in Columbia,MS. On Walter's high school and college career there is a lot of contributions from teammates that played with him.

Walter explained how he approached playing the game of football- "You can't work towards two different goals - individual and team. You have to play for the team goal."

The book has shared insights from Bear backfield mates- Roland Harper, Matt Suhey, and Jim McMahon.

Walter's view of his retirement, and the failed bid for ownership of an NFL franchise were some things that probably aren't common knowledge among fans. The two issues were directly related. That was a big disappointment to Walter Payton - not being part owner of an NFL expansion franchise. He came very close in St. Louis. If he had different partners, he might have fulfilled another of his dreams.

Transcripts of the eulogies were included in the book. His son Jarrett, brother Eddy, Mike Singletary, John Madden, and Mike Ditka all spoke.

This book focused more on the man than the player. There are a lot perspectives from his family members and close friends. "Never Die Easy" described Walter's running style. As great as he was on the field, he was even greater as a private citizen, contributing to charitable causes, often anonymously.
In the days where contract size and celebrity reign in the NFL, Walter Payton was more like the Bears of old who played for the love of the game.
If you want to read about a modern football hero with an "old school" work ethic, this is the book.

... Read more

Product Description
Matt Christopher, the number one sports writer for kids, covers the childhood experiences, college careers, rookie years, and current professional standing of this outstanding athlete. It provides exciting play-by-play action of key games and insightful information on the people and events that enfluenced Young's life. Photos show Young doing what he does best. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

All about Steve
This shows evrything from, backround history, and family members.Where he lived, and all that godd stuff. It even shows most of the game score, and all the records of his game from High School till present, it has gooddetails, and is not too long.Easy Books to read, and very interesting. ... Read more

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Examines the personal life and football career of the quarterback for the Denver Broncos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful informative reading
I found this book to be very informative and inspiring. JohnElway is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. This book onlydoes him justice.I fell like i know him in a better sense after reading this book.END ... Read more