NOSE TO NOSE: Survival in the Trenches of the NFL

An unusually sensitive--some might say thin-skinned--look at pro football from two ex-players who go back to the Jets' early glory days with Joe Namath, Eschewing the typical macho routine of football literature, the authors (who include Newsday sports reporter Logan) delve into some of the more personal issues, such as the pressures on a player's family. (Klecko's wife describes how, as the end of his career approached, he and she routinely argued over insignificant matters, covering up the real problem of his sudden confrontation with maturity.) The authors express bad feelings about the manner in which the two players were dropped after their disappointing 1987 season. Instead of being allowed to leave with grace and dignity, Klecko and Fields were, they claim, hounded by Coach Walton for their poor performances (he forgot the years when Klecko led the league in sacks and both were voted to the Pro Bowl), and made to feel guilty for their large salaries. The authors go on to paint Walton as insecure and paranoid, a man who felt that the Jets' players were against him. Klecko sums it up: ""I think Joe Walton was vindictive toward me and did things that weren't in my best interests. He did it because he felt he was losing control."" Catchy in all its emoting, and sure to raise eyebrows.