The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, and its fans are some of the most passionate, especially it has got some craziest fans in USA. If you’re an NFL fan, or if you know someone who is, then you’ll want to check out this list of the top 10 must-read books for NFL fans.
These books will give you a deeper understanding of the game, its history, and its players. They will also provide you with insights into the strategies and tactics used by the NFL’s best coaches and players.
1. “Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life” written by Tony Dungy and Nathan Whitaker
Many people found Tony Dungy’s calm and controlled coaching style interesting, especially after the Indianapolis Colts won Superbowl XLI. This victory changed the NFL odds, and he became the first African American coach to win the Superbowl.
In his life story, he talks about being a good leader and sticking to his values while reaching his goals. Reading it might make you think differently about what success really is.
2. “The Art of Smart Football” written by Chris B. Brown
This book brings together easy-to-understand information mostly taken from Chris B. Brown’s website. It talks about the strategies and plans used by Pete Carroll, Nick Saban, Chip Kelly, and other coaches.
It also explores the newer trends in football. The terminologies used in this book is not too technical, so it’s accessible to all readers.
3. “Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity” written by Drew Brees and Mark Brunell
Following a devastating shoulder injury, the repercussions of Hurricane Katrina, and the Saints’ inability to conduct practices in their stadium, many believed it signaled the conclusion of Drew Brees and his team.
However, in the face of adversity, Drew persevered. His actions amounted to one of the most remarkable occurrences in NFL history. Interestingly, he refrains from labeling them as setbacks.
In his own words, Drew emphasizes that moving backward doesn’t always signify something negative. Occasionally, taking a few steps back is necessary to gather the strength required to overcome significant challenges in life.
This serves as an incredibly motivating narrative for football enthusiasts of all age groups.
4. “Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream” written by H.G. Bissinger
The NFL enthusiasts of Odessa, Texas were very fanatical about football and the way they treated the sport back then inspired H.G. Bissinger spent an entire season there, not only following the lives of football team players in the high school, and analyzing how the sport is such a huge part of the town’s soul but also leant a lifetime lessons during this tenure over there.
A non-fiction & provocative, this authentic book about how dreams meet reality is considered by many to be one of the greatest football books of all time.
5. “Belichick: The Making of the Greatest Football Coach of All Time” written by Ian O’Connor
Bill Belichick has such a persona that he’s sure to inspire many to write books about him. It is a football junkie’s delight, providing generous detail about a man whose football destiny was declared almost at birth.
The author recounts Bill’s full story for the first time – from his childhood, enjoying college games with his father, and becoming coordinator (defensive) for the Giants to making history with the New England Patriots and fighting his way through numerous controversies throughout his career through in-depth research and interviews.
6. “Next Man Up: A Year Behind the Lines in Today’s NFL” written by John Feinstein
This is a close-up view of what happened during a year with an NFL team. The author of the book, John Feinstein, who is famous for writing about sports, spent the whole 2004 season with the Baltimore Ravens. The book tells a well-written story about what the players, coaches, and owners went through during an NFL season. It focuses on the challenges faced by the Ravens, who didn’t make it to the playoffs, making it a bit of a letdown for them.
If you want to know the inside scoop on how an NFL team works, this book is perfect for you.
7. “The Education of a Coach” written by David Halberstam
Patriots fans this book is for you. In this book, highlights are about Belichick’s background, how he is as a man and how he was as a leader.
This book has several important insights on effective coaching techniques too, so it’s very helpful for the NFL coaches (and coaches from other sports in general) who want to read about the ambition, determination, and skills needed to become a successful coach and reach the highest level.
8. “Patriot Reign: Bill Belichick, the Coaches, and the Players Who Built a Champion” written by Michael Holley
It is amazing to read how before Bill Belichick arrived in New England, the Patriots weren’t as acclaimed as they are today. And you know the best thing about this book is that Holly (Michael Holly) gives readers behind-the-scenes anecdotes on how Belichick and his team work together for greater good, shedding light on how a team that was once not taken seriously now has a strong position as a successful NFL dynasty..
9. “The Game: Harvard, Yale, and America in 1968” written by George Howe Colt
One of the greatest football games in history – a season-ender between Harvard and Yale which happened on November 23, 1968.
It could be the most incredible comeback ever. This book provides a close examination of the players and the political and wartime pressures that shaped that year.
If you’ve watched the movie by Kevin Rafferty named “Harvard Beats Yale 29-29,” you’ll be familiar with a lot of players from the film that are in the book.
This is a recommended read if you like reading about football (or sports in general), cultural issues and historical events.
10. “Relentless: A Memoir” written by Julian Edelman
This book is definitely a read for the Patriots or Edelman fan.
When the Patriots were down 28-3 in Super Bowl LI, Julian Edelman was at least one player who refused to believe they would lose. It was not only because of his belief in friend and quarterback Tom Brady but also his teammates led by none other than Bill Belichick.
The author shares information about his relationships and rivalries. He talks in details on his friendships with teammates such as Matt Slater, Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Relentless tells how Edelman became successful and played a lot for the Patriots. It shares memories of growing up with a strict dad, trying hard to control his energy and competitiveness in school, and his nine good seasons with the Patriots.
If you want to learn how a 5’5″ high-schooler weighing less than 100 lbs ended up becoming one of the most intense players in the NFL – this book is for you.
This inspiring and honest book will not only teach you to be relentless when pursuing your dream but also teach you about how experience prevails over perseverance.
This unapologetic book shows that the champion’s heart can not & never ever be measured.