We know what you’re thinking—why are those book nerds over at Kirkus pontificating about the best football books? Do they even watch football at Kirkus? Ahem—we’ll bypass that question to remind you that if it’s a book, we know whether it’s any good. This week, we highlight 10 gripping, insightful stories about the big egos, big money and big bruises at the heart of America’s national sport. You won’t get all 10 read before Sunday’s epic battle, but any of these titles will provide some nice perspective on why that little oval of pigskin—and the guys fighting and fumbling over it—capture our attention (even our attention).
NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 4, 2007
"Gripping, inspiring coverage of three powerful forces' unforgettable convergence: the sports version of The Perfect Storm."
Sports Illustrated staffer Anderson (
The All Americans, 2004, etc.) chronicles a 1912 game that proved a turning point not just for college football, but for the sport as a whole.
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NONFICTION
Released: Aug. 23, 2004
"Namath was no angel, thank goodness, but this evocative portrait shows him at play in the fields of magic. "
Meaty biography of Broadway Joe from sports-columnist-turned-novelist Kriegel (
Bless Me, Father, 1995).
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NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 3, 2002
"Good-natured, intelligent, funny, and less bombastic than the title suggests."
A savvy sportswriter uses the football rivalry between the University of Texas and Texas A&M to paint a lively, partial portrait of the Lone Star State.
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NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 8, 2001
"Simply not to be missed: Meat and potatoes for the football fan."
Fun memories from football greats, and some fascinating insights into the politics of the Hall of Fame and football's evolution over the past 50 years, as compiled by McCullough (
My Greatest Day in Golf, not reviewed).
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