Growing Up Colt: A Father, a Son, a Life in Football

by Colt McCoy, Brad McCoy, Mike Yorkey

You watched him vie for the Heisman and national championship, and earn a third-round NFL draft spot. Now meet Colt McCoy up-close and personal! Growing Up Colt—A Father, a Son, a Life in Football is a unique biography by both the Cleveland Browns quarterback and his father, Brad, a highly-respected football coach in his native Texas. Get a behind-the-scenes view of the formative events of Colt’s football experience and the foundational principles of his family and faith life. Growing Up Colt promises an inspiring read for football fans of all ages—and don’t miss the exciting full-color photo section!

Genres: Biography, Sports, Nonfiction, Football, Christian, Memoir

255 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2011

Reviews

[Mark Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing Up Colt by Colt McCoy is an autobiographical book about Colt and his life of football. The book goes into details about his football skills, his faith in God, his leadership, and his dedication to the people around him. Colt and his father open up about their lives and decisions that make up their family.

Colt and his father decided to write this book because they kept getting called to speak at different events. Growing Up Colt describes how the Bible has influenced his upbringing. Brad McCoy, his father tells how the family worked to get to Jim Ned High in Tuscola Texas. Colt started playing as a Quarterback in 7th grade. He played high school football where he was coached by his father. He went to University of Texas after graduating high school. He received his college degree in Sports Management. He was then drafted in the 3rd round by the Cleveland Browns.

Growing Up Colt was from both Colt's and Brad Mccoy's point of views. Both tell different stories, recapping how everything start from the birth of Colt to his being drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Brad McCoy tells how his career started as a football coach all the way up to be the father of an NFL player.

In conclusion I enjoyed the book. It kept my interest. I was able to relate to Colt McCoy because I start playing football in 7th grade also. It is encouraging to all young men to do better and strive for your dreams. It makes me hopeful, that someday I will be able to play football at the college level and maybe even at a pro level. This book is a great read for young boys that are in 7th to 12th grade. All young athletes should read this book.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently finished this book. I received it through the Goodreads First-Reads program. I was excited to receive the book because it is about football, and I really enjoy watching the sport. I thought there were some good lessons to be learned from this book, and I really appreciate the level of dedication Colt shows in every aspect of his life.

What I didn't enjoy about the book were the amount of religious references. I am not a religious person (spiritual, but not religious), and I felt like this book was not meant for an audience such as myself. I also did not enjoy Brad McCoy's portions of the book very much. I didn't agree with some of his parenting philosophies, and I did not enjoy reading about them (belting his children, allowing them to shoot small animals with BB guns). I agree with the whole "preparing your children for the path, not the path for your children" thing, but I felt like his voice throughout the book had a bit of a self congratulatory feeling to it, and you could tell he thinks he's dad of the year. I think Colt succeeded because he is a dedicated individual who works hard (of course, we all get some of that from our parents, but at the end of the day Colt got himself to where he is today). He made good choices for himself and was determined to succeed.

I would not recommend this book to any of my friends unless they are very religious and enjoy football.

[L Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't give this book 5 stars because it is the most eloquently written piece of literature I've ever read. I gave it 5 stars because it has some of the most important messages for teens and parents (or honestly everyone) to hear. Yes, Colt is a Christian and makes no apologies. He's also a devoted son, brother, husband and friend. He's also a great quarterback. The book is full of stories about football and detailed descriptions of various games and plays. It recounts his childhood as he and his father take turns throughout the book telling their story. They walk through the recruiting process and college experience. For football players and fans, you will enjoy the football aspect. For parents, there is solid advice and stories we can each appreciate and relate to. For particularly teenage boys, this is the story of a young man like you with his own unique set of abilities as well as the same struggles and challenges we all face growing up. It is an easy, enjoyable read that also offers inspiration, encouragement, and genuine life lessons. I wish every teenage boy (and girl) would read this book.

[Cheryl Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Huge lifelong Longhorn so really enjoyed reliving his career at UT. Unfortunately, it brought back the memories of his last game with the university. Born and raised in Texas, I enjoyed reading his tales of growing up in the country. The deer hunting story tracks with my family. My high school was state champions so really could relate to the stories of how the coach had a hand in the discipline. Overall, very enjoyable.

[Kristi Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean, inspirational read of the NFL football player, Colt McCoy. Lots of great things about this book...how he has stayed true to his faith all throughout his high school, collegiate, and now, NFL career. I really enjoyed it. Quick easy read.

[Paul Delacruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spiritual guidance and determination will help complete what you started in accomplishing your goals in life.

[Hayden Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up Colt starts out with Colt as a young boy living in west Texas. The McCoy family quickly let readers know how important God is in their lives. Colt and his family often moved around from small town to small town because of their father's coaching jobs. Colt and his brothers, case and chance ended up playing their high school football careers in Tuscola Texas. Colt showed determination to succeed in all sports he played at a young age. When he was in middle school he stopped drinking soda and made himself a bedtime of 9:30. He pretty much puts every other teen boy to shame in the self control and behavior categories. His hard work showed on the football field and on the basketball court, Colt was clearly the best player on all of the teams he played on. When he got to high school he faced the problem of his dad being the head coach. Even though he was clearly the best quarterback his dad could not start him because of the fact that the town would assume it was just because Colt was his son. Once his sophomore year rolled around Colt was given the reins of the varsity team. He was able to take them all the way to the state championship but lost. Just so you know this was his first loss EVER in a sport. After his sophomore year Colt went to camps at many colleges to get noticed by coaches. he was very fond of the university of Texas though. When he went to their camp he was overlooked because he was a 2a quarterback. Colt did not receive many reps and just had to stand in the back of the line like. After that camp Colt vowed he would play at Texas. His next two years in high school were very successful, and they earned him a scholarship at Texas. Colt was required to stay in a dorm room his first two years at Texas which was a serious test of his faith and self control. Colt stayed on the "Filthy Fifth"(174) which as you can imagine by the name was not the most outstanding place to live. Girls would come to his dorm and "offer services that you can't even imagine"(176). Colt was able to refrain from familiarizing himself with the "needy" women and stayed true to his faith. Colt went on to become one of the most successful quarterbacks in college history and was drafted by the browns. He married a woman named Rachel who had the same ideals as him. Colt is currently playing in the NFL trying to make his dream come true.

This book was a great read but seriously made me doubt myself at times. I don't understand how he made a bedtime for himself and kept it. Colt said that "it wasn't as easy as I'm making it sound. If I have a struggle with anything it is my attraction to women"(176). It was funny to know he had the same problems as every guy even though he seemed to have no flaws. If those girls came to any regular guys door it would be the ultimate test of self control, all you could do is sit on your bed and stare at the door. This book had great messages for any person, especially if you are a parent. Anyone who is looking for advice for parenting would love this book, and so would any kid looking for a good role model in the Christian faith. As I read this book I realized how much Colt and Tim Tebow were alike, they both were very open Christians and aimed to spread the word of God, and they were successful college quarterbacks. I was also able to connect with this book because it talked about FCA which I've been attending since seventh grade. Overall I would give this book four check marks out of five. The only reason I didn't give it a five is because it made me feel bad about myself, so at times it was hard to read.

The only reasons I can think that a person would not like this book is the emphasis it places on God and sports. A non religious person may not be able to connect to or understand some of the events that Colt experienced. If the reader is not a big sports fan they might not find value in the sports aspect of the book. Regardless of what you believe any person can find value in this book for parenting or just being a nice person to others and your community. There is not much downside to this book.

[Michelle Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I was walking down the bookstore or library isle, this would probably not be one of the first books that I would pick, so why did I read it? Well, an easy answer would be that I love books, but in reality I discovered the Goodreads Firstreads Giveaways, and this book was listed and so I entered and actually won the book. YEAH! There is nothing in the world I like more than a free book.

So I thought it ight be good, and I do enjoy football, and I knew who Colt McCoy was, but I hadn't watched him too much at Texas, but I remember the Chris Simms/Major Applewhite years. Of course I was having my own babies during the Vince Young years and don't remember them much, so I was tempted by the book. And the fact that he wrote it with his father was interesting, I wanted to know what it was about.

I probably wasn't five pages into the book, when I read my favorite line. "Prepare your children for the path, not the path for your children", so any parents today want to go ahead and clear the path for their children, to fill in the potholes and pick up the rocks, but if you clear the path for them, what happens when you are not there, they have no idea how to handle the bumps in the path. I firmly believe this too, if you teach a child how to handle the holes and rocks, then they will always know what to do for the rest of their lives when things come up. I have shared this passage from the book almost daily since I first read it.

At this point, I am ready to pass the book on for my son to read, and although he doesn't play football anymore (bad Pop Warner experience), I still find that there are a great many things that he can benefit from reading. I also plan to pass the book on to my daughter, and although she is a dancer instead of a football player, I find that the lessons Colt learned and talks about are general enough, they can be applied to dance just as well. The value of working hard, eating right, getting enough sleep and putting God first will always produce results, no matter the sport.

I have to admit that I was surprised by the book. I don't think I ever realized Colt's faith while he was playing football at Texas, but then again I live in Indiana, where basketball is king and football is a sidelight. We don't get to see too much football the way they play it in Texas around here.

I recommend this book to anyone who is raising children! I think you will find some basic truths that our parents and grandparents all knew, but for some reason have fallen out of fashion with todays parents. It will remind you why the ways of our parents and grandparents worked, and why they had far less trouble with children than we have today.

Yea, I gave this book 5 stars, and I don't do that often, but the message is so important to kids today, and i can't see how anyone could over look what is being said, but i know there will be those out there that "poo" the faith aspect of the book, ans that right there probably answers the question as to why so many people are lost and looking for answers, a lack of faith and belief in God in our society.

I loved the book and can't wait to hear what my children think as I pas it on to them to read and learn from, and I only hope that I can raise children with a strong faith and work ethic in this world today.

[Toby Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colt McCoy was a faithful and deserving quarterback of the Cleveland Browns. He was family oriented. He was raised in a farming family from Texas, who loved sports. He was very involved in his church and the activities. His dad was a high school football coach so he moved around the country a lot because of his dad’s jobs. His dad named him Colt because it had an outdoorsy, life on the ranch feel to it. Kids started to be named Colt and McCoy because of him. He knew he didn’t want to do anything to disappoint those kids or smear those names. He was the first McCoy grandchild. He had 2 brothers Case and Chance. He understood the game at an early age. When he was 6 years old, he was calling plays for his dad from the press box. He never got into trouble much. He always remembered the cameras and microphones were on him. When he was little once, he begged to ride a steer at the local rodeo. His dad finally let him. After he placed in the top 3, he begged to back out. His dad didn’t let him. He learned 2 valuable life lessons from this. He learned to finish what you start. He learned to take advice from more experienced people. His mom always left encouraging notes on his bathroom mirror. His parents stressed to him to be a leader not a follower. Colt and his brothers played football. At the start of his 7th grade year, a coach tells him he has to stop drinking sodas if he wants to be a good athlete. He did everything he could to start being the best athlete and student he could be. He knew he wanted to be quarterback, play basketball, and golf. He also got baptized that summer. He faced many challenges playing for his dad because his dad was harder on him than the other kids. He realized he was tall and skinny. He had to started working out. He gained 10 pounds the summer before his junior year. They lost the state championship that year. He is starting to get recruited by different colleges. He only has 1 season of high school left. He ended up going to the University of Texas. He was named their next quarterback. He was a great guy off the field too. He saved an old man that had a seizure. Everyone in Texas started recognizing who he was. He decided he wanted to go on mission trip. Coach Brown told him he could go as long as he didn't miss any practices. He went to Peru on mission trip. He was a candidate for the Heisman trophy. He ended up hurting his arm during a game, then Alabama won the Rose Bowl and went on to win the National Championship game. He was very upset with God until he realized that getting hurt in the football game was not nearly as important as the problems those kids in Peru were facing. He ended up marrying his girlfriend Rachel, the he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. I really liked reading the stories of him growing up.

[Michael Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Dad struggles to raise a great son. Every son struggles to grow up into a great man. That is the way of life. Now, how can we do it – and do it right?

That’s the question Brad and Colt McCoy kept getting asked when they spoke across the country about life on and off the football field.

Growing up Colt, by father and son team Brad and Colt McCoy, is all about raising a son the best way you know how as well as learning how to be a son a dad can be proud of. Now, if you don’t know who Colt McCoy is, he was the star quarterback at the University of Texas and a finalist for the Heisman Trophy multiple times. He now plays for the Cleveland Browns of the NFL. His dad was a high school football coach. And this is their story…

The structure of the book is built upon 4 basic principles:

1. Prepare your children for the path, not the path for your children.

2. Prepare your children to do their best.

3. Prepare your children to be leaders.

4. Prepare your children for open and closed doors.

Not surprisingly, most of the stories that flesh out these principles are football related. Don’t worry; they take time to explain the different terms of football in case someone doesn’t know what they mean.

As a high school football coach, Brad witnessed so many parents wanting to smooth out the path for their kids instead of preparing them to deal with what they will encounter as they travel the path. Throughout the book we read how Brad and Colt deal with the wins and losses (not that there were many), and even an unforeseen injury.

Colt talks to sons like an older brother who has gone through what they are about to encounter: the struggles and temptations they will face from sex, drugs, and taking the easy way. No matter the topic being discussed, the McCoys never come off as preachy, just honest and forthright.

This is a great book for fathers and sons to read together and discuss and wrestle with the issues that are before them.

In the end, through all the ups and downs on the field and the struggles through the paths of life, you too will see the wisdom of following the 4 principles. So whether you’re looking for a book to give you ideas on how to help your son grow up to be a Godly man, or even if you are that son who wants to become a Godly man – or if you just like football – this book is for you.

As they say in Texas – “The Hay is in the Barn.”

From Third Option Men

[Karen & Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Cleveland Browns fan so when I heard our Quarterback is a Christian and wrote a book about his life, I wanted to read it. I was surprised to find that his dad wrote some of it as well. This was an interesting read because Colt and his dad share very personal experiences from Colt's childhood and also how his training growing up helped him to become the leader and the role model that he is today. Brad, his dad, shared four main principles of parenting while balancing discipline and love:

1. Prepare the kid for the path, not the path for the kid.
2. Prepare your children to do their best.
3. Prepare your children to be leaders.
4. Prepare your children for open and closed doors.

I also thought the lessons Colt said he learned were very good, such as always finish what you start, treat everyone with respect, listen to advice from those more experienced than you and relax because "the hay is in the barn."

It was nice to read about someone who walks with God and didn't make a lot of bad choices that messed up their life. I think the book balances his childhood training, football games, and his walk with the Lord well. I enjoyed learning so much about Colt through this book. He's definitely a leader with character and I am happy he is our Quarterback! I recommend it to parents, all Browns fans and anyone who is interested in football.

[Daulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written from Colt and his dads point of view. They write about their lives and how colt was growing up. They also talk about his walk with God growing up. The theme of the book is to always be a leader and work hard at everything you do, no mattter how hard or the setting. The narrator was trying to say how God can do magic things to those who walk his path and listen to him. This story is a narration written from the people in the book. In my opinion this is a great book and if you're athletic, christian and want to know how to play sports through God then read this book. In my opinion it teaches you how to live life the correct way, be a leader, help everyone, and walk with God. I only disliked one part of the story, i didnt like how they switched readers every couple pages, at times i was confused on what was going on. I have never read a book like this but i would like to find more like it and read them.

[Taylor C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colt McCoy is a great person. This book tells you how he trusted himself to the lord and not to a coach, or a human master. Colt is a very brave person. He loves to take chances and risks. He is never afraid to try something new. I hope I am like Colt when I grow up because he is a leader, and not a follower. I love how Colt tries his hardest in every game, and will NEVER give up. One game I remember is when he was playing his first start, at the Pittsburg Steelers (a really talented football team) and he almost won. Before that game Colt gave a speech saying that he is going to try his hardest, never give up, and trust the lord. That game was the first chapter. That shows you that anything is possible, and you can do anything if you trust in the lord and you never give up!

[Amber Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

GROWING UP COLT by Colt McCoy

For my second summer reading book I read "Growing Up Colt," by Colt McCoy. I read this because I grew up a Longhorn fan, and for those of you who don't know, he was the starting quarterback for the University of Texas between 2006 and 2009. I loved seeing his opinion behind some of the games and liked how he explained how his faith has impacted him. The book provided two viewpoints which allowed you to see how his Dad shaped his life and what his opinion was. You get to read about some of the biggest and littlest moments in his life that ultimately shaped him into the guy and player he is today. I would recommend this book to any football fan or anyone who just wants a nice and easy read.

[Jasmin Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that it was so nice to read that there are truly some genuine God loving people in the world. Colt McCoy's story about his love of football is really an inspiring story. Although he loves football he knows that God's decision is the ultimate decision and the only one that matters. He was not your typical "jock". Brad McCoy, Colt's father, was a great Godly role model for his family and his players. This was a wonderful book about a young man's dreams of becoming a pro football player and his love for the game all the while striving to be the best Christian influence on those around him. Highly recommend!!

[Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A native Texan I have followed Colt McCoy through his high school years and 'friday night lights' we have here in Texas. Followed him again through his UT years and always thought he was one of the best. This book proves what a great kid he has always been, coming from a dedicated father who was a high school football coach and a very religious family upbringing. Anyone who can go to UT and not take one drink that whole time has to be a top-notch person! He has a natural talent and it looks like it runs in the family! Here is a great book for anyone, not just football fans, and a very inspiring read. Hats off to you Colt and may you have a great career!

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, First Reads! This is a clean, simple enjoyable read with a powerful story. Colt McCoy is a great example of what solid values, faith and good parenting can do for a kid. I recommend this to UT fans, football fans, or readers looking for a positive, uplifting biography that also is a light read. This book may have real appeal for middle school and high school boys who love football and who need to be exposed to a prominent sports figure who has a positive message to deliver. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Colt's story and I'm now a Colt McCoy fan.

[Sharon Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great example of faith, family, and keeping priorities in proper perspective. I wish this book had been around when I was raising my children, 40 years ago. The main theme of the book is putting God first. This does not mean that every other goal set will be accomplished or that problems will not come. However, life's trials will be more easily managed knowing God lives and loves us, knowing we have an eternal path not a mortal path. "I realized in the grand scheme of things, I'm a nobody. I need God way more than God needs me to win football games." Growing Up Colt, pg 224.

[David Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colt McCoy has been my favorite longhorn since day one. This book he wrote only makes me admire him more. The fact that he and his father would write a book about parenting and not be afraid to be un-P.C. is amazing! Belting is a wonderful strategy, and I'm a young adult! What Colt says about the Lord and how he hasn't backed down in his faith is wonderful. Talking about almost every struggle shows how the McCoy family knows they aren't perfect, but in the Lord's strength they are strong. Go Colt!

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it a surprise that I liked this book? Not only do I admire Colt as an athlete, but as a Christian, and overall person. He grew up in a small town like mine, not too far from us (I remember Grape Creek often got slaughtered by Jim Ned) and went to UT ... Hitting close to home for me. His dad almost brought tears to my eyes because I know what it's like to have high expectations for yourself when your parents do.. And what a blessing it is! All of the glory that he gives to God for his gifts is just a reminder that even in a media that is so highly-scrutinizing, he remains true to his faith.

[Wyatt D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great book for those who are big christians. Even if you do not know much about colt McCoy or Brad McCoy you can still learn a lot about this family and how cold grew up with a lot of discipline and sports all around him. Colt McCoy is famous for his football skills but as a kid who would've thought that he won a rodeo and his family was in a band? I was really excited to read this book because I have always looked up to Colt McCoy, and even If you don't know who Colt McCoy is I really recommend this book

[Londa Kever · Rating 4 out of 5]

NONFICTION MEMOIR. Inspirational. Like Ty Murray's King of the Cowboys, this book shows what you can achieve when you work hard, have self-discipline, and believe in yourself. I thought McCoy was a breath of fresh air. Some chapters are written by Colt McCoy and some by his father Brad McCoy. That confuses some readers at first,but it broadens the picture readers get of Colt. Approximately 256 pages.

[Jeffrey Weir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not huge on autobiographies, but the combined perspective of Colt and his father Brad in this book make it a unique read for me. I was already a big fan of Colt, but after reading about his humble heart and the way he's seeking God in all he does just really makes me hope and pray that he gets a chance to be a franchise quarterback someday, hopefully for my team! An excellent and quick read, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about his Texas life in small towns and his moments on the big stage.

[Patsy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! I taught school with the father, Brad, so I enjoyed the book even more, but it's planned and written well. It's an interesting read and should be inspiring to young athletes, coaches, and just anyone. Good Job, Guys!

[Carolyn Sill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm such a huge fan of Colt McCoy. I really enjoyed reading about his childhood and young adult life. I recommend it to all parents with boys, for the boys to read when they are old enough. The life lessons are nicely done here, with a strong emphasis on character and leadership.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I entered this giveaway to win the book for my husband Dennis to read. I will write a review about it after he finsihes the book.

I won this book in a first read giveaway for my husband. I am not into sports. My husband loved the book and said it was amazing.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads for sending me this book. First and foremost this is a Christian book that champions a Christ-centered life. I really appreciated the closeness of the McCoy family and their core values. These are sorely lacking in most of the sports world. Very refreshing.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book about a boy from our area... Im certainly not a Browns fan, so hopefully he will go somewhere else but glad to see him succeed... He has a good head on his shoulders and came from a nice family, I dont think he will have any problems..

[Sean]

This book is about Colt McCoy and his family when he's growing up. His family is very holy, and were very good parents to Colt. Once he grows up he is in college, and the NFL playing football.

I don't know how to change my pages read in book.

[Cali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It is about Colt's life, his relationship with Christ, his family and of course football. I talks about having a journey with Christ and his journey. I highly recommend this book!