5 comments about T.O..

1. The man is 30 and still acts like he is in high school.



2. The best way to destroy sales is for the "author" to blast portions of the book.
   
   In the follow-up to the commercially successful Catch This!, Terrell Owens has said there are erroneous passages in T.O. Because of that comment, it brings into question the validity of the entire book.
   
   Love him or hate him, Owens is a pop culture phenomenon and that may be why Simon & Schuster rushed to print a second autobiography. I can only guess that Owens was not happy with the project and decided to tank sales by ripping the finished product.
   
   Within the proper context I am sure Owens has a ton of interesting things to say. The line of children's books slated for release may be the venue for Owens to make a positive and lasting impression with fans.



3. PG.75 I don't like the way that people say that T.O. is bad. But when he gets on a team has very successful. He makes awesome play and game braking decisions he is an all-round great player
   
   PG.87 T.O. helps carry the Philadelphia eagles to the super bowl. He made 5 catches and one T.D. catch he had a great game knowing that he had a tweaked ankle. I bet he was in really bad pained
   
   PG.100 T.O. played the whole super bowl with metal plated in his ankle. Like to days after the super bowl it was time to get them out and right before he went in to surgery he told the doctor that he want the metal plate for a silvaner and the doctor said ok. So I five day later he went home and look at the plates and they were not his plates looked brand new.
   
   PG110 He says that most young player should say home with there familys and relaex. I think that,that is good to do so thay can do stuff like that to not make the player so tight
   
   PG.120 T.O says that he doesn't have to do any work out that just natural and that is no a good mesiage to send to people that are trying to get to the NFL. Because if you are trying to do a walk on then you have to work really hard to work out and get a lot better



4. Terrell Owens does a remarkable job in his second book. This clears up the controversy that surrounded his season long suspension from the Philedelphia Eagles and lets read the side story that the media would not tell.



5. This book was very informative. In his book TO explains how the media edits anything he says. In some parts he tends to say the same thing multiple times, but overall it's an easy read.
   
   Read this book with an open mind. Otherwise, don't bother in reading.

5 comments about Don't Flinch - Barry Alvarez: The Autobiography The Story of Wisconsin's All-Time Winningest Coach.

1. My husband wanted this book for Christmas so I got it for him. He says it is one of the best books he has ever read. He is a diehard college football fan--but not necessarily a Wisconsin fan.



2. Barry Alvarez grew up in a hard scrabble Western Pa town and learned life's lessons early. It also shows that while it may not have been an easy road, it can be done. This book contains many stories and messages for any young man thinking of taking the road of football beyond high-shcool. More so it holds a story of one mans philosophy of hard nose, stick to it, don't give up mentality as a kid coming up from nothing to make it in big time college football.
   
   Barry Alvarez came from little but had a lot instilled in him by his family, his friends and his coaches as he came up the ladder from Pee Wee Football to College player and then to coaching. Those coaches and family/friends instilled in him that you can do whatever your heart desires if you work hard enough and don't fear sticking to your guns.
   
   Great read for any football fanatic.



3. A great read and refreshing to know that hard work, focus and the love and respect of family is still the formula for success.



4. I like reading coach's books. If you're reading a coach's autobiography you can be sure that he was successful. Reading stories about successful people won't make you successful in itself, but you certainly can learn a lot from them.
   
   Some coach's stories, like Mack Brown's "One Heartbeat II" are smarmy, folksy stories about the coach's life philosophy containing stories about overcoming adversity or getting a team to come together to experience that championship season.
   
   A lot of coach's stories wind up in those business-motivational books, but I don't typically read those. Normally the messages they're delivering gets thinned out to the point that they become a manager's catch phrase. Executives buy them, then put them on the bookshelf in their office. Makes them look well-read. I've worked with a lot of executives. I usually make the point of pulling a book or two off out of their library and open it. 90% of them make that cracking sound a hardcover book makes the first time you open it. But I digress.
   
   Coach's stories tend to fall prey to a fair amount of sugar-coating. Not so with "Don't Flinch - Barry Alvarez: The Autobiography". The book starts (after forewards by Lou Holtz and author James Patterson) with Wisconsin's 2006 Capital One Bowl against Auburn. Going into the game, no one gave Wisconsin a chance to win. Alvarez starts by talking about how he would have rather played Alabama. Alvarez played for Nebraska when Alabama beat the Cornhuskers in the 1966 Orange Bowl, 39-28, and relates how Paul "Bear" Bryant arrogantly humiliated the Huskers later at an awards banquet. Alvarez makes it clear that this isn't how he's spent his career. Beating people is one thing. Rubbing their noses in it is another thing entirely, and something that Alvarez doesn't condone. He then goes on to talk about how he handled his underdog status and coached Wisconsin to a win.
   
   That initial story sets the tone for the book. Author Mike Lucas takes us through Alvarez' life, using his Western Pennsylvania background to set the stage for Barry's brand of football - conservative, hard-nosed, and physical. Alvarez played college football at Nebraska under legendary coach Bob Devaney. His first head coaching position was in Lexington, Nebraska where he chose to move instead of taking a job with the FBI. He later moved to Mason City, Iowa in a head coaching position. After being successful there, he went to the University of Iowa as an assistant under Hayden Fry. Later he joined Lou Holtz' staff at Notre Dame, serving as the defensive coordinator on the 1988 Fighting Irish National Championship team.
   
   Along the journey you're treated to the reasons as to why he was successful in each position, and what he learned from the people around him, particularly coaches. All the while his goal remains clear - to be a head college football coach. There are times he strikes you as incredibly stubborn and/or arrogant but completely capable of listening to other people giving good advice.
   
   He notes that during the 1990 1-10 season, there were times at which he would close his office doors and curl up on his couch in a fetal position. He had gotten so used to winning that his body ached from losing. There aren't a whole lot of big-name coaches that would admit that so freely in their autobiography. His wife Cindy plays a prominent role in the book making it clear, supporting him through rough times and sometimes bringing him back down to earth. As his coaching career is nearing it's end Alvarez makes an honest assessment of himself and concludes that it's time to move on, becoming Wisconsin's athletic director.
   
   I liked Barry Alvarez before I read his story. Now I like him even more. The line "Don't Flinch" remains a constant theme throughout the book as Alvarez points out how to respond when the game (football or life) is on the line. Certainly Wisconsin fans should be interested in this book, but I'd recommend Barry's autobiography to anyone who's interested in reading those water-down business motivational books as well. The stories are much more interesting and just as insightful. On top of that, you'd probably finish this book. How many of those motivational books have you finished?



5. This was a really interesting book written by one of the more successful college coaches in recent memory. He takes you from his humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to his triumphs in the Rose Bowl. I found it particularly interesting because I got to see his perspective on a number of football games I had attended. Well written, it was an easy and enoyable read.

5 comments about Tony Romo: America's Next Quarterback.

1. Very many excellent pictures. General introduction to the Dallas Cowboys. Very easy to read. Paperback cover, but thick. Thick nice paper. Very colorfull, good setting, and well presented. Starts with young high schooler Romo and finishes with his greatest 2007 performance with the Cowboys up to his new contract extension of $67.5 through 2013. As the author states: "Tony Romo, the player that no Division I wanted, and the one I-AA program that did offered only a partial scholarship. Tony Romo, the player 32 NFL teams passed on the draft seven times each. Tony Romo ... America's Next Quaterback." With diligence, working hard and belief, you can reach farther than the stars. Excellent example for young readers. Tony Romo is a leader. Buy it! Enjoy it!



2. This book is an easy and quick read. It provides both a photographic and descriptive background, with insight into the man behind the helmet.
   
   A must buy for any Tony Romo fan.
   
   Very enjoyable!



3. I am not pleased with this product. The description said NEW and I just received it and the cover is scratched up badly. This is not what a NEW product looks like to me.



4. Good information on Tony Romo's short career. The only downfall was some editing problems, i.e. spelling. Overall a good book.



5. If you're looking to learn more about Tony Romo's pre-NFL days, you'll probably be disappointed. While the book does touch on that information, the bulk of the book consists of (a) recaps of the Cowboys' journey to finding its next great quarterback, (b) recaps of the games in Romo's first two seasons as a starter, and (c) full-page color photos (there's one on nearly every spread).
   
   Plus, the typos and grammatical errors are plentiful. Even running spell-check would have caught some of them. No "editor" read this book prior to publishing, that is obvious. Readers deserve better.

2 comments about 300 Pounds of Attitude: The Wildest Stories and Craziest Characters the NFL Has Ever Seen.

1. I bought this book for my 14-year old grandson, who is a "Football Nut". Before wrapping it and sending it off as a birthday present, my husband (a lifelong Cowboy fan) and I peeked at some of stories, and we both found the stories entertaining, although not always all inclusive of the stars' escapades. Nonetheless, it is very worthy of a full star rating.



2. This is supposed to be a funny book with stories by and about the interior linemen and "big" guys in pro football. We are led to believe there will be new, fresh stories about the "off-kilter" sense of humor these guys (Butkus, Kramer, the "hogs" etc.) possess. Instead, the author gets a lineup of all the usual ornery coaches, loud-mouthed prima-donnas, and wide receivers who get written about every day. He then does a decidedly lacking research job, trotting out the same lame stuff we've read about in the papers, SI, etc., and forgets we bought the book to hear the ribald tales that the forgotten interior linemen generated over the years. He makes one good point - whenever old-timers get together, they don't talk about games - they talk about all the funny stuff "so-and-so" and "Billy-Boy" did back then. Trouble is, the author didn't hear those tales, or forgot that's what he's supposed to be writing about. I read it, but I don't know why - maybe I kept hoping he'd eventually get around to the supposed subject.

5 comments about Touchdown Alexander: My Story of Faith, Football, and Pursuing the Dream.

1. I am not a Seattle Seahawks fan. I am not a big NFL fan. I am not an Alabama fan. But I am a huge Shaun Alexander fan. Records are special because only person has accomplished it. That is what makes many athletes special, but a year after Alexander broke the record L.T. broke his record. So the TD record is not so special for Shaun, but in his book he talked about his life. His life is pretty speical. Never been drunk, never smoked, and he waited until he was married to have sex. WOW! I wish I could have given my wife my virginity for her wedding gift. Shaun Alexander is a great role model. Not because he played for Alabama.Not because he had the TD record. Not because he played in the Super Bowl, but because he is a child of the most high King. God Almight. The great I am. Not too many people let alone athletes can truly say they live their life everyday to give God Glory. I'm not putting Shaun on a pedestal, I'm putting the God that lives in him on a pedestal. I want to be like Jesus, and I enjoyed reading about a professional athlete who wants the same.
   
   www.williespears.com



2. We seem to be constantly bombarded by the media reporting assaults, rapes, even shootings by athletes. To be able to read a book about the wonderful God-filled life of one of the most honored football players was a most pleasant delight. Shaun Alexander, through his high school, college, and professional career has not only been an inspiration to his family, friends and fans, but also his teammates and even his on-the-field opponents. On the personal side, my son is the chaplain for the Auckland, New Zealand, rugby team. He holds Bible classes weekly, which half the team attends. I have supplied him with several copies of Alexander's book, as these professional rugby players are always curious to hear about U.S. football players. What a great example to let them read about the exemplary life of Shaun Alexander.



3. This is a great gift for any Seahawks fan. My husband got it for Christmas and it was highly appreciated. It's also a good book for those interested in Sports + Faith, a commonly debated issue lately.



4. This is a great book for a teenager to read. It tells about the attitudes and actions a young person should exhibit if they want to live a pure, fulfilling life.



5. An entertaining, easy to read account of a young man who put God first from an early age. He truly is a blessed man and gives encouragement and insight into what really matters, even with all that this world has given him.
   
   Good idea for Father's day ladies!!!

1 comments about Driving Home: My Unforgettable Super Bowl Run with DVD.

1. This was a christmas gift for our grandson, who is a steelers fan.
   He was real excited to receive this as a gift.

5 comments about The Lion in Autumn: A Season with Joe Paterno and Penn State Football.

1. I hesitated picking up this book because even though it was published only one year ago, it is arguably outdated since Penn State football finally bounced back and had a very good year. That said, I am glad I read it because the book goes beyond the marketed "A Season with Penn State" storyline and provides a very good historical synopsis of Joe Paterno and his role in the history of college football.
   
   Since Paterno has been around so long, people tend to forget his importance in the development of college football. Once he retires, he will undoubtedly be remembered in the same breath as Bear Bryant, Knute Rockne, Daryl Royal, Bud Wilkinson and the other Legends (with a capital "L") of college football.
   
   This book provides interesting insights into his personal history and the development of Penn State University, which Paterno literally transformed from a backwater agricultural school into a well-known and successful state school. I doubt any coach in college sports history has been more important to his school's development than Paterno has been to Penn State.
   
   The parts about the actual season are fairly boring, since PSU was horrible the year Fitzpatrick followed them but it is worth picking up if you are a fan of college football history.



2. I just finished the book a couple of days ago and as it settled it my mind, two impressions came over me.
   
   One is that there is a big part of Joe Paterno who still feels deep inside that he is not as good as his rich college classmates at Brown and how he has to prove to them that he belongs.
   
   The second is that while Saint Joepa Paterno can talk all he wants about the excesses in college athletics, he is not willing to forgo any of the excesses that reward him. You don't see him turning away any of the huge salaries or the other luxuries, do you.
   
   Paterno comes across as a control freak, if he is trying to prepare his players and assistant coaches for the outside world, why does he restrict acccess to them so tightly.
   
   I am a big sports fan of college and pro sports but I have major issues with people glorifying coaches the way they do. They are just athletic coaches. They are not helping solve the problems of the world, just entertainers.
   
   Joepa also comes across as humorless, a man who takes himself way too seriously.
   
   It is a shame that Fitzpatrick was denied access to so many sources. It would have been interesting to find out why Joepa's son is unwilling or able to get a job on his own instead of depending on Daddy.
   
   As noted above, Joepa was influenced greatly by his days at Brown. I would have loved to learn how in the world an Italian kid from Brooklynin the 40s made it to the Ivy League.
   
   This is not a puff piece on the man, that is a great accomplishment by the author.



3. One of the great joys of Penn State football fandom is reading books about Coach Paterno and his program. As both a fan and a reader, any disappointment I had with this one was chiefly due to the limited access given to the author. After a nine-loss season in 2003 that marked the nadir of precipitous competitive slide, and an increasing number of off-field incidents, Coach Paterno was understandably guarded -- even abandoning a longstanding tradition of meeting with reporters over cocktails the night before game day. (Stiffing reporters in this fashion was probably an unwise political move that helped to contribute to the "JoePa Must Go" sentiment.)
   
   What then is a writer to do? One approach could have been to chronicle the growing division within the Penn State community -- former players, alumni, students, and the media -- over the tough times in Happy Valley, using a few colorful and outspoken characters as a catalyst for that division.
   
   Instead, Mr. Fitzpatrick delivers a fairly straightforward chronicle of the 2005 season's aspirations and disappointments. He does an adept job for those readers who may not be familiar with the programs history, but for those readers who are the chapters on glories past provide no new insight and interrupts the narrative of the current season.
   
   Penn State's decline was primarily attributable to lackluster recruiting that produced players unable to compete effectively in the Big Ten, and Mr. Fitzpatrick is spot on when he writes that Paterno was mindful of this: "Other teams had more talent than Penn State. But to admit that too often in public was to demean his players.... [He] understood that the quickest solution to the Nittany Lions' troubles would be to search harder and more selectively for talent." (p. 287)
   
   Once again, Coach Paterno's refusal to publicly contemplate life after football is highlighted, where is prospective retirement activity has changed over the years from collecting stamps to cutting grass. With the almost immediate death of Alabama's Bear Bryant after his retirement, Mr. Paterno is quite candid about his deep seated fears: "I'm alive. I don't want to die. Football keeps me alive." (p. 276) This outlook is quite tragic and perplexing, given his successes off the field as an educator, philanthropist, community leader and family patriarch.
   
   In short, this volume does not quite rise to the level of incisiveness of Ken Denlinger's "For the Glory" or Coach Paterno's decades-old autobiography, which is in desperate need of an update. But it reads quickly and provides and admirable journalistic account of Happy Valley's darkest days in the Paterno era.



4. I thought the book was very good. Would recommend it to Penn State fans as well as any other football fans.



5. The book "The Lion in Autumn:A Season with Joe Paterno and Penn State Football" is a good book to be read by a Penn State football fan. The book takes you through the Nittany Lions 2004 season where they finished the disapointing season at 4-7. The book travels through the rough season with an inside look at Penn State football. Week by week the book takes you in depth into what happened during the 2004 season. The book goes in chronological order game after game with recollections of Nittany Lion football pasts along the way. At the end of the book there is an afterword about the Lions next season whre they went 11-1 and finished 3rd in the country. I recommend "The Lion In Autumn" to any Penn State football fan who is looking for something to read.

2 comments about Green and Golden Moments.

1. GREEN AND GOLDEN MOMENTS, BOB HARLAN AND THE GREEN BAY PACKERS by Bob Harlan with Dale Hofmann
   
   GREEN AND GOLDEN MOMENTS delivers an entertaining account and perspective of the life and career of Bob Harlan, particularly from his time as president of the Green Bay Packers. In this book, Harlan conveys many of his memories, both good and bad, in his career at Marquette University, the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, and, of course, the Green Bay Packers. There are 25 chapters, with all but three covering his tenure with the Packers. With the exception of the first chapter, the chapters are in chronological order, taking the reader from the beginning of his career to retirement. Furthermore, each chapter is a short story, which allows the reader to put the book down for a few days after completing a chapter and then continuing with no problem. The book is well written with no major writing or editing errors. This will be an enjoyable read for any Packer fan, which will see what was going through Harlan's mind when events, both on the field and off, involving the team occurred.
   
   Starting with chapter one, Lambeau Showdown--Saving the Franchise, the reader immediately realizes the referendum that sought Brown County's approval of an addition to the sales tax was the most difficult endeavor that Harlan has ever achieved. After all, he made it the first chapter in the book. He made mention of the referendum several times throughout the book. Any member of the Packer nation will remember Harlan lobbying for votes, but most don't realize the sleepless nights he endured.
   
   The non-Packer chapters include stories of his time in the front office of Marquette University's athletic department, where he became friends with Al McGuire, and his time in the front office of baseball's St. Louis Cardinals.
   
   The remaining chapters document Harlan's time with the Packers, from when he arrived as a Dan Devine hire in 1971 to 1989, when he became the team's president, until his retirement in 2007. The reader receives Harlan's view of the head coaches in his tenure, from Dan Devine to Mike McCarthy, and how they changed and evolved from the team's successes and failures. Harlan discloses how he came about in making decisions that affected the team, such as moving the home games out of Milwaukee, and why he hired Ron Wolf to be the Packer GM. There are many more stories which Harlan discusses, including the Super Bowl years, the stock sale, being threatened by one player when he was the team's contract negotiator, and Mike Sherman's duo role as GM and coach.
   
   More than anything, the reader will learn that Bob Harlan is no different than any other Green Bay Packer diehard fan. His nerves wouldn't allow him to watch the end of most of the games; he was disappointed when the Packers lost Super Bowl 32; he became nervous when rumors that Mike Holmgren would leave the Packer started, etc.
   
   GREEN AND GOLDEN MOMENTS is a collection of stories from the life and career of Bob Harlan, particularly his time with the Green Bay Packers. Packer fans are sure to enjoy reliving the stories that they are familiar with and learning new anecdotes of the man that brought glory back to the Packers.



2. It was very informative and yet fun to read! If you love the packers or just football in general you will love this book! ,, If you want to know how to run or how they run a 1st class football-public relation operation this book will help!

5 comments about The Right Kind of Heroes: Coach Bob Shannon and the East St. Louis Flyers.

1. This is one the best books on football that I have read. Coach Shannon is a credit to our coaching profession and this book shows that. It also gives us a look at what is like to work under adverse conditions. If you are a football coach who thinks he has it tough, then you should read The Right Kind Of Heroes.



2. Having played against Bob Shannon, I know full well of the East Side mystique. Being a former player at nearby Granite City, I went to nearly every game mentioned in Bob's book. So, I'm over qualified to say that the East Side Flyers's story is a fascinating one. The place just emits an aura that has High School Football all around it! The 'Side was made on big play football, coached by Shannon, a big time coach



3. I read this book 10 years ago and it was just as enjoyable this time around. This book is full of insights not only into the person of Bob Shannon, but offers an informative look into East St. Louis. A very quick and easy read. I had the pleasure of having Shannon as a teacher many years ago. Reading his words brings to mind his most distinctive voice, which always commanded respect.



4. This books paints the picture of a man who worked hard to acheive his goals. His example is good for everyone to follow. I wish he would have been my coach but I'm honored that he is now coaching my son.



5. Two big thumbs up for "The Right Kind of Heroes: Coach Bob Shannon and the East St. Louis Flyers." Although Coach Shannon has apparently moved on, this book is still as -- or perhaps more -- relevant to those facing battles against the odds.

   Expertly penned by St. Louis columnist Kevin Horrigan, the book does a remarkable job of putting the reader right in the middle of the dingy and dangerous town of East St. Louis. It's a real "you are there" feeling as you get to know the players and coach of this amazing team. Although the story is heartbreaking at times, you won't hear Horrigan break out the violins and wax overdramatic... just a solid real-life story.

   Even if you're not a sports nut -- or only know a little about football -- you will be inspired as you laugh, cry, struggle and celebrate with this courageous coach and champion football team. You just can't put it down until the last page.

   Whatever challenges you may be facing in life, this book will move you to "get it done!" I highly recommend it.

2 comments about That's Just Kramer: From Michigan Legend to Lombardi's "12th Man".

1. I remember reading the following quote in Sport magazine during the late 1950's:
   
   "In 1957 two Michigan exports splashed across the American scene both accompanied by terrific fanfare. One was an automobile called the Edsel. The other was a tank named Ronald John Kramer."
   
   Dan Ewald , who has written books about such Michigan notables as George Kell, Sparky Anderson, and Bo Schembechler has provided us with an excellent account on the life of Ron Kramer who starred for the Michigan Wolverines, Green Bay Packers, and the Detroit Lions. Kramer credits his family for instilling in him the discipline necessary for his success at Michigan, the college he chose to attend so his parents could see him play. For their inept play in 1956 the Green Bay Packers received a bonus pick in the 1957 draft as the rules then allowed. That choice went for Notre Dame's Paul Hornung. With the first choice in the regular round the Packers chose Michigan's Ron Kramer. A broken leg in his rookie season threatened his career, but the arrival of Coach Vince Lombardi in 1959 revitalized his career as it did for several others on the team. Lombardi saw Kramer as an ideal tight end, his "12th man on the field", because Kramer could both catch passes and block for others. This was a position held by Packer veteran Gary Knafelc who lacked the size and quickness of Kramer. This was a team going nowhere under previous coaches Lisle Blackbourn and Ray "Scooter" McLean yet possessed a number of future Hall of Famers. The differences between them and Lombardi was that Lombardi stressed discipline and preparation. Following the 1964 season Kramer requested a trade to the Detroit Lions so he could be closer to home where he felt he was needed due to family matters. It was either that or retire. Had he remained in Green Bay he would have ended up on five championship teams instead of two and most likely cemented his place in football's Hall of Fame. However, family came before football as Lombardi himself stressed, and the trade was made. The situation on the Lions under coach Harry Gilmer compared with the Packers was significant. The book also deals with his family life after football and Kramer's emphasis on the importance on friendship in one's life. I did find one error in the book. The author twice refers to Fordham's Seven "Rocks" of Granite when it should be Seven Blocks of Granite. There have been numerous books written on former Green Bay Packer players and I'm glad to see one on Green Bay's other star player named Kramer, Ron Kramer. Football fan or not, you should enjoy it.



2. Written by Ron Kramer with newspaper writer Dan Ewald, and comfortably narrated in third person, That's Just Kramer! From Michigan Legend to Lombardi's "12th Man" is the biography of talented athlete Ron Kramer, from his days dominating football, basketball, and track in the University of Michigan, to his time to playing as one of the Green Bay Packers, to choosing his family over his professional career by switching teams and returning home to Detroit, and more. Black-and-white photographs illustrate this down-to-earth chronicle of Kramer's life, career, and passions. An enthralling biography especially recommended for football fans.