5 comments about Inside the Helmet: My Life as a Sunday Afternoon Warrior.

1. This book took several weeks to arrive. I wasn't able to locate the book in area book stores, which was why I chose to order it through amazon. By the time the book arrived I had found it at all the area book stores and could have saved money on shipping. Very disappointing.



2. I really enjoyed this book. Strahan was very honest throughout the whole book as he told about what life is like as a professional football player. Some parts were stunning while other parts were hilarious. If you're a football fan, especially a fan of Michael Strahan, you will enjoy this book.



3. Reasonably well done with not much actual content! Some enlightening viewpoints for a casual observer, but not much "meat" for a real hard-core football fan.



4. This book is for those football fans, especially Giants fans, that want to read what a star football player thinks and what he goes through. It's not a book that you should expect to break any new ground in inside sports writing (like Jim Bouton's Ball Four), or have tremendous insights that knock you off the couch. It shouldn't be. I wanted to read this book because I wanted to know what goes through a football player's mind. All we see and read about in sports is through the eyes of the media. Even if the thoughts Strahan talks about are obvious or sometimes embellished, its nice to know that that is what Strahan really thinks and goes through. I like how each chapter clearly discusses an aspect of his football life, ... like all the things they worry about, all the boring things they go through, all the short and long term health effects, the lack of privacy, the lack of independence, the rookie life, the emotional ups and downs of wins and losses. It was also interesting to read about his thoughs on other players and the player relationships. Not every chapter is great, but I think it's to show that football life is not so glamorous. The chapter on what players go through with the football playbook might be boring, but it's precisely the point.
   
   What I took from this book was that I would never want to be a football player. To go through everything he goes through for the money, the three hours on Sunday and the chance for a ring? No thanks. As I am reading this book while the Giants are losing to Dallas, I can't help but think that Strahan knows he is on the doorsteps of retirement, with mixed feelings.
   
   Read the book for what it's for, a fun read about life in football from a football player's mind. If you go in like that, you'll enjoy the book!
   
   (Background: I'm a huge Giants fan, a Strahan fan, and I usually don't read sports books. But after reading this book, I will definitely be reading more sports books)



5. Its a very revealing book. Gave interesting insight into the life of a football player

5 comments about Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton.

1. The title of this book says it all! Walter Payton lived life the best way anyone should, doing your very best at whatever you do! Walter Payton was extraordinary both off and on the football field. He is a true hero who touched many lives and leaves a great legacy behind; Walter you are still missed by all! I never met Walter and I was too young to see witness his amazing football skills but I am inspired by his personal story. Everyone should read this; it's inspirational!



2. Excellent book, very well written, and quite moving.
   
   This is NOT a book about football, but rather, a book about an amazing individual, and the impact he had on so many people.
   
   It's very easy to read, as it's more like a collection of short stories, so you don't have to read-it at one sitting.



3. I am a huge Bears and Walter Payton, and absolutely loved this book. It covers all the aspects of his life, from growing up in Mississippi, to college at Jackson State, on to the Bears, his many business endeavors after this retirement, and his untimely death. You get an in depth look into his life, as told not only by him, but from his friends and family. I would recommend this book not only to Bears and football fans, but anyone in general. There are many things you can learn from Walter, whether it be treating people the right way, or always giving 100%, even when things are bad.
   
   And one last note. Be prepared before you read the last chapter of the book. It is very emotional, to say the least, but a great read.



4. and he was no slouch in football, first ballot hall of famer over 16,000 yards rushing. 13 seasons, 9 All Pros and a Super Bowl Champion, yet all that is nothing compared to what kind of man Walter Payton was.
   In this inspiring and uplifting book we get to meet the very private Payton and get a portrait of a man of faith, values, morals and integrity. We also get to learn from someone who is facing the biggest tackler in life ( impending death) in his own words.
   I cam away awed and inspired by Walter Payton and hope that kids get ahold of this book, in a time where the above qualities are rare in sports heroes, we need more heroes and Walter definantly lives up to that title.



5. Wow! What a great book. I read ALOT, but I can honestly say that not very many books have touched me the way this one has. Walter was (and is) one of my heros growing up. Second to none on the football field as far as I'm concerned. And I was born and raised in the same town that Jim Brown is revered in. The man on the gridiron is only a small part of who Walter was. What he did off the field was an even greater measure of Walter as a man and I'm sure that's how he would want to be remembered.
   
   If you're looking for an inspiring story - here's one that will make you look at life a little different. I wish the best to Connie, Brittany and Jarrett and it is so nice to know that they are continuing Walter's work through the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation.

5 comments about Payton.

1. My son very good at sports BMX,Soccer,Football He started playing Football 5 yrs ago pop warner He follows NCCA,NFL I told him about Walter Payton & how his stile of running was simular to yours. I bought the BOOK/DVD if he would watch it at the begging of the football this year. He didnt take his eyes off the T.V . He ended the year leading scorer & played in the div. champ. game & All- Stars. My opinion on Walter Payton Great Book, Great DVD, The Best Running Back.



2. Payton
   EXCELLENT, a must have for all Walter fans. The book is very well written and I just loved it. He was an awesome man and a devoted father and husband. Well done Connie and family!



3. Great book and DVD. Highly recommended for Bears fans across the nation but most importantly, to any sports fanatic period! Walter Payton was and is the greatest sports player who ever lived! You will be inspired to do your best and never give up at whatever you do in life! A great unselfish man who did so much for others; inspiration for the world!
   Walter Payton: A True and Genuine Role Model (34)



4. This book/dvd is a must own for any Walter Payton fan. The 1 hour dvd brings back alot of memories watching Walter bust through defenses. The book is well written and gives some insight into his background as well as his character. I paid $15 less at Amazon than what this package was going for on E-Bay. The best part is that my son got to watch the dvd and see what hard work is all about and where it can get you. He could'nt believe the way Payton could "fly" in to the end zone.



5. I actually knew Walter Payton. He was my neighbor. This book is a great tribute to him, without any doubt!! He WAS as classy as you may think, too. Still hard to believe he's gone.
   
   If you are a true fan, then this book is a MUST own for your home.

5 comments about Moving the Chains: Tom Brady and the Pursuit of Everything.

1. First, the book is easy to read, it is interesting, the author has a good humour. This is a good beginning for any newcomer to the world of NFL.
   
   The style is ok, there are some great stories of the players of Patriots, but the author handles the subject of the book as a person without any mistakes, someone on a par with Mother Theresa. Brady is a great player and a great man, but there are too many words on his greatness, his ability to play as a teammate.



2. I found this book to be very interesting and a must read for every No. 12 jersey wearing Patriots' fan! It tells about the rise of Tom Brady and how he came to become the legend that he is through his hard work and dedication. It went behind the scenes of just what he does on the playing field and went into his personal life which I thought was interesting. It's a must read for every Patriots fan. It goes quick and I'm sure it will be enjoyed.
   
   Gerard Zemek
   husband of author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"



3. this book is not the typical football book in which details of football startegy are dissected and analyzed.Instead it deals with how Tom Brady developed as an QB thru high school,the trials and tribulations of his days at Michigan and finally his arrival to the NFL and his eventual taking over the reins of the Patriots and the rest is history.Its not an book I would recommend for anyone looking for pure football strategy its more of an comprehensive look at an young qbs development thru several different areas



4. As an aside, the other good book that talks
   a lot about Tom Brady is Charlie Wies fine
   book, "No Excuses". Brady simply is the best
   QB of his generation in the NFL and not a
   Media creation like P. Manning, who will
   never be fit to carry out Braids garbage!
   
   I rate Brady as the seventh best QB in Pro
   Football history right now, behind only:
   John Elway, Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Phil
   Simms, Warren Moon and Johnny Unitas. Fol-
   lowed by; Doug Flutie, Russ Jackson, Otto
   Graham, Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach
   and Bob Griese. Flutie, Moon and especially
   the Canadian Jackson did their best work
   in the equally good CFL, which predates
   the NFL by 11 years. Messy somewhat in
   the writing style of the co-author, but
   Brady in his own words is very good. Who
   wants to bet when the smoke clears that
   Brady will NOT be the best QB ever? I
   wouldn't! Probably two more Super Bowls
   coming his way in '09 and 2010!



5. One of the best sports writers ever, Charlie once again writes with precision and incredible depth using the spontaneous wit that earmarks his writng style. Whether you are a Patriots fan, a Brady wannabee, or a curious west-coaster, you will find this book difficult to put down. I bought copies for myself, my 89yo father-in-law, my 35 yo son, and my 11yo grandson...all were pleased with comments ranging from "a great sports biograpy' to "Yowzer awesome".
   In the pursuit for everything, Peirce wins.
   5 stars for sure

1 comments about Brett Favre: America's Quarterback.

1. Book arrived quickly, but we were disappointed to take it out of the package and see a large (about an inch long) red ink mark on the very front cover of the book (upper right hand corner). Even after getting the red pen ink off, the scratch/indentation of the line from the pen mark still was there, and quite noticeable.
   It was too close to Christmas to mess with returning it, so we kept it and hoped, since we were giving it to a guy, that he wouldn't notice or care as much.
   Very disappointed in a product that was not in "new" or perfect condition.
   The book itself has some neat photos and is a quick read.

5 comments about Power, Money & Sex.

1. I was wandering around a Gold Beach, Oregon book store last week and just happened to pick up Deion Sanders' book. I vaguely knew who he was. For some strange reason, I purchased it. Although, riddled with grammatical and spelling errors, I found his message very compelling. I am just new to the world of Jesus and have had many folks in my life talk to me about living a Christian life, but I have to say that Deion's book really TALKED to me about this issue. More than anyone else. He just broke it down in plain terms and related his story in a way that spoke to me loud and clear. Thanks Deion.



2. I FOUND THIS BOOK TO BE QUITE INTERESTING AND WRITTEN WITH HONESTY. DEION HAS ALWAYS BEEN FLASHY AND FLAMBOYANT. HE PRESENTED HIMSELF AS BEING THIS WAY ALL THE TIME. HIS "PRIME TIME" PERSONALITY IS NOT WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE A MODEL CITIZEN ON HOW TO PRESENT YOURSELF. HE SAYS UNDERNEATH HE IS A CHRISTIAN AND HUMBLE, I HOPE HE IS. I HAD HOPED HE WOULD HAVE GIVEN MORE DETAIL TO HIS CAREER. THIS IS WORTH READING AND ENJOYABLE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK DEION AND PLEASE WRITE ANOTHER BOOK WITH MORE DETAIL AND INSIGHT INTO HOW TO LIVE LIFE.



3. Let me start off by saying I like Deion Sanders, otherwise I never would have purchased his book. And I admire the fact that the man has come a LONG way and overcome many obstacles to accept Christ into his life.
   However, I do have a major complaint - well, two to be totally honest.
   One, Deion seems to blame all his past problems on others. Even though Deion admits he was hell on wheels and self destructive for a time, he still doesn't take responsibility for many of his actions in this book. The time in Cincinnati, when he played for the Reds, when he got into an altercation with a security guard while he was riding around in a golf cart. Everyone knows Deion made that situation worse than it ever could have been, but in Deion's retelling of the story, the security guard provoked him. There are several more stories like this one, where Deion was involved in something that escalated because the other party in the dispute was out to "get him". I'm not going to say that everything that has happened to Deion is his fault, but let's be real - a lot of it is. I'm surprised, as a christian, that Deion hasn't stepped up to the plate and taken a little more responsibility for his past actions. I'm not judging Deion, but I must admit my disappointment.
   The other problem I had with the book, and this is most likely not Deion's fault but rather the authors, is that his "escapades" are glamourized, instead of downplayed. I've read several biographies written by famous people - athletes, politicians, actors, etc - and they all are guilty of this. I understand the risk you take as a writer, explaining the past deed and attempting to unfold what happened, but doing so in a manor that is interesting to the reader. When this happens, it's every easy to glamourize the story, instead of exposing it for the bad thing that it was.
   Overall, an entertaining read, albeit somewhat short to my surprise.



4. Overall, I really enjoy Deion and I was looking forward to reading his autobiography, but I have to say I was somewhat disappointed. It wasn't as 'thorough' as I thought - and his cockiness and self-centeredness really showed. I still enjoy him, and I wish him the best on his journey with Jesus.. I just pray that he's sincere.



5. I've always dug Deion Sanders.To Me he has been the Most Complete Athlete of His Time.cuz He is a Good Baseball Player&A Great Football Player.but More Importantly The Brother is Very Honest with Himself&His Surroundings.he has come full circle&has Inner Peace.this is a Great Book.

5 comments about Patriot Reign: Bill Belichick, the Coaches, and the Players Who Built a Champion.

1. I am a Steelers fan but am open to reading about any football team. This book looks at a couple of years in the life of the New England Patriots. How did they become a NFL jugganaut?
   
   This book pushes the idea that it was the coach Bill Belichick who through his great coaching ability was able to mold the team into a football powerhouse.
   
   It is a quick and easy read and one in which I enjoyed.



2. The author does a great job of bringing the reader into the locker room in what would become one of the greatest franchises in sports history. He obviously was given quite a bit of access into normally closed door meetings and areas. The book describes the games, players and coaches to an extent that grips the reader. Highly recommended.



3. In purchasing Patriot Reign, I was hoping for a thoughtful insight into modern-day, post salary-cap NFL, a la Moneyball. All in all I found the book to lack in insight. The book provided more of a description of, rather than my sought after Belicheckian rationalizations for, the ingenious roster moves and overall management of the Patriots.
   Further, Patriot Reign was directed at a mass market audience, both in its writing style and its editing; the book jumped from thought to thought, and lacked Holley's regularly-displayed cogent thought process prominent in the author's Dale and Holley sports radio show.



4. I enjoyed this book. Holley is a great writer. Good perspective of what went on behind the scenes from the football management perspective.



5. The book brought out a side of the coach you never knew about. All we see is the man on Sundays, on the sidelines. This book gets you up close and personal in the locker room, strategy meetings and players opinions. Also, interesting facts of his father's influence.

5 comments about Myron Cope: Double Yoi!.

1. Great job product arrived on time. The book we ordered was in great condition. I would definately order from you again



2. The book was good. Cope takes you through the golden years of the Steelers and gives you a behind the scene look at the players, coaches, and the Rooneys. He's got some great stories as well and his honesty is clearly evident throughout the book. This is a must read for any Steelers fan especially one who lived through the Super Bowls of the 70's.



3. Myron is unquestionably the king of Pgh. Reading this book brought back a ton of fond memories from when I lived in the 'Burg. I highly recommend to anyone who has Pgh ties or is at all familiar with Myron.



4. To grow up in Pittsburgh during the 1970s a Steeler fan is to grow up loving Myron Cope and this book is a great example of why we love Myron. It is Cope at his most honest and revealing. He does not portray himself as something he is not, but as a flawed man who has worked hard and lived a great life. Of course there are the terrific tales of the Steelers' teams that Cope has covered from the broadcast booth and the characters that have populated them. Any Steelers fan will enjoy this book.



5. Double Yoi is the one of the best books that I have ever read. It is truely an entertaining read. It is a well written biographical look at Myron Cope's career in journalism and broadcasting as well as a combination of some of his favorite anecdotes. Any one who loves Myron Cope should read this book as well as those who hate him. I think that they will find a new appreciation for the Pittsburgh Icon. Cope also threw in some criticisms of things and people he doesn't really care for but he does this in a classy way. I am a huge Steeler fan but I don't think that one needs to be to enjoy this book.
   Great Job Myron!!

No comments about Paul Brown: The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of Football's Most Innovative Coach.

2 comments about Heart of a Husker: Tom Osborne's Nebraska Legacy.

1. Author Mike Babcock has covered Nebraska football for nearly three decades. He is a contributing editor for Huskers Illustrated magazine, and author of several books about Nebraska football, such as "Stadium Stories: Tales from the Nebraska Sideline", and "Go Big Red: The Ultimate Fan's Guide to Nebraska Cornhusker Football."
   
   Heart of A Husker starts with a forward from Bobby Bowden, relating that Florida State's win over Nebraska in 1980 was their biggest win since it put them on the map. Bowden compliments Cornhusker fans and feels that it is a reflection of Tom's character.
   
   The book begins with Mike Babcock's recollection of his first dealings with Osborne which were awkward at best. Babcock then goes on to interview over 100 players and assistant coaches, covering Osborne's entire career. Each interview begins with an introduction to the interviewee - whether it be how they came to be at Nebraska or a defining game or play - placing them into the context of Husker football.
   
   Heart of A Husker is divided into several sections, each covering a period in Osborne's career:
   
   Following A Legend (1973-79)
   Changing Philosophy (1980-85)
   Great Expectations (1986-92)
   Finishing Strong (1993-97)
   Assistant Coaches
   There are many many stories from players and coaches regarding Cornhusker football. What I found interesting were the subtle changes in Osborne throughout the years. As his career progressed he became less tense and more comfortable in his position. The interviewees include just about anybody with a name that you can recall.
   
   The book does get redundant (and a little dry) as the interviews contain the same themes - Tom Osborne did have a sense of humor, he said "Dadgummit" when he got angry, he was a great coach, he never forgot a person's name, he was a master of offensive football, yada yada yada.
   
   It's disappointing until you realize that this is Tom Osborne, a model of character and consistency. The book isn't about telling fantastic stories about what happened during such and such game (although some are included), but about establishing what kind of person Osborne is through the eyes of his players throughout the years.
   
   Heart of A Husker is a tremendous accomplishment for Babcock when you consider that the day will come when a lot of these guys are gone but there will remain a detailed record of what Osborne was like through the eyes of his players and assistant coaches.
   
   I'd recommend it if you're someone who's an admirer of Osborne, or a fan of Nebraska football history and want to know more about the Osborne era. If you're someone looking for a bunch of humorous stories about Nebraska football then this isn't the book for you, you'd be better off with Steve Smith's excellent Forever Red.



2. "Heart of a Husker" provides an insight of one of America's greatest college football coaches and all-around great guy.
   
   The common theme through the entire book is former players, whether in 1973 or 1997, praising Osborne's coaching and positive relationships formed with players and their families.
   
   While the player's recollections are consistent, there are different stories which are both humorous and touching incidents that occurred with Osborne both on and off the football field.
   
   I own over 100 books written on Nebraska football published between 1940 and 2006 and I truly enjoyed this read. "Heart of a Husker" is a must for all true Cornhusker football fans.
   
   A wonderful book about a Nebraska living legend.