NFL Book Club

[SteelCityColt]

As many of you know, or can deduce, I was cruelly denied the joy of American Football by my place of birth until I was well into my 20's. Because of this and having never had the opportunity to play the game or anyone with deep knowledge of the game a lot of what I've learnt has been from books so I wanted to share some I've read and see what others have read. A little bit of a book club if you will. 

 

Please hold your laughter... but one of the first books I ever picked up:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Football-For-Dummies-Howie-Long/dp/1118012615

 

"Written" by Howie Long, it's obviously very low level but it's a great first hand holder and explains things that might well be obvious to those who've grown up with the game but for the outsider are a mystery. 

 

I then moved onto things such as "Take your eyes off the ball" by Pat Kirwin:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TAKE-YOUR-EYE-OFF-BALL/dp/1600783910

 

A bit more in depth, and giving some love to the all facets of the game, I found it a solid read if a little dated by it's talk of the read option looking like it will dominate the game. 

 

The last books I've read I'll group together as they're by the same author:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Essential-Smart-Football-Chris-Brown/dp/1470125595/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443008660&sr=8-1&keywords=the+essential+smart+football

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Smart-Football-Chris-Brown/dp/069244825X/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=16H6M4AEP3KNMJ1YMJ14

 

More like a collection of stand alone articles than a book, I highly recommend these as a read for those who like their X's and O's, some really good stuff there as well as an appreciation of the roots of some of the schemes we see on a Sunday.

 

My next planned read is a little different:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0547395698/sr=8-7/qid=1443007166/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1443007166&sr=8-7

[Shane Bond]

This is extremely brilliant. Reading books is something I have unheard of in planet earth before, the way you do !

Way to be a pioneer, SCC.

Your relentless passion for the game is contagious.

NFL is in a better place with fans like you. Which book do you recommend for a newbie to NFL?.

[SteelCityColt]

This is extremely brilliant. Reading books is something I have unheard of in planet earth before, the way you do !

Way to be a pioneer, SCC.

Your relentless passion for the game is contagious.

NFL is in a better place with fans like you. Which book do you recommend for a newbie to NFL?.

 

Thank you for your kind words Shane, you know despite the thousands of dollars we get paid for this it's really the appreciation of the fans, such as yourself, that make it worth it. 

 

If you want anything like a signed head shot, or a supermarket opening you only have to ask. 

[NFLfan]

As many of you know, or can deduce, I was cruelly denied the joy of American Football by my place of birth until I was well into my 20's. Because of this and having never had the opportunity to play the game or anyone with deep knowledge of the game a lot of what I've learnt has been from books so I wanted to share some I've read and see what others have read. A little bit of a book club if you will.

Please hold your laughter... but one of the first books I ever picked up:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Football-For-Dummies-Howie-Long/dp/1118012615

"Written" by Howie Long, it's obviously very low level but it's a great first hand holder and explains things that might well be obvious to those who've grown up with the game but for the outsider are a mystery.

I then moved onto things such as:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TAKE-YOUR-EYE-OFF-BALL/dp/1600783910

A bit more in depth, and giving some love to the all facets of the game, I found it a solid read if a little dated by it's talk of the read option looking like it will dominate the game.

The last books I've read I'll group together as they're by the same author:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Essential-Smart-Football-Chris-Brown/dp/1470125595/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443008660&sr=8-1&keywords=the+essential+smart+football

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Smart-Football-Chris-Brown/dp/069244825X/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=16H6M4AEP3KNMJ1YMJ14

More like a collection of stand alone articles than a book, I highly recommend these as a read for those who like their X's and O's, some really good stuff there as well as an appreciation of the roots of some of the schemes we see on a Sunday.

My next planned read is a little different:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0547395698/sr=8-7/qid=1443007166/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1443007166&sr=8-7

Thank you for sharing. Which one did you enjoy best? Which one was most instrumental in helping you understand the nuances of the game?

[SteelCityColt]

Thank you for sharing. Which one did you enjoy best? Which one was most instrumental in helping you understand the nuances of the game?

 

They were very helpful in their own way, the Dummies book as a complete novice was instrumental in getting past the stage of just seeing 22 big man hitting each other without rhyme or reason. However if you've grown up watching football I imagine it would seem a little basic.

 

I'd recommend Pat Kirwan's book, again maybe a little too simplistic for some of of more learned posters but he covers all areas of the game including scouting processes, how teams work and plan for the draft etc. 

 

Overall though the Smart football stuff I really enjoyed, from playing Madden say or listening to a colour guy you might hear/see say a term such as "fire blitz" and have no real idea what that actually means apart from it's a blitz of some kind. For some people this will be basic knowledge but for those who didn't play the game or are looking to explore past the basic concepts I find his style clear and easy to follow. He does guest write ups for Grantland so as an example of something that you'd find in the books:

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/2015-nfl-college-football-power-running-counter-running/

[Narcosys]

Try "take your eye off the ball"

http://www.amazon.com/Take-Your-Eye-Off-Ball/dp/1600783910

[SteelCityColt]

Outside of football books too I'd recommend this:

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Art-Captaincy-Teaches-Leadership/dp/0752261843

 

Although pretty cricket based and the roles of Captains in the NFL don't really have the same impact it's a nice read for anyone interested in sports psychology. 

[SteelCityColt]

Try "take your eye off the ball"

http://www.amazon.com/Take-Your-Eye-Off-Ball/dp/1600783910

 

Sorry I didn't realise I'd not named it in my OP, I'll edit it. 

 

I agree it was a worthwhile read, even if he doesn't like us Colts fans

[NFLfan]

They were very helpful in their own way, the Dummies book as a complete novice was instrumental in getting past the stage of just seeing 22 big man hitting each other without rhyme or reason. However if you've grown up watching football I imagine it would seem a little basic.

I'd recommend Pat Kirwan's book, again maybe a little too simplistic for some of of more learned posters but he covers all areas of the game including scouting processes, how teams work and plan for the draft etc.

Overall though the Smart football stuff I really enjoyed, from playing Madden say or listening to a colour guy you might hear/see say a term such as "fire blitz" and have no real idea what that actually means apart from it's a blitz of some kind. For some people this will be basic knowledge but for those who didn't play the game or are looking to explore past the basic concepts I find his style clear and easy to follow. He does guest write ups for Grantland so as an example of something that you'd find in the books:

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/2015-nfl-college-football-power-running-counter-running/

Great! The Smart Football ones do not seem too elementary. I may purchase one of them. Thanks for the article.

[Shane Bond]

Thank you for your kind words Shane, you know despite the thousands of dollars we get paid for this it's really the appreciation of the fans, such as yourself, that make it worth it.

If you want anything like a signed head shot, or a supermarket opening you only have to ask.

Your wisdom and generosity only gets better, SCC.

Colts indeed are lucky that you chose them out of all 32 teams.

From UK, it's inspiring.

[SteelCityColt]

Your wisdom and generosity only gets better, SCC.

Colts indeed are lucky that you chose them out of all 32 teams.

From UK, it's inspiring.

 

Please, you're being too kind now. I can't take all the credit, I have a team behind me who work very hard and of course my friends and family who've supported me throughout in the pursuit of this dream.

 

I love too, your use of a Haiku style response, very fitting for a topic discussing literature. 

 

Apologies too that I neglected too your earlier request for helpful guides to those new to such things, I'd heartily recommend:

http://tinyurl.com/qgvg8og

 

It would be remiss of me too to not mention an old classic:

http://tinyurl.com/2tbnqf

 

Hope this helps

[Shane Bond]

Please, you're being too kind now. I can't take all the credit, I have a team behind me who work very hard and of course my friends and family who've supported me throughout in the pursuit of this dream.

I love too, your use of a Haiku style response, very fitting for a topic discussing literature.

Apologies too that I neglected too your earlier request for helpful guides to those new to such things, I'd heartily recommend:

http://tinyurl.com/qgvg8og

It would be remiss of me too to not mention an old classic:

http://tinyurl.com/2tbnqf

Hope this helps

What's amazing is you are so knowledgable in any topic and that includes the links you have sent !

You are only getting better and from the UK !

I am going to follow you very closely. It will make me a better human being !.

This forum is so lucky to have you.

[2006Coltsbestever]

Great stuff. I am new here to the Site but like reading your Posts. You show great passion for the game. Cool that you are a Colts fan from the UK. I was lucky enough to be born in Indy, meaning I have always been able to watch the Colts since they moved here in 1984. The Colts have been a Top 10 franchise since moving here = that is great out of 32 teams, Top 5 in the Peyton/Luck era's. The SB win in the 2006 Season solidifies their greatness along with a ton of big Regular Season wins and other deep playoff runs like last season. From Dickerson to Harbaugh to Peyton to Luck it's been great to be a fan since the 80's. 

[NFLfan]

What's amazing is you are so knowledgable in any topic and that includes the links you have sent !

You are only getting better and from the UK !

I am going to follow you very closely. It will make me a better human being !.

This forum is so lucky to have you.

You guys are hilarious.

[Shane Bond]

. You show great passion for the game. Cool that you are a Colts fan from the UK.

Absolutely. We are enjoying his wisdom for a while. And you will be from now !.

I mean the guy reads NFL books !

I agree with you on the 2006 Colts. Greatest year ever !

[SteelCityColt]

Great stuff. I am new here to the Site but like reading your Posts. You show great passion for the game. Cool that you are a Colts fan from the UK. I was lucky enough to be born in Indy, meaning I have always been able to watch the Colts since they moved here in 1984. The Colts have been a Top 10 franchise since moving here = that is great out of 32 teams, Top 5 in the Peyton/Luck era's. The SB win in the 2006 Season solidifies their greatness along with a ton of big Regular Season wins and other deep playoff runs like last season. From Dickerson to Harbaugh to Peyton to Luck it's been great to be a fan since the 80's.

Thank you and I hope you're enjoying the forums as a whole, I know they've certainly helped me feel more part of the Colts fan base. There's quite a few UK fans on here now which is good, means I'm not the only one 2 minutes behind the action watching games.

I was lucky in that one of the first games I watched was a Colts game and their was just something about Manning that caught my attention. My flat mate at the time was a 49ers fan so he got me into Madden and I picked the Colts because I only really knew Manning as a player and it's grown since then.

I'm blessed to live in a time where technology makes games so accessible even loving outside the US. To be honest I think I've got more choice in some ways as I don't have local market restrictions.

I think past this season I'm going to start saving for a trip to Indy for a pilgrimage. I've been to NFL games in London but watching the Jags... It's like watching NFL lite

[SteelCityColt]

Absolutely. We are enjoying his wisdom for a while. And you will be from now !.

I mean the guy reads NFL books !

I agree with you on the 2006 Colts. Greatest year ever !

One thing that comes up a lot when you look at successful coaches they tend to be avid readers and/or writers. BB being the obvious example.

[Shane Bond]

One thing that comes up a lot when you look at successful coaches they tend to be avid readers. BB being the obvious example.

Absolutely, no doubt.

And for a person to do that as a fan of the game from UK is unprecedented.

Right on the money as always, SCC.

[2006Coltsbestever]

Absolutely. We are enjoying his wisdom for a while. And you will be from now !.

I mean the guy reads NFL books !

I agree with you on the 2006 Colts. Greatest year ever !

Shane, yeah that was my favorite season because we won the SB. Something I had been waiting for over 20 seasons as a fan here in Indy. I was so happy to see Peyton finally win 1 to shut all of his critics up. I could care less we beat Rex Grossman and a Bears team that was only Good not Great because to get to the SB we beat the Patriots/Tommy. That was the real SB. All the Colts did is beat a team they should've in the SB and they did (but still Colts haters say you guys beat Grossman) something the Patriots didn't do against Eli twice. Eli and his team beat the Pats when the Pats were even undefeated. 1995 is my 2nd favorite season, the season Harbaugh took us to the AFCCG, my 3rd favorite was Andrew's rookie season in 2012. Nobody expected the Colts to do anything in 2012 and Luck made it a magical season with his comeback wins taking a 2-14 team to 11-5.

[2006Coltsbestever]

Thank you and I hope you're enjoying the forums as a whole, I know they've certainly helped me feel more part of the Colts fan base. There's quite a few UK fans on here now which is good, means I'm not the only one 2 minutes behind the action watching games.

I was lucky in that one of the first games I watched was a Colts game and their was just something about Manning that caught my attention. My flat mate at the time was a 49ers fan so he got me into Madden and I picked the Colts because I only really knew Manning as a player and it's grown since then.

I'm blessed to live in a time where technology makes games so accessible even loving outside the US. To be honest I think I've got more choice in some ways as I don't have local market restrictions.

I think past this season I'm going to start saving for a trip to Indy for a pilgrimage. I've been to NFL games in London but watching the Jags... It's like watching NFL lite

This Site is great. I love the way it is setup and it has a lot of opposing teams fans here. Great variety. I have logged in for years here but never bothered to register as a poster.

[SteelCityColt]

Shane, yeah that was my favorite season because we won the SB. Something I had been waiting for over 20 seasons as a fan here in Indy. I was so happy to see Peyton finally win 1 to shut all of his critics up. I could care less we beat Rex Grossman and a Bears team that was only Good not Great because to get to the SB we beat the Patriots/Tommy. That was the real SB. All the Colts did is beat a team they should've in the SB and they did (but still Colts haters say you guys beat Grossman) something the Patriots didn't do against Eli twice. Eli and his team beat the Pats when the Pats were even undefeated. 1995 is my 2nd favorite season, the season Harbaugh took us to the AFCCG, my 3rd favorite was Andrew's rookie season in 2012. Nobody expected the Colts to do anything in 2012 and Luck made it a magical season with his comeback wins taking a 2-14 team to 11-5.

2012 Lions game will be one of my best football memories for a long long time. Was just a good night all round and one of those moments of pure joy.

Donnie Avery ha, still the best #2 Luck has had!

[2006Coltsbestever]

2012 Lions game will be one of my best football memories for a long long time. Was just a good night all round and one of those moments of pure joy.

Donnie Avery ha, still the best #2 Luck has had!

Yes! I think the whole neighborhood heard me yell when we pulled that out. The GB game too, Reggie Wayne.

[SteelCityColt]

Yes! I think the whole neighborhood heard me yell when we pulled that out. The GB game too, Reggie Wayne.

The looks on the Texans' bench when we beat them to ruin their chance at a bye in the playoffs..

It was a special season for so many reasons. If we'd gone all the way that year... That's Disney sports film material.

[2006Coltsbestever]

The looks on the Texans' bench when we beat them to ruin their chance at a bye in the playoffs..

It was a special season for so many reasons. If we'd gone all the way that year... That's Disney sports film material.

Yeah and I thought we had a chance but the Ravens were just too experienced. We lost to the team that won it all, Ravens.

[SteelCityColt]

To bring us back to topic if anyone has any (auto)biographies the can recommend I'd be very grateful.

I have a week of 8 hours of flying and many more hours of pool lounging to fill.

[BloodyChamp]

Speaking of books...did anybody just see NFL Live

[OffensivelyPC]

I saw someone posted Take your Eye Off the Ball, which is a good read.  There's a second one called "Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0" that's coming out in October.  Here's another book to add to the list, it's cited as the bible of scouting techniques.  It's by Steve Belichick (father to Bill Belichick), called "Football Scouting Methods."  I bought it and started reading it, but got side tracked by the birth of my daughter a year ago and haven't gotten back to it yet.  But of what I read, I really enjoyed.  It's a bit outdated in that formations and players have evolved since the 60s, but a lot of the basic principles still apply.

[Yehoodi]

As many of you know, or can deduce, I was cruelly denied the joy of American Football by my place of birth until I was well into my 20's. Because of this and having never had the opportunity to play the game or anyone with deep knowledge of the game a lot of what I've learnt has been from books so I wanted to share some I've read and see what others have read. A little bit of a book club if you will. 

 

Please hold your laughter... but one of the first books I ever picked up:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Football-For-Dummies-Howie-Long/dp/1118012615

 

"Written" by Howie Long, it's obviously very low level but it's a great first hand holder and explains things that might well be obvious to those who've grown up with the game but for the outsider are a mystery. 

 

I then moved onto things such as "Take your eyes off the ball" by Pat Kirwin:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TAKE-YOUR-EYE-OFF-BALL/dp/1600783910

 

A bit more in depth, and giving some love to the all facets of the game, I found it a solid read if a little dated by it's talk of the read option looking like it will dominate the game. 

 

The last books I've read I'll group together as they're by the same author:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Essential-Smart-Football-Chris-Brown/dp/1470125595/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443008660&sr=8-1&keywords=the+essential+smart+football

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Smart-Football-Chris-Brown/dp/069244825X/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=16H6M4AEP3KNMJ1YMJ14

 

More like a collection of stand alone articles than a book, I highly recommend these as a read for those who like their X's and O's, some really good stuff there as well as an appreciation of the roots of some of the schemes we see on a Sunday.

 

My next planned read is a little different:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0547395698/sr=8-7/qid=1443007166/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1443007166&sr=8-7

 

Interesting list, thanks for posting.  A few friends of mine have read "When Pride Still Mattered" and have enjoyed it.

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Pride-Still-Mattered-Lombardi/dp/0684870185/ref=pd_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BTG8X4TFAMCE9CWKQ8G&dpID=51AtHftrw0L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR104%2C160_

 

In other news, if you really wanted to learn the rules of the game (as opposed to tactics and strategy) I find it best to go the horse's mouth and buy the NFL Rule book.  I have a few hard copies and PDFs.  I find it much easier to go to the actual rule and read it myself as opposed to trying to get it via a third party, as more often than not the third party does not understand the rule themselves.  

[our_dbs_rock]

I prefer movies because there is less reading.   I recommend Rudy, Wildcats, Gridiron Gang, Necessary Roughness, The Replacements.........

[21isSuperman]

Take Your Eye Off The Ball by Pat Kirwan is an excellent book.

[wig]

"Anatonomy of a Quarterback" by Bruce Feldman is pretty good.

[SteelCityColt]

I saw someone posted Take your Eye Off the Ball, which is a good read.  There's a second one called "Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0" that's coming out in October.  Here's another book to add to the list, it's cited as the bible of scouting techniques.  It's by Steve Belichick (father to Bill Belichick), called "Football Scouting Methods."  I bought it and started reading it, but got side tracked by the birth of my daughter a year ago and haven't gotten back to it yet.  But of what I read, I really enjoyed.  It's a bit outdated in that formations and players have evolved since the 60s, but a lot of the basic principles still apply.

 

That's one also on my list but I'll admit I was slightly worried about how dated it might read. I do find it very interesting though that his father was also considered something of a pioneer and by all accounts Bill still uses some of his principles in evaluating players. 

[SteelCityColt]

"Anatonomy of a Quarterback" by Bruce Feldman is pretty good.

 

Thanks for the tip, it looks interesting, I'll add it to the list! 

[SteelCityColt]

Interesting list, thanks for posting.  A few friends of mine have read "When Pride Still Mattered" and have enjoyed it.

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Pride-Still-Mattered-Lombardi/dp/0684870185/ref=pd_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BTG8X4TFAMCE9CWKQ8G&dpID=51AtHftrw0L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR104%2C160_

 

In other news, if you really wanted to learn the rules of the game (as opposed to tactics and strategy) I find it best to go the horse's mouth and buy the NFL Rule book.  I have a few hard copies and PDFs.  I find it much easier to go to the actual rule and read it myself as opposed to trying to get it via a third party, as more often than not the third party does not understand the rule themselves.  

 

I've got the rules downloaded already, only issue i have with them is they are written in a language that's hard to understand sometimes if you're not a lawyer

[Yehoodi]

I've got the rules downloaded already, only issue i have with them is they are written in a language that's hard to understand sometimes if you're not a lawyer

 

     I know what you mean, it can be tough sometimes. 

 

Although I find that if I have trouble and I read the sentence/phrase a handful of times and if needed break it down into its components and kind of take it apart like undoing a puzzle which can help sometimes.  But yah NFL rules can be a pain to break down.    

[SteelCityColt]

     I know what you mean, it can be tough sometimes. 

 

Although I find that if I have trouble and I read the sentence/phrase a handful of times and if needed break it down into its components and kind of take it apart like undoing a puzzle which can help sometimes.  But yah NFL rules can be a pain to break down.    

 

I find it amusing (worrying?) that sometimes the Refs don't seem too sure about the meaning of the rules.

[Yehoodi]

I find it amusing (worrying?) that sometimes the Refs don't seem too sure about the meaning of the rules.

 

I hear yah.  There are a few times where refs do not know all of the rules and/or may not administer the rule in the same way, which can get troubling. 

 

One thing though that I like about the NFL is that nearly all of its rules are set up for the ref not to have to worry about intent in administering the rule, so there is less interpretation needed to be done by the refs and therefore less inconsistency as each ref does not have to be the judge of intent, which could vary from ref to ref. 

 

And true some of the rules are overly broad (for example the tuck rule) and/or will include things which fans think that they are not (fumble/pass tuck rule; should the guy get the benefit of being down if his knee touches and ball gets ripped at same time, ground can not cause a fumble and so on), but for the most part the NFL does a good job.      

[SteelCityColt]

So my next round of reading (thank you all for the suggestions): 

 

Blood Sweat & Chalk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1603208887?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=A1XLVZZOXPQEH8

 

Fooball Scouting Methods

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/157898923X?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

 

You're ok it's just a bruise (seems a interesting one!)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0312136277?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_5&smid=A20T907OQC02JJ

 

The Games That Changed the Game

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0345517962?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_3&smid=AQOH6TBRNBBO4

 

That First Season

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0547395698?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_4&smid=AM8HWG5JVWH5J

 

I'll report back with how I found them if people are interested. 

 

Stupidly I didn't order the in time for when I go away but hey ho, the pricing difference to get them 2nd hand was just too good!

[SteelCityColt]

Sorry to zombie this thread but kinda of topical with the next upcoming opponent. The following book was on cheap 2nd hand so I picked it up to read by the pool:

 

http://www.amazon.com/The-Education-Coach-David-Halberstam/dp/1401308791

 

Interesting points (for me anyway):

 

• BB really couldn't have had a better father than Steve in terms of learning to break down the game and players. I've started on Steve's book, it's tough going and very dated but the guy knew how to scout football and football teams. BB's success is often laid at how well he prepares for other teams and this literally is a skill he learned at his father's knee.
• The relationship he had with Parcells was fascinating, it's amazing they managed to work together for so long and produce a successful team. Oddly it was working for Parcells that lead to meeting Kraft and the start of one of the most successful Owner/Coach relationships of all time.
• It's amazing how small the margin between success and failure is in the NFL when you compare his tenure at the Brown's to his early Pat's days. It seemed like literally everything went wrong in Cleveland (and landing a bad owner in Art Modell). When you look at the first 3 SBs with the Pats and how they could have easily gone the other way (9 point margin over 3 games), and the extreme good fortune to land Tom Brady in the 6th. Don't believe anyone who said they had a higher grade on him, there's a quote in the book from Pioli saying if we'd rated Brady so highly do you think we'd really have taken the chance. 
• The unsung hero of the Pats is Ernie Adams. 

 

It was a decent read and interesting to learn more about BB as a young man, to think the Colts let him slip through their mitts. The book is slightly dated as it only goes up to 2005 but well worth a go if you're interested in finding out more about one of football's more introverted coaches.