3 comments about Headslap: The Life and Times of Deacon Jones.

1. I met Deacon Jones about two months after I read this book. I felt like I had actually known him for a long time and even played with him. The author did a great job in describing the man, especially his youth in Florida, during the fifties. If you like sports and understand the discipline and dedication that a good athlete puts into his profession you will experience it in this documentary that reads like a novel. In some ways, this book is a history of the NFL as seen through the practical eyes of a humble and sincere young man who came from a small town in the "old south" and was never groomed for college or the NFL. This is the first biography that I read completely without getting tired of all the subject's glories. The book is not self-serving. It should be mandatory reading for all high school athletes especially football players and their coaches. Submitted by: Stanley Strychaz West Hills, Californi



2. I have idolized Deacon Jones all of my life, and this book really made The Deacon out to be everything I thought he was. The reason I liked the book so much was the fact that it not only covered his unrealistically impressive football career, but also covered his entire life from childhood all the way through his retirement from the NFL. It really gave you a real feel of the hard, grueling times he went through back in the days of racism and presidium. I recommend this book for anyone, even those who are not interested in football, fore is a book far from only being about football, but a book of struggle, anger, distress, and overcoming all obstacles in order to succeed greatly in life.



3. I hadn't expected to enjoy the account of Jones' early days leading up to his pro football career. But that was the best part of the book. Once I got halfway through his career I started skipping large chunks of text.

   The football tales were interesting, but not engrossing. What makes the book worthwhile to me is the account of Jones' struggle with racism through most of his life, including his early years in the NFL.

   That said, I was disappointed to see that the book is written in semi-fiction style in that whole conversations that were never taped or even could have been taped are reproduced as if they were transcribed by a stenographer. It seems obvious that the authors made it up. That doesn't necessarily mean that the conversations presented don't accurately reflect what was said at the time. But the authors don't even acknowledge that they have put words in people's mouths.

   In the same vein, I got the impression that some of the stories of Jones' life, as presented in the book, are apocryphal, or at least based mainly on Jones' memory.

   For example, one story has Jones meeting Jackie Robinson as a teenager. He had just seen a Dodgers game and witnessed a white player step on Robinson's hand. He said something to Robinson along the lines of

1 comments about Heart of a Mule: The Dick Schafrath Stories.

1. Heart of a Mule: The Dick Schafrath Stories is the autobiography covering seventy years of a truly remarkable man's life. Dick Schafrath tells of his childhood on an Ohio farm with no plumbing, plowing behind a pair of mules; winning national football championships; serving four terms in the Ohio senate; being the first person to ever canoe across Lake Erie; returning to Ohio State to finish his undergraduate degree after fifty years had passed; and much more. Told in a friendly, conversational tone, these varied stories are sure to delight and inspire, as they convey a rich life marked by rising to challenges. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Final Confessions of NFL Assassin Jack Tatum.

1. "Final Confessions" is actually two books: "They Call Me Assassin" (1979) and "They Still Call Me Assassin" (1996), which discuss the football career of Jack Tatum, a former Oakland Raider defensive back who was one of the hardest-hitters in the history of the NFL.

   Tatum was criticized sharply in the press for his hard hits, which often injured or knocked out opposing players. The criticism turned into an uproar on August 12, 1978, after an exhibition game between the Raiders and New England Patriots, in which Tatum made a vicious (but clean) tackle of Darryl Stingley that permanently paralyzed Stingley. That coupled with Tatum's unfortunate tendency to fire off his mouth, the "bad boy" image of the Raiders, and Raider Owner Al Davis' own conflict with Pete Rozelle and the NFL led to Tatum being characterized as an outlaw.

   In his defense, Tatum responds, (1) professional football is a vicious and brutal game, (2) I was paid to hit people hard, and (3) I generally played up to but within the limits of the rules. He has a point. Half of the second book is simply a rehash (often verbatim) of the first book. The other half is taken up with stories about Tatum. Jack Tatum may have an interesting story to tell, but you won't learn it reading this book. Only the oldest die-hard Raider fans will find anything of interest in it.




2. Brutally honest, shockingly factual, this book is the best ever written on the REAL world of professional sports.

   "Final Confessions of NFL Assassin Jack Tatum" is an exact reprint of Jack's previous two books, "They Call Me Assassin" and "They Still Call Me Assassin - Here We Go Again". It also contains additional opinions and conclusions that Jack reached on a variety of subjects.

   This compilation of events in the life of an NFL superstar reveals an athletically gifted, well educated, courageous and practical man who was raised to believe that truth, no matter how painful or revealing is more important than maintaining a phony status quo.

   In this book, Jack has finally put to rest the whole issue of his insensitivity towards Darryl Stingley. He has taken a lot of undeserved heat for something completely out of his control. He indicates that he tried to visit and talk to Stingley more than once and was refused an audience. In spite of these unfortunate refusals, he has written words of praise for the man.

   Honesty is not a behavior pattern for a reckless "loud mouth", it is the trait of a thinking man with values. This book is a celebration of honesty.

   Just as time has transformed the public perception of Muhammad Ali from the "Louisville Lip" to one of the world's most beloved sports figures, this book proves that Jack Tatum deserves to be acknowledged as one of the greatest legends in sports history.

   Jack Tatum deserves to be in the NFL Hall Of Fame because of his phenomenal play on the field and his courageously honest words off the field and in print.

   If you want unvarnished truth about "pre through post" life in the NFL, This Is It!!




3. Buy "They Call Me Assassin" rather than spend your money on this release. It is simply too dry a read; especially when compared to his first book.



4. Aside from Tatum's whining about every game the Raiders lost, and his incessant bad-mouthing of the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 70's, I actually enjoyed Tatum's first book, "They Call Me Assassin". Tatum's second book, "They Still Call Me Assassin", was almost an exact reprint of the first book, except it included a few more of Tatum's self-serving rants that would interest no one outside of Tatum's immediate family. Now, in this third installment, we are given exact reprints of both books. Amazingly, the reprinted portions of "They Call me Assassin" that were in "They Still Call Me Assassin" are left in "Final Confessions", so much of the reprinted material in "Final Confessions" appears twice in the book! The actual `new' material takes up a whole 12 pages in the 348 page fiasco. Don't waste your money now, simply wait until the fourth Tatum book appears on the market, "I Still Have Final Confessions", and has the exact reprints of volumes 1-3.



5. I wish I could give Tatum a -----***** in honor of Stingley's death today. What a self-centered jerk!!!

5 comments about Still Kicking: My Dramatic Journey As the First Woman to Play Division One College Football.

1. This is the story of a woman who was the first female player on a Division I college football team. She achieved her dream of making the team at the University of Colorado, but she was nearly destroyed by the sexism, sexual harassment, and eventual sexual assault that she experienced in the now notorious Colorado football program. Hnida eventually transferred to the football program of Rocky Long at the University of New Mexico. In the supporting and accepting UNM football program she became the first woman to play and score in a Division I college football game. Her story not only describes the courageous struggle and triumph of a remarkable young woman, but also illustrates some of the very best, as well as some of the very worst, aspects of college football programs. The seemingly endless reports of coaches and schools condoning sexual harassment and covering up sexual assaults by college athletes can easily give the impression that all athletic programs are bastions of misogyny and sexual abuse. Hnida's description of Coach Long and her teammates at the University of New Mexico reminds us that this is not the case. Much to the contrary, their warm acceptance and unconditional support illustrate all that is good about college athletics.
   
   Katie Inida's story of triumph over multiple adversities should inspire athletes of either sex and in any sport. It should also motivate university presidents and alumni groups to demand that their coaches and their athletic programs meet the standards set by Coach Long and the University of New Mexico.



2. I first saw Katie Hnidea on television. Since I like books about women and sports, I knew I'd have to read this one. I must admit I was leery. So many stories of harassment fall into the "they done me wrong" whiny genre -- a boring waste of time. Remember Kelly Flinn, the USAF lieutenant who lost her career due to an adulterous affair? Her book did little to help her reputation; she came across as woefully naive.
   
   But Still Kicking really is a football story. From the beginning, it's obvious that Katiei Hnidai is a real trooper. She just wanted to get on a Divison I team and play ball. She loved practices. She was a team player in every sense of the word. And she's used to being a winner: in high school, she played soccer and football, getting crowned Homecoming Queen at halftime, still wearing her shoulder pads.
   
   Katie's a confident, strong woman. She describes growing up in a close, loving family, where her dreams were always supported. Living near Boulder, she wanted to play for U of Colorado. The head coach encouraged her but then took off for another job, leaving her to the not-so-tender mercies of a coach who would be fired following numerous allegations of rape and abuse associated with the players.
   
   Katie really tried to fit in, but she was taken aback by insults, verbal abuse and what might delicately be called inappropriate touching. She came down with mononucleosis her freshman year and remained ill for a good part of her time in Colorado.
   
   Eventually she ended up in New Mexico, a state where I used to live. She was fully accepted by the team and made friends there. She never became a starter and her time on the field was limited. But for a few all-too-brief years, she was an honest-to-goodness football player.
   
   Without making an explicit statement, Katie lets us see how a coach's attitude can influence a team. Her Colorado coach wasn't crazy about women in general and Katie in particular. The New Mexico coach asked bluntly, "Why would there be a problem?" Players picked up their cues accordingly.
   
   So what else could Still Kicking do?
   
   Monday morning quarterbacking gets tricky, on and off the field. When the Colorado head coach left, it's easy to say, "She should have begun visiting other schools." Indeed, Katie considered talking to other universities. And she would have received a warm welcome. But she loved Colorado and didn't want to leave her home state.
   
   As a career consultant, I've seen similar decisions in vastly different environments. "Go where you're wanted" should be the motto of every college applicant and career changer. In my own PhD program, one woman had turned down a generous fellowship to attend a program she felt was more prestigious -- like turning down a lower-ranked university to get a walk-on at a top Division I school. It's a risky strategy that rarely pays off.
   
   But overall Katie comes across as solid and likeable, without an ounce of self-pity. She doesn't make excuses or waste time wishing her life had gone differently. She lets us glimpse life behind-the-scenes of a couple of college football teams, giving us the female perspective (I like her story of sharing a smelly weight room with a bunch of guys).
   
   Perhaps because she's young, she delivers her story with a fresh, energetic, upbeat style that keeps the pages turning. I would have liked to see some more thoughtful discussion: "Looking back, I now see..." The first few chapters are cheery enough for a Walt Disney movie, broken only by her response to the Columbine High School tragedy.
   
   But overall, I'm impressed with Katie's maturity. If she'd attended a university as a member of a women's basketball team, she'd have been guided with mentors. At U of Tennessee, each freshman gets assigned to a "big sister" on the team: it's like a big sorority. Katie had to forge her own path, keeping her own counsel. She was always "on." And she takes the experience in stride, performing like a pro.
   
   Fans of women's sports and anyone interested in the role of women will want to read this book. At the very end we learn that about 2700 girls are playing on high school teams. Inevitably, some of them will sign up for college football.
   
   That's reason enough to read Still Kicking.



3. Before my review, I've got several problems with the "statements" of the previous reviewer.
   
   First, you didn't read the book. If have difficulty with such, please have someone help you with my comments.
   Second, if you are to do a book review, you ARE supposed to read the book, not simply spew venom.
   Third, I work in the justice system and am aware of the complexities of these types of cases. You obviously are stuck in some time warp where you expect women to follow your idea of set rules for reporting criminal acts, especially those of a sexual nature. Things are not as simple as your agenda indicates.
   
   So let's talk about the book. It is a fine piece of writing. And it answered many behind the scenes questions I had about the situation in Colorado. I was especially interested to see how Ms. Hnida was attacked and smeared BEFORE the infamous press conference by Barnett. It seems to be a common thread in society- attack the victim if they dare speak out.
   
   The book follows a clear path and story line about how Ms Hnida came to the university and tried to achieve her dreams, only to be assaulted verbally and physically. The despair she suffered was painful to read, as it is one seen so often in crime victims- whether it is a crime committed by a stranger or even a family member. It's been my experience that victims often are silent, afraid to speak out and often resort to destructive behaviors. She stayed strong. Then to read about her persistence to push forward was inspiring. The team and coaches of New Mexico who took Ms Hnida onto their squad are to be commended. I would hope their actions are the rule rather than the exception. I especially took offense about the "Texas" comments made by the Colorado coach, by the way.
   
   I would recommend this book for all sports fans, parents, and would be athletes, especially young females. I hope other victims of violence find the courage to come forward. Ms Hnida is a true role model.
   
   Before closing, a few more comments to the previous reviewer. Please read the book before commenting. Its called honesty,something you might learn from Ms Hnida.
   
   And a correction of "facts". Ms. Hnida did not take a scholarship nor hold a scholarship from another player. She was a walk on. It is documented in the book from published news articles by Barnett, who called her the best kicker available in the list of potential walkons. And I'm still trying to figure out the "best friends" on the training staff comments. Players typically do not confide in non players, nor does the training staff participate or observe all that takes place on the field. And the rape took place in the off season. But then again, you would know that if you had read the book.
   
   I find Ms Hnida far from being a "gutless coward". In the world of free speech, you are allowed to call people names like little kids do on the playground...... (even calling Neuheisel a "clown" was VERY mature).
   
   Based on what I read, I'm sure Ms Hnida can handle your type. However, it is the other women who will still be uncomfortable and lack confidence in coming forward when attacked. You have tried to turn back the clock a few centuries. This book moves that clock forward. Kudos to the brave!



4. THis is a story about a young lady who benefitted from a coach which allowed her on the team despite being the worst kicker on the team (I think his name was Neuheisal) and did not deserve to be there. She became a national figure with Gary Barnett's ill timed comments and then became a New Mexico media element. She obviously was not a good kicker as she was ONLY able to kick ONE extra point in seven years of Div 1 kicking.
   The element that is disturbing is this: If in fact she was molested/raped, she has a CIVIL responsiblity to identify WHO, WHEN, HOW and prosecute the assailant. That would require a court case and potentially ruin her story if in fact it was proven to NOT BE TRUE. In today's society..we all have a responsiblity to report crimes.
   
   This young lady never did anything to speak of in football and should not even have been there. When will men be able to try out for Field Hockey? Why is there a dual standard? Men cannot try out for womens sports; why is the reverse admissable/? Save your $$$ and buy Buffaloed. It is a much better read.



5. My review should probably be discounted because I know Katie, in fact the photo of her kicking the ball is one that I had taken for her. First about Katie, she is not the type of person to seek publicity for herself and she is an extremely honest person, integrity is important to her. I know her motive is to help young women (anyone for that matter) that have big dreams. I also know how hard the entire ordeal has been on her so I think writing the book was a bit of personal therapy for herself.
   
   What I did not know when I bought the book was how well written it was. Katie has a journalism background and it showed as I thought she did a wonderful job of describing her roller coaster experiences. In fact I was a little surprised how well she weaved her story. To me her book told how people in leadership roles can mold an environment. Student athletes at CU are no more good or evil than student athletes at UNM, or anywhere else, but the leadership can make a difference when it comes to what behavior is accepted and prohibited. Leadership creates it's own sub-culture, and the book did a nice job of contrasting two very different sports sub-cultures.

5 comments about Jim Brown: The Fierce Life of an American Hero.

1. Just old enough to have seen Jim Brown in his prime I therefore read this out of respect for the football player, activist, and occasional jail occupant. The author clearly has great respect for Brown and details the steps he took to be granted interviews from this controlling, contentious man. This book is a great summation but really without any revelations. Brown was a great football player from a broken home in Georgia whose mother brings him to New York and works as a domestic to raise him. High school coaches guide him to a great Syracuse career while he experiences racism and events that will shape his life.
   
   Brown left the NFL at the top of his game for a career in movies. The book seems to glorify the Jim Brown acting career which seems to me to be quite a stretch. Whether it compensated Brown better than staying in football is never made clear. After acting and football we are left with Jim Brown the activist and possible abuser. I applaud Brown for his long history of effective activism but am conflicted on how to balance this with the domestic violence incidents which he continually tries to explain away. This is for the reader to decide but it is apparent that the author also has this same conflict.
   
   Overall, this is a fine book. But does it really add new ground? Not really. Does it give great insight into a unique period America? Probably, in my opinion this is the book's greatest failure. While he touches on what is happening in America during this period, particularly the support for Mohammed Ali as he objects Vietnam duty, there is no great reflection to open this historical period to the reader. Therefore I was left with a biography of maybe the greatest football player who is now an activist and who doesn't want anything written about him. There is just not enough insight or reflection to call this an exceptional book. But if you have a specific interest in knowing of Jim Brown, this book will serve that purpose.



2. I just finished reading this book and although it slowed at times it was worth the read. Jim Brown probably the greatest running back to play football in any era is laid out warts and all in this bio.I believe the book reveals alot in regards to how Brown evolved into the person he is now. The social and racial prejudice he encountered early in life chiseled not only his body but personality into a hard edged, tough to get close to icon.



3. I read "Jim Brown" a few weeks after finishing Mike Callahan's "Johnny U". Like "Johnny U", I gave this 3 stars, partly out of nostalgia. Both books have gaping flaws and those probably are even more apparent to someone who hadn't lived through these players' glory years. Unitas, in many ways, was the last of a certain kind of player--one who said little, played hard, and seemd to go along with management. These were the guys who lived next door to their fans and had off season jobs (usually in some sort of sales), because they and their families needed the money. Brown was the beginning of very different era. He left the game at his prime and spent his career being very outspoken about football, and was willingly to confront Coach Paul Brown. The elder Brown was instrumental in developing the modern game of football--he approached the game in a studied, almost academic manner and developed the foundations of the modern playbook. He also was rigid and authoritarian and by Jim Brown's time, his competitors were catching up with him. Although the racial integration of football had begun before Jim Brown's time, he was the first player to speak out about racial issues and he did it in a way that didn't necessarily resonate with white fans. Brown was arguably the best running back of his time and, perhaps, of all time. He was a gifted athlete who lettered in lacrosse (and considered his lacrosse coach to be his real mentor) and easily mastered new sports like golf. Brown left football for Hollywood and after a short but lucrative career in movies, it appears that he's continued to prosper. Going back to his football days, Brown has gotten in trouble with the law, mostly because of violent acts against other people. He's also had a long-term interest in troubled youth and has been involved in numerous civil rights and community based works since his football days.
   
   Brown's life has had many contradictions--he was a civil rights advocate, but supported Nixon (who famously exploited racial divisions) for president. He has worked to be a constructive figure in public life, but has had repeated scandals involving women in his private life. He was the prototype for many modern professional football players, yet he has been bitterly critical of the way in which later players have played the game and participated in society. Freeman attempts to address Brown's character flaws and contradictions, as well as his accomplishments, both in football and away from the game. The result is mixed, at best. The book suffers from rather superficial research and a tendency toward pedantic and shallow attempts at sociological and psychological explanations for Brown's behavior. Freeman brings in "experts" on violence and sport psychology whose expertise mostly consists of boilerplate soundbites. There are any number of people who have more expertise with regard to these topics and many of them are well known to the media. Freeman's explorations of Cleveland media seem limited and he appears not to have contacted any of Cleveland's sports writing/media figures and apparently ignored the morgue of Cleveland's afternoon paper, which was the dominant newspaper in Brown's time. The book also relies on very few of Brown's contemporaries. Despite access to federal records of Brown's economic development program from the 1960s, Freeman has little to say about how well it worked or what it did. The writing isn't as cliche-ridden as Callahan's Johnny U, but even for this genre, it's not very inspiring. Freeman tends to talks at us about Brown's motives and his life,rather than just letting the story tell itself. It's clear in the afterward that Brown was unresponsive to Freeman's requests to be interviewed and may have kept others away from Freeman. On the other hand, it's clear that he could have dug deeper with the material that was available. Some of his observations are simply laughable--Frank Ryan, the famously indecisive (and poorly protected) quarterback gets the kind of laudatory treatment that few Cleveland fans of the era would have given Ryan. The book also has sloppy errors, such as giving an incorrect history of the name of Miami University, the "mother of coaches" and a school that should be well known to sportswriters. Freeman opens by characterizing Brown as the greatest football player of all time, something even a native Clevelander would hesitate to say. Later, he describes Bill Belichick as the greatest coach of all time--a point that Cleveland fans, in particular, would dispute. Comments like these are made with little justification. There are other comparisons which attempt to compare Brown with other Black actors of his generation that fall flat in terms of knowing those actors' work and their appeal to different audiences. The book could have used a decent editor, particularly someone who knows football and Brown's era.
   
   Jim Brown was a towering figure in his time. Football was gaining ground in popularity and the decline of Cleveland's once great baseball team created an opening that Brown easily filled. Fans were disappointed with his sudden departure from the game and his abandonment of an otherwise lackluster team. There's much drama in his story and the book will bring back memories for people who will tolerate its shortcomings. The story of Brown's life after football tends to meander and it's never really clear how managed to get along after the film roles ended. Freeman also takes a lot of Brown's community work at face value and makes claims about Brown's role in dealing with urban problems in L.A. that seem overly generous and which lack any real documentation. I don't doubt Brown's intentions or his willingness to do things that other people might not consider. I just don't think Freeman really gives us a full picture. Given the dearth of written material on Brown's life and his importance to the "modern" game of football, this is better than nothing, but hopefully, someone will do another book that truly does justice to this great football player and interesting, controversial man.



4. It was so bad I went through it in a short evening. It covers Brown's entire life, but I wouldn't call it a biography. It didn't go into enough depth in really any area of his life. Brown is a fastinating personality, but the author didn't do a very good job. I would never be inclined to read another book written by the author. Jim Brown is a subject that David Mariness should write about. Now there's an author!



5. THIS BOOK BY MIKE FREEMAN IS A VERY GOOD BIO ON A VERY INTERESTING PERSON IN JIM BROWN. HE CAPTURES BROWN AS A VERY COMPLICATED PERSON WITH MANY SIDES. I AM FROM CLEVELAND AND SAW MANY OF HIS GAMES AS A CHILD AND ARE STILL ETCHED IN MY MIND FOR THE GREAT PLAYS HE MADE. OFF THE FIELD IT WAS A DIFFERENT STORY. JIM WAS ARROGANT, ALOOF AND A MAJOR WOMANIZER. HE HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF PHYSICAL ABUSE MORE THAN A FEW TIMES OVER THE YEARS. HE ALSO WAS A MAJOR MOTIVATOR IN TRYING TO HELP BLACK BUSINESS PEOPLE ESTABLISH THEMSELVES BACK IN THE 1960'S AND 1970'S. ALONG WITH ALL THIS, HE MADE SEVERAL MOVIES AND HAD A SOLID CAREER FOR AWHILE. THE ONE COMPLAINT I HAVE WITH THIS BOOK IS A LACK OF TIME SPENT ON HIS FOOTBALL CAREER. OTHER THAN THAT I REALLY ENJOYED AND ALSO FOUND THE PART ABOUT THE FBI KEEPING AN EYE ON BROWN FOR SEVERAL YEARS TO BE VERY INTERESTING. ALL IN ALL I LIKE IT AND SUGGEST FOR ALL JIM BROWN FANS.

2 comments about Nitschke: The Ray Nitschke Story.

1. Nitschke is the first biography of accomplished professional football player Ray Nitschke (1936-1998), who won the Green Bay Packers five NFL titles and the first two Super Bowls. Constructed from thorough research and dozens of interviews by biographer Edward Gruver, Nischke is the impressive portrait of a courageous man who lost both his parents at age 13, played a legendary championship "Ice Bowl" game in sub-zero weather, was inducted into the Pro Football hall of fame in 1978, and earned lasting memorials and tributes after his unfortunate death from a heart attack. Nitschke provides the reader with an inspiring account of the life of a dedicated game player and is "must" reading for Packer fans in general, and those who remember Ray Nitschke's performances on the field in particular.



2. Ray Nitschke is a symbol of a football era that has passed. He played the game for enjoyment not for money. Unlike current players, he was grateful to the fans and never passes up an autograph seeker. Truly, there will never be another Ray Nitschke.

   Edward Gruver began putting this biography together before Nitschke's death. Much of the information was gained in interviews with Nitschke. Because many of the stories are in his own words, it lends authenticity to the story. Gruver interviewed teammates and opponents to get their perspective of Nitschke. The result is the best rounded biography of the man who is arguably the best middle linebacker in NFL history.

   Aside from the stories of his playing days, the book also looks at Ray Nitschke the man. He lived through a rough childhood to become an unlikely recipient of a scholarship to Illinois. Although he dreamed of playing for the Bears, he made Green Bay his home only a few seasons after he was drafted. After getting married, Nitschke changed from a rough bar room brawler to a family man. His nasty on-field persona was left on the field. Nitschke was involved in numuerous charities. However, his family came first.

   Nitschke is an easy read, that is historically accurate and well written. My one objection to the book is my feeling that some of the stories could have been expanded up further. Nevertheless, this is an excellent read for Packer fans.

5 comments about Papa Bear : The Life and Legacy of George Halas.

1. This is one of two books which I have read recently, the other being Let Me Tell You a Story: A Lifetime in the Game, John Feinstein's account of his close association with Arnold ("Red") Auerbach. Both Halas and Auerbach were obviously great coaches but also outstanding CEOs, each building a successful and profitable franchise while playing a key role in a multi-billion dollar professional organization. In this instance, the National Football League. Born and raised in Chicago, I was especially interested in what seems to be the definitive biography of Halas, the longtime owner and coach of that city's NFL team, Duh Bears. It must have taken someone with both his most attractive qualities (e.g. vision, generosity, perseverance, self-confidence) and his most unattractive qualities (e.g. duplicity, arrogance, stubbornness, and -- at times -- paranoia) to accomplish what he did...which was indeed a great deal.
   
   For example, Halas played as a right fielder with the New York Yankees until replaced...by Babe Ruth. He then concentrated on a career in football, playing for as well as coaching the Decatur (IL) Staleys which he organized in 1920. It was one of the 11 original teams in the American Professional Football Association, of which Halas was a co-founder and its driving force. The APFA became the National Football League in 1922. Thirty-five (35) franchises folded during its first ten seasons. It was also in 1922 that Halas relocated his team to Chicago and re-named it the Bears. From 1920 until 1929, he was a coach/player and then concentrated entirely on coaching during three periods (1933-42, 1946-55, and 1958-68), during which the Bears won seven NFL championships and Halas was credited with a then league-record of 325 wins. Only Don Shula has won more.
   
   With all due respect to his achievements as a coach, Halas deserves much (if not most) of the credit for keeping professional football alive. At least until the emergence of television, baseball really was the national pastime and college football was much more popular (and credible) than was the NFL and the All-American Football Conference which challenged it after World War Two. It is debatable when all this changed. Many cite the the Baltimore Colts victory in overtime against the New York Giants in the NFL championship game (December 28, 1958), others Pete Rozelle's leadership as commissioner (1960-1989 and especially during his first years in that office), and still others a program which CBS televised in 1960 as part of its Twentieth Century series, "The Violent World of Sam Huff." Having personally observed the NFL's exceptional growth throughout the 1950s and 1960s, my own opinion is that there were many factors which certainly include these three. Point is, there would have been no NFL as we now know it without the contributions which George Halas made.
   
   That said, there are many (including several who played for Halas) who would agree with then Chicago Daily News columnist Mike Royko that Halas was "a tight-fisted, stubborn, willful, mean old man...[adding that] there isn't a famous Chicagoan in or out of jail who generates such intense dislike." Unlike Arnold ("Red") Auerbach who frequently claimed that he could forgive but never forget a perceived grievance, Halas often seems incapable of either. Davis examines this in several of Halas' relationships with various assistant coaches and players as well as with several owners. However, it is most evident in his relationship with son-in-law Michael McCaskey who married daughter Virginia. Near death, as Halas considered who would next head the franchise, he sighed "Anybody but Michael." That deathbed wish would be denied.
   
   Davis cites numerous examples of Halas' generosity, notably the fact that he paid for nearly all of the immense medical expenses during Brian Piccolo's losing battle with cancer. In the Foreword, Gale Sayers observes, "I love George Halas. When I talk about George Halas on speaking tours, I always say that. I thought that way about him. He made me a better person. He made a young man a better man just by talking to him, offering his advice. I always listened to him. I will always remember him. I appreciate him." Many others share their own fond memories as well appreciation of Halas' often concealed kindnesses.
   
   Davis's research seems exhaustive. He conducted hundreds of in-depth interviews with those who were most closely associated with Halas, including many with whom Halas had serious, at times rancorous disagreements (e.g. Dick Butkus) This is probably the definitive biography of the Old Man but it also offers a wealth of information about the process by which professional football evolved to its current place in American society. As Davis asserts and I agree, no one played a more prominent role during that process than did Papa Bear.



2. Pros: Everything you should know about Papa Bear (including everything the McCaskeys have spent years trying to hide from you)
   Cons: None
   
   I think it's safe to say we've finally seen the
   definitive literary work on George Halas. It did take
   more than two decades after his death for it to be
   published, but that's fitting. To truly grasp
   everything about the man and his legacy, you need to
   have lived through it and it's aftermath. Finally,
   one of us who has experienced it all first hand has put
   it out in the open for all to see. It's the most
   captivating sports book I've read in years, easily.



3. As a Bears season ticket holder and lifelong fan who attended the same grade school (St. Emily's in Mt. Prospect, IL) as the McCaskey children and grew up their neighborhood, I was really looking forward to reading this book. Then, right on page 3 it says the McCaskeys lived in Arlington Heights when they actually lived in Des Plaines, and I am left wondering how many other inaccuracies this book contains. It seems very anti McCaskey.



4. George S. Halas was, depending on who wrote the piece that you're reading, either the cheapest, back-stabbingest skinflint who ever threw nickels around like manhole covers, or a visionary who had the foresight to see what the NFL could become and ran his family business and associations (read: NFL) to the top of the sporting world heap. You can find both sides in this book, which is a reason that it ranks as high as it does.
   
   To understand the man, the book starts out with his parents, from the old country, Bohemia. As new immigrants, they worked in ways that we don't seem to do any more, like thrift, saving for something better, hard work at odd jobs to get that extra change. This is how George Halas operatered because he was "programmed" to do this at a young age. Subsequently, when he owned the Bears, that was how he operated his business. He saw the possibilities of growth of his team and the NFL through the media. He saw the wealth could be generated, mainly in terms of the league as a whole. He was determined to make his franchise the best, and that meant applying those principles that he learned when young (i.e., thrift). But he could also be extremely generous with his money, especially in family/business tragedies like Brian Piccolo, Willie Galimore and others. His line of succession, to take over the Bears, was also something learned from The Old Country, and thrown into pandimonium when his only son died and his son was estranged from Halas. Therefore, it fell to the McCaskeys to carry on the Halas-nurtured Bears into the 21st century, something G.S. Halas would conceivably be turning over in his grave about.
   
   The book does no favors at all concerning the McCaskeys; they are depicted as rather ignorant of most things concerning football and especially about the Bears, and greedy, controlling the Bears only for the money and prestige. The accuracy of this, since it was laid on so thickly by the author, makes you wonder if it is really true, but the record and gaffes committed by the Bears over the last 20 years tend to bear the author's characterization out. "Papa Bear" is a good, absorbing book for the history of the Chicago Bears and how the league got to where it is today, and hits much closer to the heart, mind and soul of George Halas and how he lived that many other biographies and autobiographies that one may find.



5. ...though it's a bit long at 512 pages (excluding notes, index, etc).
   
   The book does read pretty quickly. Not any particular chapter that I enjoyed the most. Sid Luckman was George's favorite. Interesting insights on the way the author describes George Allen, Mugs (George, Jr.), the rest of the Halas clan, and many of his ex-players including Geo Blanda, Bobby Layne, Rich Casares, et al. Definitely worth your time to read the book. When I visited Chicago, I passed by the old Soldier Field several times, but never took the time to visit it which is uncharacteristic of me. Wished not I had taken the time, as the place was reportedly to be very antiquated.

3 comments about An Odd Steelers Journey.

1. This book, while containing stories and episodes of Andy Russell's career as a Pittsburgh Steeler, has lessons on life for all sports fans. Whether in the sports arena, or business world or in life, the message and many of the chapters are about experiencing life events; about perservering when things are darkest; and about the importance of teamwork in or out of sports. I found myself going back and reading some of the chapters over again, not just because of the story, but of the message. Andy has added to his wonderful first book, and hopefully there will be another one in the future. His stature as author is growing.



2. Andy Russell gives us a real insight into the NFL and what it takes to be successful and a winner at the highest level of competition. He does this with humour and with stories that illustrate football`s complexity. It is a great read and a must for any fan of the game. You don`t have to be a Steeler fan to enjoy these stories as they give you a rare look into what happens of and off he field.

   Jim Card




3. Andy Russell's journey has been a personal expedition which has lead to a huge life outside of football, but I think readers should also appreciate Andy Russell's journey as a Steeler, and how his environment as a player changed throughout his career. He arrived in Pittsburgh fresh from college, where he had been a star on a National Championship team to a 'backwater' of the NFL, where rookies were given no regard at all. The Steelers were the acknowledged 'dead-end kids', translated into "if you don't shape up we're trading you to the Steelers." The pay was poor, the equipment was used, and rookies had to pick up the rocks off the field so the team could practice. And the Steelers couldn't figure where to play their games, Forbes Field, home of the Pirates, or Pitt Stadium, home of the Univ. of Pittsburg (they used both).

   He made the team as a rookie linebacker and started in a season ending game against the NY Giants that put the Steelers where they had never been before--one game away from the NFL Championship. The Giants won. Then Andy rode the Steeler bus on an agonizing downhill journey lasting several years, sticking with it and suffering the indignities of playing on a team going nowhere. No bitching, no requests for a trade. He was tough enough to stay the course and to be there to help build the great championship teams of the 70's. This took the better part of two decades. All that needs to be said is that Andy Russell was the captain of those fabled Steeler teams of the 70's. Teams that rewrote the NFL Hall of Fame and featured people like Jack Ham, Joe Green, Ray Mansfield, Jack Lambert, Lynn Swann, Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Mel Blount and others. Andy was their captain. That's enough for me.

3 comments about 106 Yards.

1. 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.



2. 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.



3. "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."

5 comments about Turning the Thing Around: Pulling America's Team Out of the Dumps-And Myself Out of the Doghouse.

1. If you are a Jimmy Johnson fan or a fan of good football autobiographies, then check this book out. It starts with Jimmy living in Port Arthur and takes you all the way through to his days with the Cowboys. The best part of the book in my opinion was the behind the scenes of the different colleges he coached at.



2. Jimmy Johnson's life is a great story, this book tells that story with great detail from Johnson's boyhood in Port Arthur, Texas all the way through his days of restoring glory in Dallas. This book is not just for Cowboy fans, it's for anyone who loves a good book.



3. I read this book when I was 12 years old and the Cowboys had won their first of 3 Super Bowls in the 90's. I loved it but, then again, I would have loved a bottle of poison if it had a Cowboys star on it.
   
   I picked it up again about a year ago when I was thinking about what made that team (and champion teams in general) tick. The psychological edge those teams enjoyed is probably what made the difference, to which Jimmy Johnson deserves the ultimate credit.
   
   His approach to the mental side of football is evident in this book. For example, instead of telling a kicker "don't miss" before a good field goal, Jimmy will always say "make this." The difference is the seed, either positive or negative, that is planted in that kicker's mind.
   
   But the book goes beyond coaching philosophy to chronicle the interesting, if not a little whacky, life of an extremely sucessful football coach.



4. Straight forward, no nonsense book about everything from Johnson's college coaching days to the Cowboy's first super bowl under his staff. He spends several pages scattered through the book almost whining about certain calls of the official in certain games, but what coach doesn't (even I'm guilty). However, I read the book in one day because I just couldn't put it down. He does give insight into how he became (in my mind) the master motivator of NFL football. Recommened to any football coach or player who loves the game and loves learning pychological aspects of the game.



5. THIS BOOK IS ABOUT FORMER NFL HEAD COACH OF DALLAS AND MIAMI JIMMY JOHNSON. HE TELLS THE READER MOSTLY ABOUT HIS CAREER COACHING A BIT ABOUT HIS LIFE OFF THE FIELD. I TOTALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK AS HE TELLS US HOW HE WON A NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND A SUPER BOWL. HE GIVES HIS HONEST AND INTERESTING INSIGHTS ON MANY PLAYERS AND COACHES. I FOUND THE MOST INTERESTING TO BE HOW HE MADE THE COWBOYS INTO A POWER HOUSE DURING THE 1990'S. EVEN AFTER 15 YEARS, THIS IS STILL A GREAT BOOK. NOW JIMMY STILL USES THE HAIRSPRAY AND IS A COMMENTATOR ALONG WITH TERRY BRADSHAW AND HOWIE LONG ON THE PRE GAME AND POST GAME WRAP UP ON FOX AND ARE QUITE GOOD AND ENTERTAINING. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.