Pro Football's Most Passionate Fans


Book Description

Professional football is the most popular sport in the United States today. With so many famous players from the past and present, some of whom achieved notoriety because of a persona they created, there are fans who have also made a name for themselves by either their work and loyalty for their team, or by creating an alter ego with respect to how they cheer or support their team. Some have incredibly wild and outrageous outfits. On game days, some of these diehard fans take longer to get themselves ready for games than the players they cheer for! The face paint, the outrageous outfits, the chants and cheers, and the attention to detail are what make these fans unique. During football season, these diehard fans can be seen each weekend as they showcase themselves in support of their team in front of hundreds of thousands of viewers worldwide. In 1998, Visa sponsored a national contest to find the wildest, most loyal, and most intriguing fans for each team in the league. The award was entitled, The Visa Hall of Fans Award as fans were chosen from each team based on their submitted essays and photos. Contestants had to explain why they should represent their respective team in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. At the time, a special wing in the Hall was created to honor these diehard fans. Visa awarded plaques to the winners -- originally at the Hall, and later in front of the hometown fans at each team s stadium. The Hall of Fame displayed the plaques for a year until the new class of fans was selected and their plaques were displayed. At that point, the prior year s winners had their names placed on a permanent wall plaque in the Hall of Fans wing of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Since the days of the original Visa promotion, this group of honorees has carried on the tradition of recognizing ultimate fans each year. Some of the fans are easily recognizable by their outfits and their nicknames. Sadly, some have passed on. This book profiles and showcases many of those fans who were honored by Visa at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As you read through the book, you will undoubtedly recognize many of these famous fans. But for those fans who are not so easily recognized as some, this book s aim is to illustrate that all of the fans who were honored by Visa possess as much passion, loyalty and enthusiasm as the next. So when you watch Pro Football this season and always, keep this book handy and when the cameras pan the NFL stadiums, see how many faces you can spot from the group that calls themselves .. Pro Football s Most Passionate Fans!




Heroes of Yesteryear


Book Description

Heroes of Yesteryear: Pro Footballs Dying Breed of Players from a Bygone Era, focuses on forgotten stars from the glorious past. Author Danny Jones has dedicated most of his life preserving the legacies and memories of all-time great football players from the past. His books take a close-up view of Pro Footballs legends and outstanding players who somehow slipped through the cracks of immortality. Most of these guys had the talent and credentials to be in the Hall of Fame- but are not. These men defined a bygone era with their brilliant performances. These iconic players were a big part of Pro Football in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and a few into the 80s. Its time for them to receive the recognition that they deserve. These guys were the biggest gate attractions and marquee players of their eras. They were as good as anyone who ever played their positions. These stars built the game of football for the fans and players today so they can prosper. We have a competitive game today because of the success and popularity of the players from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Fans need to understand this. These legends of the fall have become distant memories. They were dedicated professionals and were pioneers, trailblazers, and forefathers of Americas game. Lots of statistics in this book. They have already secured their place in Pro Football history. I hope all of you get chosen to the Hall of Fame soon. Enjoy the book.




Kezar Stadium


Book Description

In Kezar Stadium-49ers Fans Remember, author Martin Jacobs shares his, and the San Francisco 49ers' fans favorite memories of this this beloved team at historic and iconic Kezar Stadium. Together you'll relive the highs and lows from games played there, and become acquainted with some of the stadium's all time greatest heroes and legends including: first-hand stories told by the 49ers fans, for the fans, in all it's glory- the foggy, windy Kezar Stadium, home to the 49ers from 1946 to 1971. The experience of attending games at Kezar, while sitting in the Christopher Milk section, will bring back memories of your youth, during the formative years of this celebrated stadium. The unruly, brawling fans, who were so passionate about their team, as told by the ex-team owner's, coaches, journalists, and stadium employees, who gave this franchise its foundation. The "Silver Fox", Buck Shaw, one of the game's most innovative head coaches, who turned San Francisco into a major-league city. A team that produced seven Hall of Fame legends during the stadium's 24 year tenure- Bob St. Clair, Leo Nomellini, Jimmy Johnson, Y.A. Tittle, Joe Perry, Hugh McElhenny, and John Henry Johnson. The most memorable, and not so memorables, highly entertaining game played at Kezar Stadium.The celebrated "Million Dollar Backfield" of Y.A. Tittle, Joe Perry, Hugh McElhenny, and John Henry Johnson, who all played at Kezar Stadium.The 49ers famous "alley-oop" pass play from quarterback Y.A. Tittle to R.C. Owens. Howard "Red" Hickey's shotgun offense and John Brodie's "almost-great' 49ers teams of the 1960s. The All-Decade teams from 1946-1950, 1951-1960 and 1961-1970. Kezar Stadium-49ers' Fans Remember is a delightful journey back in time when the Golden Age of Pro Football was more about players and games, epitomized by a franchise that never won a championship during that era, but produced a multitude of heroes during that era. This book is a must read for every 49ers fan. Written by the only man who lived it, worked at Kezar, and who has been a life-long 49ers fan for 67 years.




NFL Century


Book Description

From the former executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame comes a sweeping and lively history of the National Football League, timed to coincide with the NFL’s 100th anniversary season. “I can think of no one better qualified—or more enthusiastic—to chronicle the National Football League’s century-long history than Joe Horrigan.”—Marv Levy, Hall of Fame NFL coach The NFL has come a long way from its founding in Canton, Ohio, in 1920. In the hundred years since that fateful day, football has become America’s most popular and lucrative professional sport. The former scrappy upstart league that struggled to stay afloat has survived a host of challenges—the Great Depression and World War II, controversies and scandals, battles over labor rights and competition from rival leagues—to produce American icons like Vince Lombardi, Joe Montana, and Tom Brady. It is an extraordinary and entertaining history that could be told only by Joe Horrigan, former executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and perhaps the greatest living historian of the NFL, by drawing upon decades of NFL archives. Compelling, eye-opening, and authoritative, NFL Century is a must-read for NFL fans and anyone who loves the game of football. Advance praise for NFL Century “Joe Horrigan takes the reader on a delightful tour of the seminal moments of the NFL in the past one hundred years—the players, owners, coaches, executives, and historical events that made the game of football the most popular in America. It’s a wonderful walk down memory lane for any football fan, young or old.”—Michael Lombardi, author of Gridiron Genius “There is no one—and I mean no one—who knows more about the history of the NFL than Joe Horrigan, the heart and soul of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As the gold standard of sports leagues celebrates its one hundredth season, it’s appropriate that the gold standard of sports historians has written NFL Century, an entertaining and educational journey.”—Gary Myers, New York Times bestselling author of Brady vs Manning




The Greatest NFL Show on Earth and the Worst


Book Description

As the championship game of the NFL, the Super Bowl stands as one of the most anticipated sporting events year after year. But not all Big Games are created equal. While some Super Bowls go down as instant classics, others turn into lackluster flops or forgettable blowouts. In The Greatest NFL Show on Earth...and the Worst, passionate football enthusiast Robert Dan takes readers on a fascinating journey through Super Bowl history. Relive the greatest games decided in dramatic, down-to-the-wire fashion. Recoil at the ugly mismatches bereft of any real competition. Marvel at the shocking upsets and underdog stories that re-shaped the NFL landscape. From Broadway Joe Namath backing up his guarantee to David Tyree's miracle "Helmet Catch" to Adam Vinatieri launching a dynasty with his icy kicks, this book covers all the iconic Super Bowl moments ingrained in fans' memories. Dan also profiles legendary big game performers like Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Jerry Rice who shined under the Super Bowl spotlight. Packed with history, trivia, stats, and rankngs, The Greatest NFL Show on Earth...and the Worst settles the debate over which Super Bowls stand the test of time as classics and which suffered ignominious failure. Dan's engaging writing style and passion for pro football make this the perfect book for diehard NFL fans and casual viewers alike. So order a copy today and get ready for a fun, fact-filled journey through the best and worst of Super Bowl history - football's greatest spectacle!




Philip Rivers


Book Description

Here's the perfect book for young football fans who want to meet Philip Rivers: the eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback who has united his love of the Catholic Faith to his love of football. In page after page of full color photographs, you'll follow Philip since he was a boy and had big dreams — and an even bigger love of football. You'll see him rise through the ranks, from Athens High School to North Carolina State, and finally to the Chargers. You'll discover those qualities of character that separated Philip from so many other young NFL hopefuls. Most importantly, you'll find out how he proudly united his love of the Catholic Faith to his love of football, relying constantly on God and the saints in the face of challenges on and off the field. Here you'll read about some of the key moments in Philip's career, including: His reputation for dramatic comebacks in college and professional football His storied competition with qu




Inside Pro Football Media


Book Description

How do you get your pro football news? The answer might depend on how old you are! Millions of fans follow the league and its players with devotion and dedication, but how they do that has changed enormously. Inside, see how technology has had an impact on how football is presented and covered from the early days of TV to satellite broadcasts to the creation of the Internet to today's mobile-focused media. The NFL and the world of information have changed at the same time. Inside, a longtime football writer examines this ever-changing issue. Professional football is clearly the most popular and successful sports league in American history. Rather than focus on the star players or big games, this series takes a broader, deeper look at the sport off the field. The insider experience of the authors reveals the secrets that make the NFL No. 1. Just because you know who won the Super Bowl doesn't mean you know ALL ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL. The National Football League is by far Americas most popular and successful sports league. Fans know who won the Super Bowl and who the top players are, but do they know how the league is run? How games get on TV? How the draft works? This series, written by longtime pro football journalists, takes an inside look behind the scenes of pro football, opening up new ways to enjoy the game (or even consider careers off the field). Bonus volumes on the state of high school and college football help readers get perspective on the roles of those levels of the sport on the NFL itself. For NFL fans, for sports fans, for business students, this series scores a touchdown! Each title in the ALL ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL series includes color photos throughout, and back matter including an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are: Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter referring back to subjects covered within. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the readers knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.




The Super Bowl


Book Description

Professional football is clearly the most popular and successful sports league in American history. Rather than focus on the star players or big games, this series takes a broader, deeper look at the sport off the field. The insider experience of the authors reveals the secrets that make the NFL No. 1. Just because you know who won the Super Bowl doesn't mean you know ALL ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL. The National Football League is by far Americas most popular and successful sports league. Fans know who won the Super Bowl and who the top players are, but do they know how the league is run? How games get on TV? How the draft works? This series, written by longtime pro football journalists, takes an inside look behind the scenes of pro football, opening up new ways to enjoy the game (or even consider careers off the field). Bonus volumes on the state of high school and college football help readers get perspective on the roles of those levels of the sport on the NFL itself. For NFL fans, for sports fans, for business students, this series scores a touchdown! Each title in the ALL ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL series includes color photos throughout, and back matter including an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are: Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter referring back to subjects covered within. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the readers knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.




First Dooowwwnnn...and Life to Go!


Book Description

Red Cashion is quite possibly the most universally liked referee in NFL history. Fans loved him; coaches respected him; players joked with him; and league executives applauded him for adding flavor with his trademark "first dooowwwnnn" call. Long before he worked three Super Bowls and became the only official ever to be named the All-Madden team, Cashion nearly gave up on his NFL dreams. He began officiating junior high games in 1952 while still a student at Texas A&M, but he was fired by the Southland Conference for being too robotic and dull. Nevertheless, Cashion scheduled a January 1972 trip to New York to meet with Art McNally, the Director of Officiating for the NFL. McNally listened politely and then delicately told Cashion there were no openings. Cashion left that day with a broken heart, believing the dream was officially over. But an NFL official was killed during the summer of '72 and McNally offered Cashion the job because he'd taken such a bold risk by traveling to New York. The rest is NFL history, as Cashion's No. 43 uniform became as familiar to many fans at NFL stadiums as some of the players. Red's feel-good life story packs a powerfully enthusiastic punch.




The NFL in the 1970s


Book Description

The 1970 merger between the American Football League and the National Football League laid the foundation for a stronger brand of gridiron competition, providing a new level of excitement for fans. This book examines each year of the NFL's pivotal decade in detail, covering the great names, great rivalries and great games, as well as the key changes in both strategy and rules. Along the way, the author explains how pro football developed into a near-religious American tradition.