Turning the thing around - pulling america's team out of the dumps and myself o

by Jimmy Johnson

With the subhead An NCAA Championship and Two Super Bowl Wins--Now Will You Leave Me Alone? Jimmy Johnson's outspoken football autobiography has been revised and updated to include the 1993-94 season. The ultimate insider's look at football--from one of the true masters of the sport. 16-page photo insert.

Genres: Sports, Football, Biography

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

FOX NFL commentator. Former football head coaching for University of Miami Hurricanes, Dallas Cowboys, and Miami Dolphins.

Reviews

[David Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good, filling in the background of where Jimmie came from, his family, and his coaching career up to the end of his run with the Dallas Cowboys. To be a person who pushes people to their do and be their best, it takes a toll. Reminded me a lot of When Pride Still Mattered by David Maraniss. Lombardi only lasted 9 years with the Packers. You accomplish great things, by paying a price.

[Robert A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost gave it a five star but I was a little bored in the middle of the book. The middle of the book is all about him growing up and his assistant coach jobs. Luckily the chapters were short and somewhat entertaining.
Fun fact: JJ went to high school with Janus Joplin.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike some other Cowboys related books that I've read in the past that more often than not have a more broader appeal than they seem, this one is pretty much for Cowboys fans, Miami Hurricanes fans, and/or fans of the man himself, Jimmy Johnson. For anyone else, you're not going to like it very much. But as a Cowboys and Jimmy Johnson fan, I found this book to be immensely rewarding, even though it's nearing 20 years old. Some of it is funny to read with the benefit of hindsight (his defense of Michael Irvin as a standup community fixture, the odd parallels in his career with Barry Switzer who would become his successor in Dallas after just one more season, his relationship with Jerry Jones, and the mentoring from Bill Parcells, yet another Cowboys coach to-be, just to name a few) but most of it holds the test of time quite well. I found it to be highly insightful into the workings of the man who would ultimately restore the Cowboys to greatness in the 90's. The franchise has been chasing those days ever since, unfortunately. Still, he's such a Texan right down to the core, that it is pure greatness. And sometimes creepy (he still refers to his parents in the book as Mother and Daddy, and more than once). I particularly loved how he specifically, and backed up with factual examples, calls out coaches and members of the press and media for things they said that created, in his mind, an unfair perception of him or his teams. The one that really warms my heart is when he rakes Eagles columnist Bill Lyons over the coals. Fuck that guy. He has always treated the Cowboys unfairly in his columns, so he can eat shit. I say Bravo Jimmy. And I must say he at least makes you think twice, and from different perspectives, about the perceptions of his Miami teams. I can't say he shook all the criticisms out of my mind, but I at least can see things from his point of view and it gives a better overall understanding of how he viewed the program. But most of all, I just love his swagger and confidence, and it really comes shining through as he recounts my favorite football game of all time, Super Bowl 27. The only disappointment... no talk at all about Buddy Ryan and the bounty bowls. I thought for sure he'd want to get some thoughts in on those days, but there are none to be had. Still, this is very much a must read for Cowboys fans, even all these years later.

[Mario Peimbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of names, just understandable to the people who is really envolved in the history of NFL. The good point of this book is how Jimmy Johnson created a huge strategy behind the 1994 Superbowl. Detailed story of a successful leader.

[Robert Rangel · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok. it's not a 5 star rated book. but if you're a hardcore Cowboys fan like i am, it's a must read. he's arrogant and cocky. but brilliant and victorious. if you loved those glory years, you'll love this book.

[Bill Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a terrifically written and highly readable book about a man and his philosophies on life and leadership. The fact his teams were the Miami Hurricanes and Dallas Cowboys are just part of the greater story here.

[Mauro Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recuerdo leer este libro de joven y conocer que Jimmy Johnson era compañero de clases de Janis Joplin

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jimmy telling his story. A very good read. Hard to believe he walked away (and yes, he admits he orchestrated the whole split) when he had a 3rd Super Bowl in a row gift wrapped.