Taking Flak: My Life In The Fast Lane

by Dan Pastorini, John P. Lopez

He was an NFL superstar and Drag Racing icon. He had Hollywood starlets on his arm and a legion of fans in the palms of his hands. Dan Pastorini lived on the edge and palye don the brink. No one-least of all Pastorini-knew what the next turn would bring. His life was indulgent, brilliant, cursed and humbling. He was known a s the toughest man in football, a cover-boy heart-throb and a soft-hearted friend. He changed the way NFL quarterbacks played the game, donning the first Flak Jacket to protect three shattered ribs. He threw perhaps the most fateful pass in playoff history, a controversial championship moment that led to use of NFL replay. He was involved in a tragic speed boating accident. He beat "Big Daddy" Don Garlits and all of drag racing's best. He was the hero in the most triumphant return an NFL team ever received. He never backed down from anything or anyone, falling into notorious scraped and life-altering lows. He married a Playboy model and posed for Playgirl. He dated Farrah Fawcett and was the most iconic figure in a Wild West era when Texas oil boomed and gluttony prevailed. Dan Pastorini never has told the whole story. Until now. This is the story of a gifted, hard-driving kid from California who never stopped going fast or chasing dreams. No matter how much flak he took.

Genres: Football, Nonfiction, Sports, Biography

260 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 2011

Reviews

[Michael Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half was lots of fun for mee having just moved to Houston for the Luv You Blue craze. It reminded me quite a bit of Ball Four. Once the story leaves Houston, the story loses steam and becomes another pity me story. He says alot about taking responsibility for his actions, but he doesn't convince me.

[Virgel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to read about the players and games that I watched on TV. This was a very good book and being able to see what goes on "behind the scenes" was interesting. Dan Pastorini confirmed what I thought about Al Davis, he was an......

[Ellison]

a story i did not know. a man bless with a strong arm, plays baseball and football. opts for the nfl and ends up on a bad team. takes several seasons for the team to get good and have a good coach. meanwhile he goes through many wives.

traded, hurt. goes into drag racin', runs out of money. b/w images.

[Michael Spiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, wild, laugh out loud funny and sad.

[Jim Mosley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read about one of my hometown heroes. He was loyal and tough as nails. Great stories as well.

[Jeff Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mamas don`t let your babies grow up to be quarterbacks...Read this first!

[John Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best books i have read in a long time.