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The Sportsman: Unexpected Lessons from an Around-the-World Sports Odyssey
The Sportsman by Dhani Jones with Jonathan Grotenstein
Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker and host of the popular Dhani Tackles the Globe shares the physical, mental, and spiritual lessons he has learned from his travels.
Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker and host of the popular Dhani Tackles the Globe shares the physical, mental, and spiritual lessons he has learned from his travels.
- GenresSportsNonfictionMemoir
272 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2011
5 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Dhani Jones
3 books2 followersDHANI JONES is defensive captain for the Cincinnati Bengals and the host of his own show, Dhani Tackles the Globe, on the Travel Channel. He also hosts In the Zone with Dhani Jones, a regular TV segment for WKRC, Cincinnatis local CBS affiliate."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 11, 2011
Since I didn't watch the TV show, I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I was really looking for a book that my son (who plays high school football) might enjoy.
What a pleasant surprise. This was an easy read full of inspirational messages, funny commentary and a look into other cultures. I really enjoyed the book. I liked that Dhani didn't get to football the typical route - playing from a small child and that's all you dream about and he came from an environment of education. Even his mom thought he could never make money at football and he needed to continue pursuing his career as a doctor.
I also enjoyed experiencing the other cultures through Dhani's eyes - male, african american, celebrity, athlete, scholar.
Excellent read for athletes and their parents.
What a pleasant surprise. This was an easy read full of inspirational messages, funny commentary and a look into other cultures. I really enjoyed the book. I liked that Dhani didn't get to football the typical route - playing from a small child and that's all you dream about and he came from an environment of education. Even his mom thought he could never make money at football and he needed to continue pursuing his career as a doctor.
I also enjoyed experiencing the other cultures through Dhani's eyes - male, african american, celebrity, athlete, scholar.
Excellent read for athletes and their parents.
January 26, 2020
I'm a huge Dhani Jones fan. And someday I'll learn not to read autobiographical books by people I really like, because I always walk away liking them a little less. This really was more like vignettes from his life, at a specific time, mostly. My enamorment was already waning when I, a proud Buffalonian, read "Buffalo? I didn't want to be in Buffalo. It's dead in Buffalo. Best thing about Buffalo is that it's close to Canada." Um, no, no, as a matter of fact, that is not true. And now, I'm annoyed. I enjoyed refreshing my memory about the show, which I devoured when it was on the Travel Channel. And some of the behind the scenes moments were also interesting. But this is probably not going to be making my favorite list for the year's reading.
May 9, 2018
Part memoir, part travelogue, part motivational book. Parts were great, other parts were just good. Dhani was entertaining throughout.
July 8, 2020
Great concept and well written.
June 12, 2011
Posted on Book Chelle.
Dhani Jones caught my eye when he played for the Eagles. There was something about him that just stood out. Maybe it was his confidence. Maybe it was even his unique look. Either way, there was something about him that had me remembering his name.
When Dhani Jones became a host to his own show, Dhani Tackles the Globe, on the Travel Channel, I had to watch it. Let me tell you, it was not your average travel show. He took travelling to another level and tied it in with athleticism. Usually, when you think of travel, do you automatically think of sports? I don't. I usually think of food, fashion, or culture. Sports? Hardly ever unless it's something related to the Olympics.
So when I saw Jones' book, The Sportsman, I just had to read it. If this book was going to reflect how he played and how he traveled, then I would most likely enjoy it.
Jones takes us on a journey throughout his life. He starts in Maryland and explains the basic foundation of his family, his life, and his whole being. Like many of us, it all starts at the beginning. Jones talks about his beliefs, his philosophies, and the way he lives his life. And from beginning to the end of The Sportsman, he lives life through them.
Jones brings us through the start of his NFL career with the NY Giants. He talks about the lessons learned of feeling young, bright, and successful. He then tells us of humbling down when he was released from the Philadelphia Eagles, and then to the reserved life he currently lives with the Cincinnati Bengals.
It does not stop there. He brings us along with him as he travels the world for Dhani Tackles the Globe. He speaks of the cultural eye openers as he travels from country to country, learning about the national sports, the cultural diversities, and breaking down stereotypes. And you know what? He brings it all back with his beliefs and philosophies, tying it all together.
The title of Dhani Jones' book may be The Sportsman, but he writes more than just sports. His well written words come with a sharp wit. He makes you laugh about his struggles and when you're not looking, he sneaks in a life lesson. This book is not all about athletics or playbooks, nor is it just for the sports aficionado. It is for anyone who wants to learn how to build foundations and live through life seeing how the world is connecting in ways you cannot imagine.
Dhani Jones caught my eye when he played for the Eagles. There was something about him that just stood out. Maybe it was his confidence. Maybe it was even his unique look. Either way, there was something about him that had me remembering his name.
When Dhani Jones became a host to his own show, Dhani Tackles the Globe, on the Travel Channel, I had to watch it. Let me tell you, it was not your average travel show. He took travelling to another level and tied it in with athleticism. Usually, when you think of travel, do you automatically think of sports? I don't. I usually think of food, fashion, or culture. Sports? Hardly ever unless it's something related to the Olympics.
So when I saw Jones' book, The Sportsman, I just had to read it. If this book was going to reflect how he played and how he traveled, then I would most likely enjoy it.
Jones takes us on a journey throughout his life. He starts in Maryland and explains the basic foundation of his family, his life, and his whole being. Like many of us, it all starts at the beginning. Jones talks about his beliefs, his philosophies, and the way he lives his life. And from beginning to the end of The Sportsman, he lives life through them.
Jones brings us through the start of his NFL career with the NY Giants. He talks about the lessons learned of feeling young, bright, and successful. He then tells us of humbling down when he was released from the Philadelphia Eagles, and then to the reserved life he currently lives with the Cincinnati Bengals.
It does not stop there. He brings us along with him as he travels the world for Dhani Tackles the Globe. He speaks of the cultural eye openers as he travels from country to country, learning about the national sports, the cultural diversities, and breaking down stereotypes. And you know what? He brings it all back with his beliefs and philosophies, tying it all together.
The title of Dhani Jones' book may be The Sportsman, but he writes more than just sports. His well written words come with a sharp wit. He makes you laugh about his struggles and when you're not looking, he sneaks in a life lesson. This book is not all about athletics or playbooks, nor is it just for the sports aficionado. It is for anyone who wants to learn how to build foundations and live through life seeing how the world is connecting in ways you cannot imagine.
July 31, 2013
I really could not put this book down� blew through 250+ pages in a few hours. I consider myself a man of fairly diverse interests, have been known to roll more than an occasional 5am night out (with fewer than clear memories), and certainly have dealt with my own share of pigeonholing� reading the pathway of life experiences that brought Dhani from childhood to the NFL and subsequently traveling the world in pursuit of sport as a means of exploring culture, I could feel myself in the shoes of this man who truly defies stereotypes. I�ve talked a few times with Dhani at the Bow Tie Caf� he owns in Mt. Adams, but never understood the significance of the name until now (sorry, you�ll have to read the book yourself). I�m definitely now intrigued to check out his travel show (hopefully reruns on hulu or youtube) which really sounds as fascinating as the experiences he describes in this book� ranging from a Dragon Boat race in Singapore, competing in a strongest man contest in Iceland, to playing Jai Alai in Basque country. All of the time traveling with personal trainer in arm, relating the various sports he partakes in to exercise physiology as he stays in football shape during the offseason� coming back stronger not just from the variety in muscle stimulation but the mental/spiritual reprieve. Needless to say, quite a wonder that he managed to pursue such injury-prone activities without jeopardizing his NFL contract. No question his locker room presence played a huge role in materializing the 2009 Bengals AFC north champs season. A shame that he was not resigned after his last contract expired� a great citizen leader that this city has lost.`
July 23, 2011
I read this book as one of the many books I have checked out to help me find some inspiration, great quotes, food for thought, and just working on finding examples of being GETTING IT DONE(my new blog post series and hopefully future book).
I enjoyed this book. I pulled out some good quotes and ideas from Dhani Jones as he discusses his life as a professional football player and also pursuing his other passions in life. He is trying to make a statement that there is more to him than just football.
What I liked best about the book is that many different sports were introduced from the countries that he traveled to for the show. In the end, Dhani was able to take away a new respect for the sports and also realizing that his training for football was not undermined. This was important because I think that young players need to realize that lifting weights is not the only way to strengthen the body and mind. It is very important, but working on strength through the vigors of working the core by try different things can be just as beneficial.
I have not seen is show, but I do have the season on hold at my library to check out. I have started to follow him on Twitter and I also plan to start wearing bow ties.
In the end I found this more of an entertaining sports read than anything else. I enjoyed each chapter. I walked away with the idea that the journey is far more important than the destination which is a great reminder for anyone who is striving to accomplish a goal in their life.
I enjoyed this book. I pulled out some good quotes and ideas from Dhani Jones as he discusses his life as a professional football player and also pursuing his other passions in life. He is trying to make a statement that there is more to him than just football.
What I liked best about the book is that many different sports were introduced from the countries that he traveled to for the show. In the end, Dhani was able to take away a new respect for the sports and also realizing that his training for football was not undermined. This was important because I think that young players need to realize that lifting weights is not the only way to strengthen the body and mind. It is very important, but working on strength through the vigors of working the core by try different things can be just as beneficial.
I have not seen is show, but I do have the season on hold at my library to check out. I have started to follow him on Twitter and I also plan to start wearing bow ties.
In the end I found this more of an entertaining sports read than anything else. I enjoyed each chapter. I walked away with the idea that the journey is far more important than the destination which is a great reminder for anyone who is striving to accomplish a goal in their life.
September 3, 2011
The fact that this book fit into 9 of my "shelves" on goodreads should be an indicator that it was a book I was designed to like. An intellectual maven and pro linebacker who loves world travel and culture - pretty much captures all of my love but chocolate.
I like what I have seen of Dhani Jones, most especially because he refuses to be limited by other's perspectives and expectations. I enjoy Dhani Jones Tackles the Globe immensely - I actually generally watch it while slogging through long runs on the treadmill. So I wanted to read the book to learn more about the his experiences at home and abroad.
I felt like it was a good book - written directly, with intensity where needed, and covered his own personal experiences in the countries he visited for the show. I was surprised about some of the background that wasn't necessarily captured in the show - and especially his views of the experiences in some countries that I would not have expected (my experience in Australia was completely different), and may have been more cultural than personal in others (Switzerland) - still, it was his perspective, his experience, and that made it interesting. I especially liked the differences from one country to another as he hit multiple countries within a month.
It wasn't knock your socks off, but it was quite good, and I recommend for anyone who likes travel, culture, or sports.
I like what I have seen of Dhani Jones, most especially because he refuses to be limited by other's perspectives and expectations. I enjoy Dhani Jones Tackles the Globe immensely - I actually generally watch it while slogging through long runs on the treadmill. So I wanted to read the book to learn more about the his experiences at home and abroad.
I felt like it was a good book - written directly, with intensity where needed, and covered his own personal experiences in the countries he visited for the show. I was surprised about some of the background that wasn't necessarily captured in the show - and especially his views of the experiences in some countries that I would not have expected (my experience in Australia was completely different), and may have been more cultural than personal in others (Switzerland) - still, it was his perspective, his experience, and that made it interesting. I especially liked the differences from one country to another as he hit multiple countries within a month.
It wasn't knock your socks off, but it was quite good, and I recommend for anyone who likes travel, culture, or sports.
May 23, 2012
The basic biography line is good. Dhani Jones uses whatever is thrown at him to his advantage and to better himself. However, my one big beef with this book took it down 2 notches to a 3-star rating. On page 29, Dhani says this about wearing bow ties. "I wear one because I aspire to be an upstanding man of sophistication." Okay, if that's what you really want to be - an upstanding man of sophistication - then CLEAN UP YOUR FOUL LANGUAGE!!!
Uggghhhh....this is so irritating! Here we have a person who has traveled the world, met interesting people, is interested in "commoners", has experienced more in a few years than most of us will most likely never do in our lifetimes...he has the opportunity to be a wonderful role model. And yet he has to stoop to a lower level with his potty-mouth. Oh, the shame of it all, Mr. Jones, the shame of it all. I am so disappointed. If you want to be the upstanding man of sophistication that is discussed in your book, then speak with the words of an upstanding man of sophistication.
Uggghhhh....this is so irritating! Here we have a person who has traveled the world, met interesting people, is interested in "commoners", has experienced more in a few years than most of us will most likely never do in our lifetimes...he has the opportunity to be a wonderful role model. And yet he has to stoop to a lower level with his potty-mouth. Oh, the shame of it all, Mr. Jones, the shame of it all. I am so disappointed. If you want to be the upstanding man of sophistication that is discussed in your book, then speak with the words of an upstanding man of sophistication.
June 21, 2011
Being a Bengals fan I had to read this book. I have also been a huge fan of "Dhani Tackles The Globe" on the Travel Channel. This book was a great mix of Dhani's struggles in the NFL through multiple teams and finding his place off the field as well. The majority of this book goes behind the scenes in his travels to places all over the world. Being an avid viewer of the show I did find a lot of this to be reiteration of what I had watched but there was a healthy mix of new material and "behind the scenes" type of footage like logistics in different places, things that happened off camera, etc. which made it fun to re-visit the places he travelled. Dhani is a truly unique NFL star who has made it a goal to prove that the football man can also be an intelligent and well cultured/traveled man. Mission accomplished. This was a quick and fun book to read especially for fellow Bengal fans.
July 7, 2012
A few years ago, I watched several episodes of “Dhani Tackles the Globe” and thought it was a great idea for a show. In each episode, NFL linebacker Dhani Jones would travel to a new country, learn the local sport for a week, and the compete in a game or match or whatever the sport required. Some of the things Dhani tried included a surf lifesaving competition in Australia, a strongman competition in Iceland, and muay Thai in Thailand. The show was a clever move for the Travel Channel, and apparently it worked out even better for Dhani, whose football skills improved from his extreme method of cross-training. In the Sportsman, Dhani writes about his life, his football career, and stories from filming the show. The book is not terribly deep, but it’s a fun read, and there are some nice nuggets of wisdom along the way.
September 28, 2012
I'll admit, I am not a football fan and I wouldn't have even had a clue who Dhani Jones was if I wasn't a fan of the travel channel. Although I never watched his show, I now find myself wishing I had, because I want to learn more about these sports he participated in and learned about while traveling around the world.
The book is easy to read, and often presented in a conversational tone. Jones discusses how his travels and experiences in the many sports improved his conditioning for football. In some ways it read as a means justifying his travels, and at times was a bit condescending, but this is something I have felt about other autobiographical texts.
Overall this was an interesting read for both football lovers and travel lovers.
The book is easy to read, and often presented in a conversational tone. Jones discusses how his travels and experiences in the many sports improved his conditioning for football. In some ways it read as a means justifying his travels, and at times was a bit condescending, but this is something I have felt about other autobiographical texts.
Overall this was an interesting read for both football lovers and travel lovers.
August 2, 2011
I like Dhani Jones as a football player & when he had his program "Dhani Tackles the Globe" we got hooked on watching it! This book is telling about how he came to be involved with this tv series & I really enjoyed it! He sounds like he is a good person, not so much as you see other big name celebrity athletes. He has a good head on his shoulders & alot of sense. It's too bad the series has been cut after two seasons. The book has more insight as to his thoughts on all the countries he visited and the people he met. Was written with alot of humor & good, smart thinking. Really enjoyed it!
September 28, 2011
Given that the title includes the word "lessons," I guess a little bit of preachiness was to be expected. I'm not sure it was really necessary to spell out the moral of each experience, but I guess Jones really wanted to make sure we got the points ;) Interesting stories of Jones' travels in conjuction with the TV show, his time with the Bengals and other NFL teams, and his life growing up. Everything is delivered in brief bursts, no time to get bored with any one concept/story. The little "notes" from various people in his life, including his parents, were a fun touch, too. Overall an entertaining read.
January 4, 2012
This guy loves himself but he's engaging and heartfelt. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his take on life and sports as well as his many adventures. Come to find out he currently lives near me and I've run by his house. We also grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland too. He was born the year I graduated from college. I'm feeling old. He's no longer playing football and he was never your typical football player. I missed out on his TV shows thanks to my greedy cable company removing the Travel Channel from common access. He'd be a great coach but there's more out there for Dhani. He's a very capable guy. He's probably a great life coach. He just goes out and does stuff.
July 28, 2012
I never heard of Dhani Jones or the show "Dhani Tackles the World." I read the book because I thought it might be good non-fiction for high school students.
I' m more accustomed to sports biographies in which the sportsman overcomes cancer or drug addiction. Dhani's big conflict seems to be convincing people how wonderful he is. I wonder how kids would interpret his world class vanity. He skims over his world travels in a very superficial way, through the lens of his sports competitions in each country. Then again, American high school students might actually appreciate his approach to world geography. Sport is an attractive segue to cultural studies.
I' m more accustomed to sports biographies in which the sportsman overcomes cancer or drug addiction. Dhani's big conflict seems to be convincing people how wonderful he is. I wonder how kids would interpret his world class vanity. He skims over his world travels in a very superficial way, through the lens of his sports competitions in each country. Then again, American high school students might actually appreciate his approach to world geography. Sport is an attractive segue to cultural studies.
March 28, 2011
I received this book as a Goodread's giveaway. I was excited to read this book, I have seen a couple of episodes of his show, and he grew up in my husband's neighborhood (a few years older than Dhani, my husband remembers him as a pipsqueak). I really enjoyed this book. I am not at all interested in football, but I enjoy travel, and Dhani's voice in this book drew me in. I found it to be a quick and easy read, it had depth, and I think for an athlete, it would be inspirational, especially one who feels like their training isn't going anywhere. I recommend this book.
September 14, 2011
The actual book didn't match my hopes for it. I love Dhani Jones' TV show (Dhani Tackles the Globe) and I thought this book promised to be really engaging and insightful, based on the synopsis I read. It was...well, just OK.
And it's sort of sad that I had a HUGE crush on Dhani Jones when I opened the book and, truthfully, the more I read the less charming he seemed.
Kind of like when you're checking out a really hot guy across the room and then suddenly he lights a cigarette. Not horrifying or anything, but a lot less attractive all of a sudden.
And it's sort of sad that I had a HUGE crush on Dhani Jones when I opened the book and, truthfully, the more I read the less charming he seemed.
Kind of like when you're checking out a really hot guy across the room and then suddenly he lights a cigarette. Not horrifying or anything, but a lot less attractive all of a sudden.
May 23, 2012
Sportsman reads as personal transcript to Dhani Jones' show Dhani Tackles the Globe, a show which I really enjoyed. Reading extra dialogue to Dhani's trips and life on and off the football feel made this a quick read. There are few things that are obvious: He's a different cat indeed. He's really thinks highly of himself (Which is cool. Everyman should within reason and Jones seems to do this.)He loves the hell out of life.
October 12, 2013
I just became a Dhani Jones fan! His book is about Dhani tackling football (his NFL career), Dhani tackling the globe (his travel channel show), Dhani tackling stereotypes (he enjoys proving a football player can "be a thinking man", and a black man can swim, bike, and play tennis), and Dhani tackling life. I think you might want to be either a sports fan or at least have a love for travel to enjoy the book, and both being true for me, I really enjoyed this easy read!
July 5, 2011
Won this book on a Goodreads First Read Giveaway.
I've never seen his show but Dhani Jones seems like a cool enough guy but Literary Genius is definitely not a term I would use to describe him. He wrote the way I would imagine a 15-year old boy to write a book. If you're a fan of his and/or his show, then it's worth a read.
I've never seen his show but Dhani Jones seems like a cool enough guy but Literary Genius is definitely not a term I would use to describe him. He wrote the way I would imagine a 15-year old boy to write a book. If you're a fan of his and/or his show, then it's worth a read.
July 17, 2011
I received this book as a Goodread's giveaway.
I was instantly charmed by Dhani when I saw his show on the Travel Channel. He's got a unique voice, and that comes through in his writing as well. I think anyone interested in sports and travel will enjoy this read. Dhani demonstrates that "sportsmen" are much more than what we see on the field and in the pages of magazines.
I was instantly charmed by Dhani when I saw his show on the Travel Channel. He's got a unique voice, and that comes through in his writing as well. I think anyone interested in sports and travel will enjoy this read. Dhani demonstrates that "sportsmen" are much more than what we see on the field and in the pages of magazines.
December 1, 2011
I had first seen Dhani on his television show, and then started to cheer for him on the Bengals. So, I'm definitely a fan. I thought he was great before, but now I'm even more of a fan. I really enjoyed this book. Not only did you get to learn more about him and his life in the NFL, but you also got some behind the scenes info about his show. Would definitely recommend!
September 6, 2012
Meh. This book was basically him bragging about his life in a really unattractive way. He took every opportunity to tell us how he wasn't a stereotype and he was well-rounded, but he just came across as insecure and needy. I gave it two stars because even though he was kind of irritating, his adventures themselves were interesting.
August 12, 2016
Enjoyable read (especially if you liked his show). Dhani seems to be a pretty well grounded person with a good perspective. I enjoyed his perspective on the different places, cultures and adventures.
July 22, 2012
Considering that I'm totally not into sports, this book was surprisingly good. Dhani is an intellectual NFL'er who had a show where he's travel the world to explore different cultures and try his hand at their sports. It's a light, energizing read.
January 19, 2013
Interesting book with a nice layout that kept me captivated. It was an easy read to burn through. I admit I am biased with this book because I find Dhani extremely intriguing. If you have no idea who he is then read the book to get a great in-depth look to who he is.
June 27, 2012
Great concept for book. Even liked his approach to dealing with peoples perceptions and stereotypes. But somehow the book kind of fell flat.
Currently reading
June 23, 2011Looking forward to start reading this book tonight...
August 5, 2011
Some interesting observations, too much testosterone in other parts of the book. Jones has done some cool things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews